Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Buffalo Chicken Chowder?
It is a rich and spicy one-pot soup made with a creamy base, buffalo wing sauce, tender chicken, celery, and melted Velveeta cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this chowder?
The main ingredients include green onions, celery, butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and Velveeta cheese.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using diced rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient way to provide the 2 cups of cooked chicken required.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
You should sauté the chopped green onions and celery in butter for approximately 5 minutes until they are tender.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the sautéed vegetables?
The flour is stirred into the butter and vegetables to create a roux, which acts as a thickening agent for the chowder.
How do I ensure the soup is smooth and without lumps?
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth into the flour mixture and stir frequently until it thickens.
What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?
Any standard buffalo wing sauce will work; you can adjust the amount from 1/4 to 1/2 cup depending on your spice preference.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is optional and should be used if you want extra heat.
Can I substitute Velveeta cheese with something else?
While Velveeta provides a specific smooth texture, you could substitute it with cream cheese or a sharp cheddar, though the consistency may vary.
How long should the chowder simmer?
Once all ingredients are combined, let the chowder simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How many calories are in a serving of this chowder?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 15g of fat per serving in this recipe.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 16g of carbohydrates.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, there is approximately 1g of fiber per serving.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, the tags indicate this can be adapted as a crockpot recipe, though the stovetop method is described in the instructions.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of whole milk for a creamy consistency.
What kind of chicken broth should I use?
Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to better control the saltiness of the dish.
What should I serve with this chowder?
It is best served alongside a fresh salad and warm sourdough bread.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free flour alternative for the roux.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but if you use salted, you may want to reduce the additional garlic and celery salt.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this chowder?
Freezing is not ideal as dairy-based soups containing milk and Velveeta may separate or change texture when thawed.
How can I make the soup even spicier?
You can increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce or add more cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
What if I don't have celery salt?
You can substitute it with a mixture of regular salt and ground celery seed, or just additional garlic salt.
Can I use chicken breast or thighs?
Either will work perfectly as long as the chicken is cooked and diced before being added to the pot.
Is this a winter-themed dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a winter recipe and a comfort food, making it perfect for cold weather.
Can I add other vegetables like corn or potatoes?
Absolutely, adding corn or diced potatoes would enhance the 'chowder' feel of the dish.
How should I prep the green onions?
You should use 2 bunches of green onions and chop them before starting the sauté process.