Description
This Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Soup is bold, cozy, and full of tangy buffalo flavor — just like buffalo wings, but in warm, comforting soup form. It’s easy to customize from mild to spicy, can be made creamy or brothy, and works perfectly for weeknight dinners or game-day meals. Comfort food, but with a little kick.
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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½ to ¾ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional, for creamy version)
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¼ cup ranch dressing (optional)
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Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, for serving
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Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
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Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.
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Stir in buffalo sauce and let the soup simmer for 5 minutes.
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Reduce heat to low. If making it creamy, add cream cheese and ranch dressing, stirring gently until smooth.
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Taste and adjust seasoning or buffalo sauce as needed.
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Serve hot with tortilla strips and desired toppings.
Notes
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Start with less buffalo sauce and add more at the end to control heat.
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For a brothy version, skip the cream cheese and ranch.
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Always add dairy on low heat to prevent separation.
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Toppings should be added right before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg