Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

I’m obsessed with this buffalo chicken rice bowl because it perfectly balances bold flavors with simplicity, making weeknight dinners feel like a gourmet treat without the hassle. Plus, it satisfies my love for anything spicy and cheesy, while still being versatile enough to add all my favorite toppings like avocado and cherry tomatoes!

My Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl is a zesty, flavorful dish that strikes a brilliant balance between taste and nutrition. I love how fluffy white rice, cooked in chicken broth, serves as the base for this tantalizing bowl.

Or maybe I love how tender chicken breasts, infused with glorious buffalo sauce, command the starring role (and the starring flavor) of this dish? Well, let’s just say it’s a terrific trifecta of taste.

Top it with shredded cheddar, crunchy lettuce, and creamy ranch dressing, and it’s one good, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

White Rice: A staple carbohydrate that supplies energy and helps balance dishes.

Breast of Chicken: Consistently high in protein and low in fat, chicken breast is an excellent muscle-building food.

Buffalo sauce: Contributes a spicy and tangy flavor that is synonymous with Buffalo cuisine.

Olivier: Enriching flavor, healthy fat, and nutrient absorption.

Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Adds creaminess and richness, a savory delight.

Ranch dressing: Smooth and zesty, balances Buffalo’s heat, provides wetness.

Nutrient-dense, the avocado is a source of healthy fats and has a creamy texture.

Sweet and juicy burst, enhance dish’s freshness and flavor—cherry tomatoes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then place it in a pot with the chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the rice is done and the liquid is absorbed.

2. As the rice cooks, the chicken breasts get seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Large skillet, medium heat. Olive oil. Seasoned chicken breasts. 6-7 minutes per side. Cooked through and golden brown.

4. Take the chicken out of the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then cut it into strips or cubes.

5. In the same skillet, pour in the buffalo sauce and warm it over low heat. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss it around to coat it well in the sauce.

6. To compile the rice bowls, begin by allocating the cooked rice evenly into the serving bowls.

7. Place the pieces of buffalo chicken atop the rice, making sure each bowl is generously dosed with an equal amount.

8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and add a layer of shredded lettuce.

9. Ranch dressing should be drizzled over each bowl, followed by sliced green onions.

10. Garnish the bowls with avocado and cherry tomatoes if you like; they add even more flavor and color to the meal. Serve right away.

Equipment Needed

1. Pot with a lid
2. Colander or fine-mesh strainer
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Large skillet
7. Spatula or tongs
8. Serving bowls

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?Certainly, you can utilize brown rice; however, this variety of rice requires a lengthier cooking time and a greater volume of liquid. Consult the package containing the rice for guidance.
• Is there a substitute for buffalo sauce if I want it less spicy?A less potent hot sauce combined with melted butter or barbecue sauce can be used for a different flavor profile.
• Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?It is allowable to grill or cook the chicken beforehand and to keep it in the refrigerator until serving time. Heat it up before serving.
• What can I use instead of ranch dressing?An acceptable substitute is blue cheese dressing, which is a popular alternative. You could also use plain yogurt, or sour cream mixed with herbs—that’s an acceptable alternative.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times as needed.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?Substitute dairy-free cheese and dressing alternatives to adapt the recipe for those avoiding dairy.
• How can I meal prep this recipe?Prepare the rice and chicken, and keep them apart in sealed, airtight containers. When it’s time to eat, quickly throw together bowls of fresh ingredients and enjoy.

Substitutions and Variations

Two cups broth or water from chicken: For vegetarians, substitute with broth from vegetables.
1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Substitute with a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter.
1 tablespoon olive oil. Substitutes: canola oil, vegetable oil.
1 cup shredded lettuce: Substitute with spinach or kale for a different texture.
1/4 cup ranch dressing: If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try substituting with blue cheese dressing.

Pro Tips

1. Rice Cooking Tip For extra flavor, add a small bay leaf or a slice of onion to the pot while cooking the rice. Remove it before serving. This will impart a subtle aromatic taste to the rice.

2. Chicken Marination To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices overnight or at least a few hours before cooking. This allows the chicken to absorb the spices more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful end product.

3. Buffalo Sauce Variation If you prefer a creamier buffalo sauce, mix in a tablespoon of melted butter or a small amount of cream cheese to the sauce before tossing the chicken. This will give the dish a rich, tangy flavor.

4. Cheese Melting After adding the shredded cheddar cheese, cover the bowls for a minute or two with a lid or a piece of foil. The slight warmth will melt the cheese slightly for a gooey texture.

5. Serving Suggestion For an extra burst of freshness and crunch, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the entire bowl just before serving. This can brighten the flavors and provide a zesty contrast to the buffalo sauce.