One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Stew with Bacon and Ranch

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy buffalo sauce-infused chicken stew balanced by crispy bacon and a creamy ranch finish, perfect for a low-carb meal. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs strips bacon strips, chopped, butter, medium celery stalks, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 6 chopped bacon strips until crisp, about 6-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp butter to the bacon fat, then add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb diced boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooking for 6-7 minutes until chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and stir in 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook covered for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until cream cheese melts and stew thickens.
  6. Step 6: Return the cooked bacon to the pot, stir well, and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Stew with Bacon and Ranch take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Stew with Bacon and Ranch?

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 strips bacon strips, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Stew with Bacon and Ranch?

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 One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Stew with Bacon and Ranch 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 One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Stew with Bacon and Ranch low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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