If you’re a fan of everything Buffalo chicken, you are in for an absolute treat with this Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup. Imagine all of your favorite wing night flavors — tangy hot sauce, succulent shredded chicken, and creamy, punchy blue cheese — blended together into a steamy, one-pot wonder perfect for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or game day gatherings. Every spoonful is rich, soul-satisfying, and just the right amount of spicy, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup comes together with familiar ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and creamy texture. Each plays its part, from forming the savory base to adding bold pops of color and tang. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips along the way:
- Butter: Adds a velvety richness and depth to the base of the soup.
- Olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds healthy fats.
- Onion (medium, diced): Brings gentle sweetness and a savory backdrop to every bite.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): Adds a classic soup crunch and a freshness that balances the spice.
- Carrots (2, diced): Deliver color and subtle, natural sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For unmistakable depth and aromatic warmth.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The savory canvas upon which all flavors shine; a low-sodium option lets you control the seasoning.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie makes prep lightning-fast, but leftover roast chicken is equally scrumptious.
- Buffalo wing sauce (½ cup): Frank’s RedHot is a classic option, but choose your favorite to tailor the heat.
- White beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Give the soup extra body and creaminess without overpowering flavors.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Or half-and-half for a lighter version; this ingredient makes everything decadently silky.
- Crumbled blue cheese (½ cup, plus more for topping): For the signature tangy, creamy finish.
- Smoked paprika (½ tsp): Lends a subtle smokiness that beautifully rounds out the heat.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Elevates the flavors with just a touch of bite.
- Salt, to taste: Season at the end, especially if your broth is already salty.
- Optional garnishes: Chopped green onions, a dash of extra hot sauce, or crispy tortilla strips — all delicious ways to finish your bowl.
How to Make
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Stir everything together and let the vegetables soften for about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds that classic soup flavor base and gets the house smelling irresistible.
Step 2: Add Broth, Chicken, Sauce, and Spices
Once the veggies are softened, it’s time for the stars of the Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup to take center stage. Pour in the chicken broth, add your cooked shredded chicken, and stir in the Buffalo wing sauce, white beans, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a satisfying stir so all the components are mingling.
Step 3: Simmer and Let the Flavors Meld
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, leaving it uncovered. Let the soup bubble away for about 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to deepen and blend, and allows the beans to soak up all that Buffalo goodness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and keep everything evenly heated.
Step 4: Make it Creamy and Cheesy
Stir in the heavy cream and crumbled blue cheese until the blue cheese is melted and everything looks deliciously creamy. This is when the soup transforms into its signature velvety, tangy form. Taste and add more Buffalo sauce if you like it spicier, or more salt and pepper to adjust the seasoning.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Spoon the Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup into bowls while steaming-hot, and pile on your favorite garnishes — extra blue cheese, a handful of green onions, crunchy tortilla strips, or another drizzle of hot sauce. Each topping is a new flavor adventure!
How to Serve
Garnishes
The right garnish is the finishing touch that turns a great bowl into an outstanding one! Sprinkle more crumbled blue cheese for extra tang, freshly chopped green onions for freshness and color, and crispy tortilla strips for that perfect crunch. If you love spice, a drizzle of hot sauce over the top will make your Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup especially lively.
Side Dishes
This soup totally shines on its own, but you can balance the bold flavors with a crisp, simple salad, or a slice of toasted sourdough for dipping. Even a classic grilled cheese (extra points for using blue cheese in the sandwich) pairs perfectly if you’re feeding a hungry crew. For game day, serve alongside celery sticks and carrots to really drive home that Buffalo wing experience!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup in mini bread bowls for a party-friendly twist, or ladle it into mugs for a more casual, cozy vibe. For appetizers, present it in small shot glasses topped with a tiny piece of celery and a sprinkle of blue cheese — unexpected and memorable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making lunch or quick dinners an absolute breeze.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to have game day flavors always at the ready. Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace. It will last up to three months. Just note: dairy and blue cheese can sometimes separate a bit when thawed, but a gentle stir during reheating will restore its creamy brilliance.
Reheating
Reheat Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Microwaving also works for single servings — heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until hot and steamy.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add the sautéed veggies, chicken, broth, Buffalo sauce, beans, and seasonings to your slow cooker and cook on low for about six hours. Stir in the cream and blue cheese right before serving to keep that wonderful creamy texture.
What if I’m not a blue cheese fan?
No worries — just swap out the blue cheese for ranch dressing or even shredded cheddar. You’ll still get a creamy, tangy kick that complements the Buffalo flavor beautifully.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup can be gluten-free, provided you choose a Buffalo-style wing sauce without gluten and double-check all packaged ingredients. Always read labels if strict gluten avoidance is necessary.
Can I add extra veggies or ingredients?
Definitely! Corn, diced potatoes, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end all add bulk, color, and nutrition to the soup. You can make it your own based on your family’s preferences.
What kind of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is a fast and flavorful choice, but any cooked and shredded chicken (from breasts, thighs, or a leftover roasted chicken) is perfect in this recipe. You can even use leftover holiday turkey in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
If you love the flavor of Buffalo wings but want something heartier (and a little cozier), this Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Each simmering pot is pure comfort food with a playful, spicy twist. Give it a try and watch it disappear — especially during game days or chilly nights at home!
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Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy, spicy soup inspired by classic Buffalo chicken wings! Tender shredded chicken, tangy hot sauce, and crumbled blue cheese come together in this comforting and flavorful one-pot dish. Perfect for game day or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Other Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) white beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- chopped green onions
- extra hot sauce
- tortilla strips
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, carrots, and garlic until softened (5–6 minutes).
- Add Ingredients: Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, beans, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cook: Cook uncovered for 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and crumbled blue cheese until melted and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning or Buffalo sauce to your heat preference.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with green onions, tortilla strips, and extra blue cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 4 oz cream cheese before adding blue cheese.
- Add corn or diced potatoes for more texture.
- Swap blue cheese for ranch dressing if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Can be made in a slow cooker: cook veggies, chicken, broth, and spices on low for 6 hours, stir in cream and blue cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Simmering, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
