Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Bowl is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with spicy buffalo chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty rice, it delivers bold taste and balanced nutrition in just 30 minutes. It’s customizable, meal-prep friendly, and sure to be a new favorite for spice lovers.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breast (boneless, skinless)olive oilbuffalo saucesalt and peppergarlic powderonion powderpaprika cooked white or brown ricecelerycarrotsshredded lettuce or cabbageblue cheese or ranch dressingscallions (optional)crumbled blue cheese (optional)
directions
Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Reduce the heat and pour buffalo sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice according to package instructions and chop the vegetables.
To assemble the bowls, start with a layer of cooked rice, then add buffalo chicken, followed by shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced carrots, celery, and any desired toppings.
Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and sprinkle with scallions or crumbled blue cheese if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2-3 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15-20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Add avocado slices or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Use grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Make it a wrap or burrito bowl using tortillas.
Add quinoa instead of rice for added protein and fiber.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.For best texture, store dressing separately and add just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just heat and toss it with buffalo sauce before assembling the bowl.
How spicy is this bowl?
It depends on the buffalo sauce you use. Choose mild or hot based on preference.
Is this bowl meal-prep friendly?
Absolutely. Prep components ahead and assemble when ready to eat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing alternative.
What veggies work best?
Carrots, celery, and lettuce are classics, but you can add cucumbers, tomatoes, or bell peppers.
Do I have to use chicken breast?
No, chicken thighs or even tofu work great too.
How do I make it extra saucy?
Add more buffalo sauce when serving or drizzle extra on top.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it’s delicious as a cold rice salad too.
Is this gluten-free?
It can be—just ensure your buffalo sauce and dressing are gluten-free.
How can I add more protein?
Top with a fried or boiled egg, or add chickpeas or black beans.
Conclusion
The Easy Buffalo Chicken Bowl is a delicious, fast, and flexible dish that satisfies cravings for something spicy and hearty. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, it’s easy to customize and packs a punch in every bite. Give it a try and make it your own!
Print
Easy Buffalo Chicken Bowl Recipe (30-Minutes)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course / Bowl
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful, protein-packed buffalo chicken bowl that’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
- 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season diced chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until browned and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low; stir in buffalo sauce and cook 1–2 minutes more to coat the chicken.
- Divide cooked rice among 2 bowls.
- Top rice with buffalo chicken, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrot, avocado slices, green onions, and cilantro.
- Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over each bowl, if using.
- Serve immediately, with extra buffalo or dressing on the side.
Notes
- Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb or gluten-free version.
- Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce.
- Add black beans or corn for extra fiber and volume.
- Make it ahead: store chicken, rice, and toppings separately and assemble bowls when ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 500g)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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