Slow-Simmered Keto Buffalo Chicken Stew

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

A rich, spicy stew featuring tender chicken simmered with buffalo sauce and creamy ranch, perfect for a comforting keto meal. This american-inspired keto ready in about 55 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, buffalo wing 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced medium green bell pepper to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant and vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken thighs, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 4 ounces cubed cream cheese and 1/3 cup fresh ranch dressing, cooking for another 5 minutes until the stew thickens and becomes creamy.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup chopped green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Keto Buffalo Chicken Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Keto Buffalo Chicken Stew?

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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Keto Buffalo Chicken Stew?

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 Keto Buffalo Chicken Stew 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.

What goes well with Slow-Simmered Keto Buffalo Chicken Stew?

American keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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