Buffalo Chicken Soup for Cold Days

Name: Buffalo Chicken Soup for Cold Days
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup diced celery; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Recipes

When the chilly weather rolls in, I crave warmth and comfort, and there's nothing like a steaming bowl of Buffalo Chicken Soup to satisfy that need. This recipe brings together tender chicken simmered in a spicy, rich broth, and it’s perfect for warming both body and spirit on cold days. I love how the buffalo sauce adds a unique kick, while the creaminess balances the heat perfectly. It’s easy to prepare and comes together in just a short time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:42:28.867Z

My journey with Buffalo Chicken Soup began on a particularly cold winter evening when I decided to experiment with a recipe that could warm me up from the inside out. The rich flavors of the buffalo sauce combined with the creamy broth made for a delightful surprise that has become a go-to in my household. One detail that I've come to appreciate is the addition of fresh celery and carrots, which adds a lovely crunch and depth to the soup.

Over the years, I’ve refined this recipe, tailoring it to suit my taste while keeping it simple. A tip I’ve learned is to use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut without sacrificing flavor—just shred and toss it in! Each spoonful is bursting with tantalizing taste, and I guarantee you’ll want to make this soup during every chilly season.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Spicy and creamy balance that delights the palate
Perfectly hearty and filling for cold days
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

      

Mastering the Broth

The chicken broth is the foundation of this Buffalo Chicken Soup, providing depth and flavor that perfectly complements the spicy buffalo sauce. For the best results, opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of your soup. If you have homemade broth on hand, use that instead for a richer taste. Just remember that the broth should be brought to a gentle simmer to prevent the flavors from becoming muted.

A great tip for enhancing the broth is to let it simmer longer than the recipe suggests. Allowing it to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes will help meld the flavors of the vegetables and chicken. If you find that the soup is getting too thick, simply add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Balancing the Heat

Buffalo sauce is undeniably the star of this recipe, providing its signature zing. Depending on your preference for spice, you can easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce used. Start with a smaller amount, around ½ cup, and gradually increase it to suit your taste. Don’t forget that the cream added later will temper the heat, allowing you to experiment with the sauce according to your palate.

If you’re looking to tone down the spiciness altogether, consider using a milder hot sauce or a blend of buffalo sauce and Ranch or blue cheese dressing. This will not only mellow the flavor but also introduce interesting creaminess into the soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 pound cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrots
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Chopped green onions for garnish

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking or add your favorite toppings!

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Chicken and Broth

Add the shredded chicken to the pot along with the chicken broth and buffalo sauce. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes.

Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Soup warm!

This soup can also be served with crusty bread for a heartier meal.

Pro Tips

For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce. Adding a squeeze of lime juice right before serving can enhance the flavors even more.

Customization Options

One of the best features of this Buffalo Chicken Soup is its versatility. Feel free to add in other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or even potatoes to make the soup heartier. If you want to sneak in some greens, spinach or kale can be added in the final simmer for extra nutrients.

Don’t forget about toppings! While green onions are a great start, consider adding crumbled blue cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness and flavor. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving can also add a fresh pop to the dish.

Storing and Reheating

This soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little chicken broth to loosen the soup, as it tends to thicken upon cooling. Gently heat it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it in a pot, adding cream and adjusting seasonings as needed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding and adding it to the soup.

→ How can I make this soup healthier?

You can reduce the heavy cream and add more vegetables or use low-fat milk as a substitute.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

→ What can I use for toppings?

Some great toppings include blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, or additional hot sauce for those who love it spicy!