Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are easy, tasty, and ready in about 20 minutes. This bowl mixes spicy buffalo chicken with rice and fresh toppings for a simple meal the whole family can enjoy. If you like bold chicken flavors, you may also enjoy a lava chicken recipe that uses similar heat and punch.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances spicy, creamy, and fresh textures. The hot sauce and butter make a simple buffalo sauce that clings to the chicken. Rice soaks up the sauce, and lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and dressing cool the heat. For another high-protein twist, try pairing with a high-protein chicken crust pizza as a side or alternate main.

Why you should try this recipe

• It is quick and simple.
• It uses few ingredients most people have.
• You can change toppings to match your taste.
• It is filling and works for lunch or dinner.

How to make Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Follow the steps below to cook the chicken, build the bowls, and serve hot bowls fast. This method keeps the chicken juicy and well coated in buffalo sauce. You can also use the chicken in tacos, salads, or wraps after making it.

Ingredients :

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• Optional: sliced avocado, for topping

Equipments Needed

• Cutting board and knife
• Small bowl for sauce
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Bowls for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions :

1. Begin by preparing the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce and melted butter. Mix well and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Reduce the heat to low and pour the buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Allow it to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, absorbing the sauce’s flavors.
4. Prepare the serving bowls by adding a base layer of cooked rice.
5. Divide the buffalo chicken evenly among the bowls, placing it over the rice.
6. Top each bowl with shredded lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes.
7. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
8. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions. If desired, add slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
9. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot, and enjoy the flavorful combination.

How to serve Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Serve bowls hot with extra dressing on the side. Add tortilla chips or a simple green salad to round the meal. You can also spoon the chicken onto lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or wrap in tortillas for buffalo chicken burritos.

How to store Buffalo Chicken Bowls

• Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Store rice separately if possible to keep texture.
• Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave until hot, then assemble fresh toppings.
• Do not freeze rice-topped bowls; freeze cooked chicken only for up to 2 months.

Tips & Tricks

• Cook chicken pieces evenly so they all finish at the same time.
• Keep sauce warm and add more if you want extra heat.
• Use plain yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning as a lower-calorie dressing.
• For extra spice control, try a milder hot sauce or add a squeeze of lemon. You can learn spicy technique ideas from a bold lava chicken recipe for more heat tips.
• If you want a crunchy topping, add toasted breadcrumbs or roasted pepitas.

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
• Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Replace cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella.
• Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for stronger flavor.
• Make it milder by reducing hot sauce or adding more butter to the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Shred the chicken and warm it in the buffalo sauce for 2–3 minutes.

Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yes. Check that your hot sauce and dressing are gluten free, and use plain rice.

Q: How spicy will this be?
A: It depends on the hot sauce. Use less hot sauce or more butter to reduce heat.

Q: Can I meal prep these bowls?
A: Yes. Store chicken and rice separately and add fresh toppings when ready to eat.

Q: What is a good side for these bowls?
A: Simple sides like carrot sticks, celery, or a green salad work well.

Conclusion

Try a different take on buffalo bowls with a crispy version found in this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bowls recipe for a crunchier bite, or see a macro-friendly rice bowl idea at Buffalo Chicken and Rice Bowls | Macro-Friendly & Gluten Free to fit different diet goals.

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