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Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe

4.8 from 95 reviews

These Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring tender chicken tossed in a classic buffalo sauce, served over a bed of rice and topped with fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe balances spicy, creamy, and fresh elements for a delicious bowl experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Buffalo Chicken

  • 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

Base and Toppings

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce and melted butter thoroughly until well mixed, then set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  3. Simmer with Sauce: Lower the heat to low and pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat all pieces evenly and let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Start each serving bowl by placing a base layer of cooked rice.
  5. Add Buffalo Chicken: Evenly divide the buffalo chicken on top of the rice in each bowl.
  6. Add Fresh Vegetables: Top the chicken with shredded lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes for freshness and crunch.
  7. Cheese and Dressing: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the bowls and drizzle with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
  8. Garnish: Finish each bowl with thinly sliced green onions. Optionally, add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
  9. Serve: Serve the bowls immediately while the chicken is still hot to enjoy all the combined flavors.

Notes

  • Use white or brown rice based on your preference; brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients.
  • For less spice, reduce the amount of hot sauce or choose a milder sauce.
  • Switch ranch or blue cheese dressing with a vegan alternative to make this dish lactose-free.
  • Add avocado slices just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
  • Leftover buffalo chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, chicken bowls, buffalo sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, spicy chicken bowl