Start with a warm, spicy bowl of Buffalo Chicken Bowls. This dish mixes tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, rice, fresh veggies, and a cool dressing. If you enjoy simple chicken bowls, you might also like a plain chicken with marinara sauce for a different flavor.

why make this recipe

You get a full meal in one bowl. It is fast to cook, full of flavor, and the spicy sauce pairs well with rice and cool toppings. This recipe is great for weeknights, meal prep, or a quick lunch.

how to make Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Cook the chicken and coat it in buffalo sauce. Then build bowls with rice and fresh toppings. This is like a simple rice bowl, similar to Turkish chicken and rice, but with bold heat from the buffalo sauce.

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

Directions :

Begin by preparing the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce and melted butter. Mix well and set aside.
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.
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.
Prepare the serving bowls by adding a base layer of cooked rice.
Divide the buffalo chicken evenly among the bowls, placing it over the rice.
Top each bowl with shredded lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes.
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions. If desired, add slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
Serve immediately while the chicken is hot, and enjoy the flavorful combination.

how to serve Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Serve the bowls hot so the sauce stays lively. Let people add extra dressing or avocado. You can offer extra hot sauce or blue cheese on the side. This serving style is simple and works well for casual meals and gatherings, like other bowl dishes such as the Turkish chicken doner kebab recipe.

how to store Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Cool the chicken and rice before storing. Put chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep fresh toppings like lettuce and avocado separate and add them when you serve. To reheat, warm the chicken and rice in a pan or microwave until hot.

tips to make Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks the same.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper before adding the sauce.
Use room-temperature butter so it mixes into the sauce easily.
If you want less heat, reduce the hot sauce or add more butter.
For extra crisp chicken, cook in a hot skillet without moving it too much.

variation (if any)

Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to change texture.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack for more spice.
Make it into a wrap by using tortilla and folding the same ingredients.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw it first and pat dry. Then follow the same cooking steps.

Q: Is there a non-dairy option for the sauce?
A: You can skip the butter and use melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.

Q: Can I make this mild for kids?
A: Yes. Use less hot sauce and add more butter to reduce the heat.

Q: How long does the sauce last?
A: Store leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed jar.

Q: Can I grill the chicken?
A: Yes. Grill the pieces until cooked, then toss with the buffalo sauce.

Conclusion

For another crunchy version of this dish, try the Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bowls recipe which gives a nice contrast with a crunchy coating.