Name: Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Why Make This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of buffalo wings in a healthier, more filling form. They combine tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and fresh veggies over a bed of rice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize according to your taste!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bowls

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 Buffalo Chicken Bowls warm right after making them. They are great for lunch or dinner. You can place the bowls on a big table so everyone can enjoy their own. You can also offer extra toppings like sliced avocados, additional hot sauce, or more cheese for those who want to spice it up.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Bowls

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to three days. When you’re ready to eat them again, just reheat in the microwave until hot. You might want to freshen up the toppings, adding fresh lettuce and tomatoes if they start to look wilted.

Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Bowls

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in hot sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking.
You can adjust the heat level by changing the type of hot sauce you use or reducing the amount.
If you don’t have rice, you can use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a salad base.

Variation

You can make these bowls vegetarian by using cauliflower or chickpeas instead of chicken. Just season the substitute well and still use the buffalo sauce for that classic flavor. You can also try different sauces, like barbecue or teriyaki, for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Bowls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and buffalo sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Just assemble the bowls right before serving.

2. Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, this recipe is spicy because of the hot sauce. You can use a milder sauce if you prefer a less spicy flavor.

3. Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Bowls?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and buffalo sauce separately. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating and serving.

4. What can I substitute for the ranch or blue cheese dressing?
You can use plain yogurt, sour cream, or any other dressing you prefer.