When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot quite like a bowl of hot, savory soup. Now, imagine blending two all-time favorites-the zesty, bold flavors of Buffalo chicken wings and the warm, cozy satisfaction of soup. That’s exactly what this Anchor Bar Chicken Wing Soup offers. Inspired by the world-renowned Buffalo wings from Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, this recipe brings that fiery, tangy flavor into a creamy, satisfying soup form. It’s the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness, making it a standout dish whether you’re hosting a game night, warming up on a chilly evening, or craving something just a little different.
The beauty of this soup is how it mimics the same flavor profile we all know and love from the classic chicken wings, but in a much more comforting, filling way. The creamy broth blends beautifully with the spicy hot sauce and tender chicken, offering a taste of Buffalo wings in every spoonful. Whether you’re an avid fan of spicy foods or someone who prefers a milder kick, you can adjust this soup to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the recipe and all the details you need to create this irresistible dish at home.
Anchor Bar Chicken Wing Soup Recipe
This recipe combines creamy broth, tender chicken, and the bold flavors of Buffalo sauce to create a hearty soup that’s packed with deliciousness. It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable to suit your spice preferences. Here’s everything you need to know to make the ultimate Anchor Bar Chicken Wing Soup!
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this soup is that it’s simple yet flavorful, requiring just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
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Chicken
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great here for a quicker prep)
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Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium if you prefer)
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Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium-sized celery stalks, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced (optional for a slight sweetness)
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Creamy Base
- 1 cup heavy cream (this adds richness to the soup)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (for a velvety texture)
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Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for authenticity, but you can use your favorite brand)
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Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a little extra warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional for a subtle earthy flavor)
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Garnishes
- Chopped green onions or chives (for a fresh, crisp contrast)
- Crumbled blue cheese (if you love the traditional wing pairing)
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! The process is straightforward, and with a little time, you’ll have a pot of flavorful, comforting soup that will warm you up inside and out.
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Prep The Ingredients
Begin by chopping the onion, celery, and carrot (if using). Mince the garlic and set everything aside. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
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Cook The Veggies
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
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Add The Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the sautéed veggies. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for another 10-12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Stir In The Chicken
Add the shredded chicken to the pot, followed by the Buffalo sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
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Creamy Touch
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
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Taste And Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. If you want more spice, add extra Buffalo sauce; if you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more cream.
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Serve And Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh green onions and crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve hot with some crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the ingredients can take your cooking experience to the next level. Let’s break down some key ingredients to see why they matter:
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Buffalo Wing Sauce
This is the heart and soul of the recipe, providing that signature tangy, spicy flavor we associate with Buffalo wings. Most Buffalo sauces are a blend of hot sauce, butter, and a few spices, and it’s what gives the soup its depth of flavor. You can experiment with different heat levels, from mild to extra hot, depending on your preference.
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Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds a smooth, velvety texture to the soup, balancing the spice of the hot sauce. It also helps to thicken the soup, making it feel richer and more indulgent. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can substitute with a lighter cream cheese or even sour cream.
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Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is used here to create a rich, luxurious broth. It brings a creamy consistency to the soup, and when paired with the tangy Buffalo sauce, it creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile. For a lighter version, you could swap in half-and-half or even whole milk, but the richness might be slightly compromised.
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Shredded Chicken
You can use any type of cooked chicken, but rotisserie chicken is a go-to here for its tenderness and convenience. The chicken absorbs the flavors of the broth and Buffalo sauce, adding protein and texture to the soup.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Anchor Bar Chicken Wing Soup turns out perfectly every time:
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Adjust The Heat
If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, start with a smaller amount of Buffalo sauce and taste as you go. You can always add more for extra heat. On the flip side, if you love a good kick, add a bit more sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
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Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor of your soup. If you have them on hand, use them to garnish your soup right before serving.
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Make It Ahead
This soup actually gets better with time. Feel free to make it a day ahead, as the flavors will deepen and meld together. Just reheat gently before serving.
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Thickening The Soup
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk in a little cornstarch mixed with water during the simmering phase. Alternatively, you can blend part of the soup for a smoother texture.
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Balance The Flavor
If the soup turns out too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or a bit more cream to balance the acidity. If it’s too thick, a splash of chicken broth can thin it out without losing flavor.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is already pretty versatile, here are some fun ways to make it your own:
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Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and use plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. You could also add extra vegetables, such as corn or potatoes, to add substance.
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Spicy Version
For an extra kick, throw in some diced jalapeños or even a spoonful of hot pepper relish.
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Soup
Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy twist. This will melt into the soup and create a richer, more indulgent version of the dish.
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Crockpot Or Instant Pot
This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it cook for 4-6 hours. For an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, then quick release.
Final Words
This Anchor Bar Chicken Wing Soup is truly the best of both worlds. It’s the perfect fusion of rich, creamy comfort and bold, zesty Buffalo flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a tailgate, making it for a cozy dinner, or just craving something satisfying, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The best part? It’s super adaptable, so you can tailor the spice level, creaminess, and texture to your own liking.