Buffalo Chicken Soup (Printable Version)

Tender chicken in a creamy, tangy broth with classic veggies and blue cheese for a cozy meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium onion, diced (preferably Vidalia)
02 - 2 stalks celery, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 scallions, chopped

→ Proteins and Dairy

05 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 450 grams)
06 - 227 grams cream cheese, softened
07 - Blue cheese crumbles (optional), for garnish
08 - 28 grams butter (2 tablespoons)

→ Liquids and Broth

09 - 960 milliliters chicken broth

→ Seasonings and Condiments

10 - 15 milliliters olive oil (1 tablespoon)
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (approximately 16 grams)
12 - 1 packet ranch seasoning (approximate standard packet size)
13 - 60 milliliters Frank's Red Hot sauce (adjust to taste)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
02 - Sprinkle flour and ranch seasoning over the softened vegetables and stir to combine. Gradually pour in chicken broth and hot sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and create a smooth mixture.
03 - Add the chicken breasts to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
04 - Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
05 - Add the softened cream cheese to the pot and stir continuously until fully melted and well incorporated, resulting in a creamy texture.
06 - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve topped with chopped scallions and blue cheese crumbles if using.

# Notes:

01 - Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature before adding to ensure a smooth incorporation.
02 - Use a Dutch oven for even heat distribution and ease of cooking.
03 - Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve creaminess.
04 - Substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a richer flavor, adjusting cooking time as needed.