Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a flavorful and wholesome meal featuring tender chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce served over a bed of fluffy rice and fresh vegetables. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, combining bold flavors with nutritious ingredients for a satisfying, balanced bowl.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
For the Vegetables and Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzle (optional)
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it with forks. Place the chicken in a bowl and pour buffalo sauce over it, tossing until each piece is evenly coated with the spicy sauce.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly into bowls. Top with buffalo chicken pieces, chopped celery, shredded carrots, and green onions. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese if using, and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for a creamy contrast.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the buffalo chicken bowls immediately while warm for best flavor. These bowls also refrigerate well for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild wing sauce.
- Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to white rice.
- Add avocado slices or chopped tomatoes for extra freshness and creaminess.
- Blue cheese is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free option; ranch dressing can also be substituted or excluded.
- Leftover chicken can be stored up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Bowls, spicy chicken bowl, buffalo sauce chicken, healthy chicken bowl, meal prep chicken recipe