Name: Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe
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; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black 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 sliced green onions; Optional: sliced avocado

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Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Bowls bring the spicy, tangy flavors of classic buffalo chicken into a wholesome, easy-to-assemble meal. Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and your favorite cheese and dressing, these bowls are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

This dish is served in a deep white bowl and has five main layers arranged side by side over a base of chopped green lettuce. On the left, there are fresh red cherry tomato halves, then slices of light green avocado sprinkled with chopped herbs. Next is a layer of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese. In the middle, there is a generous amount of white creamy sauce with green dill mixed in, topped with crumbled white cheese. On the right side, there are pieces of orange-red glazed chicken, cooked with a slightly shiny texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup hot sauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black 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 sliced green onions
Optional: sliced avocado

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the hot sauce and melted butter until combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Divide cooked rice evenly among serving bowls.
Step 5: Top rice with buffalo chicken, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Step 7: Garnish with sliced green onions and avocado if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use less hot sauce for a milder bowl or add extra dressing to balance the heat.
Store components separately for the best texture if preparing for meal prep.
Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa to make it lower carb or gluten-free.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo chicken and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing separate to maintain crispness. Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling the bowls.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a colorful layered salad on a white marbled surface; the bottom layer is fresh green lettuce and white rice, topped on one side with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, next to a pile of crumbled white cheese and a drizzle of creamy white herb sauce with green flecks. The right side shows vibrant orange glazed grilled chicken pieces, while the left side has halved red cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced green avocado sprinkled with chopped herbs, creating a fresh and appetizing look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed until cooked through.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level depends on the amount and type of hot sauce used. You can adjust the spice by using less hot sauce or choosing a milder variety, and balancing with extra dressing.