Buffalo Chicken Bowl

A vibrant and spicy Buffalo Chicken Bowl that brings together tender buffalo chicken and fresh, crisp vegetables. This easy American-style main dish is perfect for a quick dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor, featuring a tangy kick from the sauce and a cooling finish from the ranch dressing.

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This bowl is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of buffalo wings in a more wholesome, vibrant format. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or serving a fresh family dinner, the combination of warm chicken and cool vegetables is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Buffalo Sauce: 1/3 cup (80 ml) hot sauce (such as Franks RedHot), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 1 tsp honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
• Vegetables: 2 cups (300 g) cooked white or brown rice, warm, 1 cup (120 g) shredded romaine lettuce, 1 cup (120 g) cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup (120 g) shredded carrots, 1/2 cup (60 g) sliced cucumber, 1/4 cup (15 g) thinly sliced red onion
• Toppings: 1/3 cup (80 ml) ranch dressing, 1/3 cup (40 g) blue cheese crumbles, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3

While the chicken cooks, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using) in a small bowl.

Step 4

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and toss with the buffalo sauce to coat thoroughly.

Step 5

To assemble, divide the rice among four bowls. Top each with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, and red onion.

Step 6

Spoon the buffalo chicken over the vegetables. Drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.

Step 7

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding the chicken, which helps it achieve a perfect golden brown crust. Whisking the buffalo sauce while the butter is warm ensures a smooth, emulsified coating for the meat.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a low-carb alternative, substitute cauliflower rice for the traditional white or brown rice base. To make this recipe dairy-free, use a vegan ranch dressing, omit the blue cheese, and replace the butter in the buffalo sauce with a plant-based alternative.

Serviervorschläge

Add fresh, sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats. This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp lager or a lightly oaked Chardonnay, which helps balance the spicy buffalo heat.

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With 435 calories and 29g of protein per serving, this Buffalo Chicken Bowl is a satisfying and nutritious choice for any day of the week. Enjoy the perfect harmony of heat, crunch, and creaminess in every bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is this bowl?

The heat level depends on your hot sauce choice. Frank's RedHot provides moderate spice that most people enjoy, while the honey and ranch help balance the warmth.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Prepare the buffalo chicken and vegetables separately in advance. Store in airtight containers and assemble when ready to serve for best texture.

→ What rice works best?

Both white and brown rice work beautifully. For fewer carbohydrates, try cauliflower rice as noted in the recipe variations.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep components separate in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently and add fresh dressing when serving.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shred rotisserie chicken and toss with warmed buffalo sauce. This reduces cooking time to about 10 minutes.