Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Soup
A spicy, smoky soup with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich buffalo sauce finish. This american-inspired keto (keto) ready in about 40 minutes pairs diced bacon, chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz, diced bacon
- 1.5 lbs, boneless skinless, cut into 1/2-inch cubes chicken breast
- 1/2 cup, chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup (sugar-free) hot sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, cook 10 oz diced bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes; remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tbsp bacon fat in the pot.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken breast cut into 1/2-inch cubes to the pot with the bacon fat; cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides; remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves garlic minced and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup hot sauce (sugar-free) and 2 cups chicken broth; bring to a simmer and add the cooked chicken and bacon back to the pot.
- Step 5: Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tsp dried parsley; heat through for 2 minutes without boiling. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh chives.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced bacon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Soup keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids begged for seconds! The bacon and buffalo combo is addictive and perfect for keto.
- ★★★★★
Authentic flavor without the sugar. Made it for my in-laws and they were shocked it's keto-friendly!
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland at first, but adding extra hot sauce made it pop. Great for meal prep!