When the weather turns rainy and stormy, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup to lift your spirits. Enter Keto Creamy Buffalo Chicken Enchilada Soup—a rich, flavorful, and indulgent dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy texture of cream cheese and the richness of rotisserie chicken. This soup is not only packed with bold flavors but also fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle, making it the ideal choice for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a rainy day or a low-carb dinner option, this soup has it all.
Ingredients
For this Keto Creamy Buffalo Chicken Enchilada Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients to create a flavorful and filling meal:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 big rotisserie chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and time-saving ingredient that provides lean protein for the soup. Its tenderness and flavor make it a great addition to the creamy broth.
- 1/2-3/4 stick of salted butter: This adds richness to the soup and helps sauté the vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp of minced garlic: Garlic is a key aromatics ingredient that adds depth and flavor to the soup.
- 1.5 blocks of cream cheese: The cream cheese gives the soup a velvety smooth texture and helps create a creamy base for the soup.
- 2.5-3 cups of chicken broth: The broth serves as the liquid base of the soup, infusing the soup with savory flavors. You can opt for homemade or store-bought chicken broth, depending on what you have available.
- 1 large onion, chopped and sautéed: Onion brings a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the soup, adding complexity to the broth.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sautéed: Red bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
- 4-6 shakes of Frank’s RedHot Sauce Original Buffalo: This is where the magic happens. The tangy, spicy buffalo sauce infuses the soup with heat and bold flavor, giving the soup its signature kick.
Seasoning:
- Salt: A key ingredient for balancing the flavors of the soup.
- Pepper: Adds a mild warmth to the soup and helps bring out the other flavors.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is used as a garnish and adds a burst of color to the dish.
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens. This will take about 5-7 minutes. The sautéed vegetables will release their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 2: Add the Chicken Broth and Cream Cheese
Next, increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine, and then add the cream cheese to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or whisk to stir the cream cheese into the broth, breaking it up and helping it dissolve into the liquid. This will create a creamy, velvety base for the soup.
Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the broth, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a simmer. The heat will help the cream cheese fully melt and blend into the broth, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 3: Add the Shredded Chicken and Buffalo Sauce
After the cream cheese has dissolved into the broth, it’s time to add the shredded rotisserie chicken. The chicken will soak up the delicious flavors of the broth and add a hearty, protein-rich component to the soup. Stir the shredded chicken into the soup until it is evenly distributed.
Next, pour in 4-6 shakes of Frank’s RedHot Sauce Original Buffalo. This will infuse the soup with a spicy, tangy kick that is the hallmark of a buffalo-style dish. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your desired level of heat. If you love spice, feel free to add more.
Step 4: Season the Soup
At this point, it’s time to season the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine. The amount of seasoning will depend on your personal preferences, so be sure to taste the soup and adjust accordingly.
If you’d like a little extra thickness or richness in the soup, you can add a small amount of heavy whipping cream or a pinch of xanthan gum. Heavy cream will make the soup even creamier, while xanthan gum can help thicken the broth without adding additional carbs. Stir in your chosen thickener and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Once the soup has simmered for about 10 minutes, it’s ready to be served. Remove the pot from the heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
This soup is hearty and filling, with a deliciously creamy base and a kick of heat from the buffalo sauce. Serve it with a side of keto-friendly crackers or a crisp green salad to complete your meal.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Keto
Keto Creamy Buffalo Chicken Enchilada Soup is an excellent choice for anyone following a ketogenic diet because it is low in carbs and high in healthy fats. The main ingredients—rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, butter, and chicken broth—are all keto-friendly, providing plenty of protein and healthy fats while keeping the carb count low.
Here’s a breakdown of why this soup is ideal for those following a keto lifestyle:
- High in Protein: The rotisserie chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health while following a keto diet.
- Low in Carbs: The soup contains no starchy vegetables or grains, keeping the carb content minimal and making it an excellent choice for those looking to stay in ketosis.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: The cream cheese, butter, and optional heavy cream contribute healthy fats, which are an important part of the ketogenic diet. These fats help keep you full and satisfied, providing long-lasting energy.
- Flavorful and Filling: Despite being low in carbs, this soup is rich and hearty, ensuring that you won’t feel deprived while following your keto plan. The combination of buffalo sauce and creamy broth creates a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Creamy Buffalo Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild wing sauce instead. For an extra spicy kick, add more buffalo sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add Vegetables: While this recipe keeps the focus on chicken, you can easily add low-carb vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower for extra nutrition and fiber.
- Make it Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a little xanthan gum to the soup as it simmers. A small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) will do the trick without affecting the flavor.
- Make it Vegan: For a plant-based version of this soup, replace the chicken with a plant-based chicken substitute and use vegan cream cheese and butter. Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Top it Off: Garnish the soup with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or a sprinkle of green onions for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 400-500 (depending on the amount of cream and butter used)
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 5-7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 4-6g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! To make this soup dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use coconut cream. Instead of butter, opt for a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil. Be sure to use a dairy-free buffalo sauce as well.
2. Can I use frozen chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just cook the chicken separately, either by boiling, baking, or pan-frying, and then shred it before adding it to the soup. Rotisserie chicken is often preferred for its convenience and added flavor, but frozen chicken will work just fine.
3. How can I make the soup spicier?
If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add more buffalo sauce or increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup an extra kick.
4. How can I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can either add heavy cream or use xanthan gum. For a non-dairy option, you can blend a small portion of the soup and then return it to the pot for a thicker, creamier texture. Another option is to add some shredded cheese or a keto-friendly thickening agent like guar gum.
5. Can I freeze this soup for later?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove. You may need to add a bit of extra broth or cream to bring the texture back to its original consistency.
6. How long can I store the soup?
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store the soup in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Reheat it gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream cheese.
7. Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! If you’d like to add some low-carb vegetables to the soup, you can try adding spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower. These vegetables will complement the creamy buffalo flavor and increase the nutritional value of the soup.
8. What can I serve this soup with?
This soup pairs perfectly with keto-friendly bread, crackers, or a crisp salad. You can also enjoy it on its own as a filling meal, especially with the hearty chicken and creamy texture.
Conclusion
Keto Creamy Buffalo Chicken Enchilada Soup is the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold, rainy day like the one brought on by Storm Nicole. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the spicy buffalo sauce makes for a comforting and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply craving something hearty and flavorful, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the warmth and bold flavors with every spoonful!