If you’re someone who loves the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken wings, but you’re looking for something a little more comforting and easier to manage on a chilly evening, then Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup is the recipe for you! This creamy, hearty soup combines the delicious flavors of buffalo wings with the smooth texture of a rich, creamy broth. And the best part? You can make it in your trusty crock pot!
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a cold day, need a quick weeknight dinner, or want a comforting treat for game day, this soup is the perfect answer. It’s loaded with tender chunks of chicken, the right amount of heat from the buffalo sauce, and that signature creamy finish that keeps you coming back for more.
Let’s dive right in and explore everything you need to know about creating this delicious buffalo chicken wing soup in your crock pot.
Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup Crock Pot Recipe
This recipe is all about convenience and flavor. Thanks to the crock pot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. It’s an ideal meal for busy people who still want to enjoy something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
The spicy buffalo sauce adds that bold kick, while the creamy base is just the right touch to balance it all out. And you get all of this in one cozy bowl of soup. Sounds perfect, right?
Ingredients Needed
To make this buffalo chicken wing soup in your crock pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs): Chicken breasts work best as they shred easily, but you can go for thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
- Buffalo Sauce: This is the key to getting that signature spicy, tangy flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought buffalo sauce, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess, creating that smooth, comforting texture.
- Chicken Broth: A low-sodium chicken broth works well to provide the base for the soup without making it too salty.
- Heavy Cream: This will make the soup luxurious and creamy.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These are optional but add extra flavor and creaminess, making the soup even more decadent.
- Celery: A bit of crunch and fresh flavor, giving that “wing” experience.
- Shredded Carrots: For a subtle sweetness and added texture.
- Onion: Provides a savory base flavor that balances the richness of the cream.
- Garlic: For that wonderful aromatic punch.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, to bring all the flavors together.
- Cheddar Cheese (optional): A garnish to add an extra layer of richness and flavor to finish the soup off.
Cooking Instructions
Making this buffalo chicken wing soup is ridiculously easy. Here’s how to prepare it in your crock pot:
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Prepare The Chicken
- If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, place them whole in the crock pot. You’ll shred them later, so no need to chop them before cooking.
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper for a little added flavor.
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Add The Vegetables
- Chop your celery, carrots, and onion into small pieces. You want them small enough to cook through, but large enough to give texture to the soup. Add them to the crock pot.
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Pour In The Liquids
- Add the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and heavy cream into the crock pot. Stir everything together to combine.
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Toss In The Cream Cheese
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the crock pot. Don’t worry about stirring it in right away – it will melt as the soup cooks.
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Cook The Soup
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will cook through and become super tender.
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Shred The Chicken
- About 30 minutes before serving, take the chicken out of the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it in.
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Add The Finishing Touches
- For extra flavor, stir in the ranch or blue cheese dressing. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed – add more salt, pepper, or buffalo sauce if you like it spicier.
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Serve
- Once everything is well combined, ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese (if using). For even more authentic wing flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or crumbled bacon.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken: The chicken serves as the hearty protein, soaking up the buffalo sauce’s flavor as it cooks low and slow. The beauty of using chicken breasts is that they become super tender and easy to shred, making them perfect for a soup.
- Buffalo Sauce: This gives the soup its signature spicy, vinegary flavor that’s synonymous with buffalo wings. You can go mild or extra hot depending on your heat tolerance.
- Cream Cheese & Heavy Cream: These ingredients transform the soup into something decadent and creamy. The cream cheese melts beautifully into the broth, while the heavy cream provides richness.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Both of these options add that familiar creamy texture and a bit of tang, elevating the soup’s flavor profile. They’re not strictly necessary but can take the dish to the next level.
- Veggies: The celery, carrots, and onions are not just for texture; they provide a nice balance to the heat of the buffalo sauce. Plus, they add a bit of sweetness and freshness that contrasts the richness of the soup.
Expert Tips
- Control the Heat: If you want a milder version of this soup, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild buffalo sauce. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl to tame the heat.
- Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have time, you can opt for bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Cooking the chicken on the bone will infuse more flavor into the soup base.
- Slow Cooker Size: Ensure that your crock pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients. You don’t want to overcrowd it, or the soup won’t cook evenly.
- Don’t Skip Shredding the Chicken: It may seem like an extra step, but shredding the chicken helps it absorb the flavors of the soup and makes each bite more flavorful.
- Leftover Soup: Buffalo chicken soup keeps really well in the fridge and actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up a little, here are some variations you can try:
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Chili: Add some beans (like black beans or kidney beans) and some diced tomatoes to give the soup a chili-like twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Soup with Corn: For a little sweetness and a pop of color, add frozen or fresh corn to the soup. It pairs well with the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Soup: Fry up some bacon, crumble it, and add it in for extra smoky flavor. Bacon and buffalo sauce are a match made in heaven.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower or tempeh for a vegetarian twist. You can still get the rich and creamy base, with a slightly different texture.
Final Words
This Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup Crock Pot Recipe is the perfect mix of ease, flavor, and comfort. It’s great for a cozy dinner, an impressive party dish, or just a comforting bowl to warm you up on a cold day. The beauty of using the crock pot is that you can set it up and let it cook while you go about your day, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, the creamy, spicy, chicken-filled soup is bound to satisfy your cravings in the best way possible.