Buffalo Chicken Bowl

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal that can easily bring together flavors and textures in one bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, meal prep option, or a wholesome lunch, these bowls fit the bill. With the right balance of spicy, savory, and fresh ingredients, Buffalo Chicken Bowls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, they are a wonderful way to use leftover chicken, making them both practical and tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Bowl

There’s something truly special about Buffalo Chicken Bowls. The blend of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and fresh veggies creates a delightful meal bursting with flavor. This dish checks all the boxes: it’s filling, nutritious, and easy to customize based on your preferences. The creamy avocado and crunchy lettuce complement the spice perfectly, making each bite enjoyable. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, these bowls are a win-win!

Buffalo Chicken Bowl

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a spicy, hearty, and customizable meal featuring tender chicken tossed in buffalo sauce served over a bed of rice or quinoa with fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and optional cheese and dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner with bold flavors and healthy ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced red onions
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
• Extra buffalo sauce (optional)
• Squeeze of lime juice (optional)
• Optional: olives, jalapeños, tortilla strips for extra crunch

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Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
3. Lower the heat and add buffalo sauce and butter to the skillet. Stir until butter is melted and chicken is evenly coated. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare your bowls by layering the cooked brown rice or quinoa as the base.
5. Top each bowl with corn, cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and red onions.
6. Add the buffalo chicken on top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if using.
7. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Add extra buffalo sauce or other optional toppings to taste.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• You can use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut—just heat and toss with buffalo sauce and butter.
• Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of buffalo sauce or using a milder variety.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time for a quick assembly during the week.
• Swap rice/quinoa for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: buffalo chicken bowls, spicy chicken rice bowl, healthy chicken dinner, quinoa buffalo bowl, buffalo chicken meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Bowl:

Essential Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: This is the star of the show; chicken provides protein and makes the dish hearty.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps in cooking the chicken, adding flavor, and keeping it juicy.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A must-have for adding a savory punch.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and sweetness to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This gives a lovely smokiness and subtle heat to the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for flavor enhancement.
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The key ingredient that brings the heat and tang.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Helps create a rich sauce for the chicken.
• 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa: This acts as the hearty base of the bowl and adds fiber.
• 1 cup corn kernels: Sweetness and texture; fresh or frozen works great.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of color and juiciness.
• 1 cup shredded lettuce: Provides freshness and crunch.
• 1 avocado: Creaminess that blends beautifully with the spiciness.
• 1/4 cup sliced red onions: Adds a bit of sharpness and color.
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro: Gives a fresh herbal note (optional but recommended).
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): A tangy finish that complements the dish nicely.
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): Classic creamy dressing to cool down the spice.
• Extra buffalo sauce (optional): For those who crave more heat.
• A squeeze of lime juice (optional): Adds brightness and flavor depth.

Optional Add-Ons:

You can also personalize your Buffalo Chicken Bowl with other toppings such as olives, jalapeños, or even tortilla strips for some crunch. The possibilities are endless!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bowl: Step by Step

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. Rub them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will infuse the chicken with flavor.

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

2. Coat in Buffalo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the buffalo sauce and stir it well to combine. The residual heat will make it easier to coat the chicken. Slice your cooked chicken and toss it in the buffalo sauce until each piece is nicely coated.

3. Prepare the Bowl Base

While the chicken is resting, prepare your grain base. If you haven’t cooked your brown rice or quinoa yet, do so according to package directions. In the meantime, slice your avocado, halve your cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh cilantro. These will add freshness and variety to your bowl.

4. Assemble the Bowls

Now it’s time to build your Buffalo Chicken Bowl! Start by adding a generous scoop of your cooked brown rice or quinoa to the bottom of each bowl.

Layer on the shredded lettuce, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and red onions. Finally, add the buffalo chicken on top. If you like, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. Add any other toppings you desire, and you’re all set!

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are fantastic on their own, but they can be paired with other sides or drinks to round out your meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Beverage Pairing: Serve with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade to complement the heat.
• Side Dishes: Consider a side of crispy baked tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks with dip for added crunch.
• Make it a Feast: Serve as part of a larger meal with a salad or grilled veggies to share with family or friends.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Buffalo Chicken Bowl

1. Marinate for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the buffalo sauce for an hour before cooking. This will enhance the flavor.
2. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken. Just shred and toss it with buffalo sauce.
3. Customize Your Heat Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to match your spice preference. Use mild sauce for a less spicy option.
4. Mix Up the Grains: Try different bases like couscous, white rice, or even leafy greens like kale or spinach for a low-carb option.
5. Presentation Matters: For a visually appealing dish, layer ingredients in a bowl like a parfait. It makes the meal more enticing.

Easy Variations for Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are incredibly versatile. Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Mediterranean Twist: Substitute feta cheese for ranch dressing and add olives and cucumber.
• BBQ Chicken Bowl: Swap buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce and add grilled corn and coleslaw.
• Shrimp or Tofu Option: Replace the chicken with shrimp or marinated tofu for a seafood or plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Veggie Bowl: Load up on roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian bowl.

Storage Tips to Store Buffalo Chicken Bowls

If you have leftovers, Buffalo Chicken Bowls can be stored easily:

• Refrigerate: Place the ingredients in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate Components: To keep the components fresh, store the chicken separately from the grains and veggies.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just defrost it in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If the rice or quinoa seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to help steam it up.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a fun, flavorful meal that can be tailored to fit anyone’s tastes. With a blend of spicy chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty grains, they provide nourishment and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you enjoy them for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, these bowls are a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time. Give them a try, and you might just discover your new favorite meal!

FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Now you’re set to create your own delicious Buffalo Chicken Bowls. Enjoy cooking and savor every spicy, tangy bite!

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