why make this recipe
Buffalo Chicken Bowls bring spicy, tangy chicken to a simple bowl of rice and fresh toppings. You get big flavor with few steps. If you like other easy bowls, try this creamy Cajun chicken and rice bowls for a different spice mix.
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introduction
This recipe is quick, tasty, and good for weeknights. You cook chicken, toss it in buffalo sauce, and add simple toppings. You can change the base or add avocado for creaminess. For other bowl ideas, check this air fryer chicken breast recipes page to learn different ways to cook chicken.
how to make Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Cook the chicken, make the sauce, and mix them. Work in a skillet and finish the sauce on low heat so the chicken soaks it up. For a sticky, saucy finish like other bowls, see how a sticky chicken rice bowls recipe layers sauce and rice.
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. Add extra dressing on the side for guests. You can also build a DIY bowl bar so people add lettuce, cheese, and avocado as they like. For other serving styles, see this Greek chicken bowls page for plating ideas.
how to store Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Cool the chicken to room temperature before storing. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store rice in a separate container if you plan to reheat. Dressings and lettuce should stay separate and added just before serving.
tips to make Buffalo Chicken Bowls
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks the same.
- Cook on medium-high to brown the chicken first, then lower heat to finish in sauce.
- Use butter and hot sauce in a 1:2 ratio for a smooth, classic buffalo flavor.
- If you want less heat, mix some ranch into the sauce.
- For hands-off cooking, try the methods on this Greek chicken bowls (variation) page to adapt seasoning and prep steps.
Serving Ideas (if any)
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter bowl.
- Add roasted corn or black beans for more texture.
- Top with pickled red onions for sharpness.
- Use grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a faster option.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Bowls are simple, bold, and flexible. They come together fast and please people who like spicy food and easy meals. You can change the base, switch toppings, or use different cooking methods to fit your needs.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw it fully, pat dry, then cut and cook as directed.
Q: Can I make the sauce milder?
A: Yes. Mix hot sauce with a little extra butter or some ranch to lower the heat.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat chicken in a skillet over low heat until warm. Add a splash of water if sauce gets too thick.
Q: Can I use ground chicken?
A: Yes. Brown the ground chicken, then add the sauce and cook until it absorbs the flavor.
Q: Is this dish meal-prep friendly?
A: Yes. Store components separately and assemble before eating for best texture.
Conclusion
Try a different take on buffalo bowls with this Jar of Lemons crispy buffalo chicken bowls recipe for extra crunch and a new topping idea. For a macro-friendly or gluten-free version, see the Buffalo Chicken and Rice Bowls guide at Mary’s Whole Life.
Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- 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 with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour the buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat evenly and allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes, absorbing the 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, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and optional slices of avocado.