Buffalo Chicken Bowl

This Buffalo Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and spicy meal that brings together the bold flavors of classic buffalo wings with the freshness of a garden salad. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it balances tender chicken with crisp vegetables and creamy dressings for a satisfying, high-protein dish.

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Creating this bowl is a simple process of searing seasoned chicken and assembling a rainbow of fresh toppings. The contrast between the warm, tangy buffalo chicken and the cool cucumber and ranch dressing makes every bite exciting and flavorful.

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).
• 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).

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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 texture, use a large skillet to avoid crowding the chicken, which allows it to brown properly. Have your vegetables chopped and ready to go while the chicken cooks to keep the assembly process seamless.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a low-carb alternative, substitute cauliflower rice for the traditional rice base. To make this dish dairy-free, use a vegan ranch dressing and replace the butter with oil, while omitting the blue cheese crumbles.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the bowl immediately while the chicken and rice are still warm. For an extra layer of flavor, add sliced avocado for creaminess. This dish pairs excellently with a crisp lager or a lightly oaked Chardonnay.

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With 435 calories and a perfect balance of protein and fats, this Buffalo Chicken Bowl is as nutritious as it is delicious. Enjoy this colorful American classic whenever you need a meal that is both spicy and refreshing.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Prepare components separately in advance. Store cooked chicken, sauce, vegetables, and rice in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble bowls just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ What type of hot sauce works best?

Frank's RedHot is the traditional choice for authentic buffalo flavor, but any cayenne-based hot sauce delivers excellent results. Adjust quantity based on your preferred heat level.

→ How can I reduce the spice level?

Decrease hot sauce to 2 tablespoons and increase butter to 3 tablespoons. Add extra honey for sweetness, or serve with additional ranch dressing to cool the heat.

→ What protein alternatives work well?

Buffalo shrimp, turkey strips, or cauliflower florets make excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp needs 3-4 minutes, cauliflower roasts in 20 minutes at 425°F.

→ Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely! Thread seasoned chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Toss with buffalo sauce immediately after removing from heat.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Sliced avocado adds creaminess, pickled jalapeños increase tang, crushed tortilla strips provide crunch, or swap blue cheese for shredded cheddar or feta.