Slow Simmered Buffalo Chicken Stew with Bacon and Ranch

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and spicy keto stew featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing for a flavorful low-carb comfort meal. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless skinless, bacon strips, buffalo hot sauce 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 slices sliced bacon and cook for 5-6 minutes until crisp; remove bacon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 diced celery stalks to the bacon fat, sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and celery softens.
  3. Step 3: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes until chicken is browned on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until chicken is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 oz cream cheese and 1/4 cup ranch dressing, cooking for another 5 minutes until the stew is creamy and slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle on top along with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Simmered Buffalo Chicken Stew with Bacon and Ranch take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Slow Simmered 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 bacon strips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Simmered 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 Slow Simmered 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 Slow Simmered 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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