Buffalo Chicken Bowl

This Buffalo Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and spicy explosion of flavor, featuring tender buffalo-coated chicken served over a bed of crisp vegetables. Drizzled with creamy ranch and topped with tangy blue cheese crumbles, it is a satisfying, gluten-free meal that is both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.

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The beauty of this bowl lies in the contrast of temperatures and textures. The warm, spicy chicken meets the cool crunch of romaine, cucumbers, and red onions, creating a balanced bite every time. It is a restaurant-quality dish made right in your own kitchen with simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, 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, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Vegetables: 2 cups (300 g) cooked white or brown rice, 1 cup (120 g) shredded romaine lettuce, 1 cup (120 g) cherry tomatoes, 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 chicken cooks perfectly, use a sharp chef's knife and cutting board to cut the breast into uniform bite-sized pieces. Utilizing a large skillet prevents overcrowding, which helps the chicken achieve a nice golden-brown sear. Always use a whisk when mixing the buffalo sauce to properly emulsify the butter and hot sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a low-carb version, substitute the rice base with cauliflower rice. If you prefer a dairy-free meal, use a vegan ranch dressing and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or olive oil, while omitting the blue cheese. You can also add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish immediately while the chicken is warm for the best experience. This bowl pairs exceptionally well with a crisp lager or a lightly oaked Chardonnay, which helps to cut through the spicy heat of the buffalo sauce.

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Each serving of this Buffalo Chicken Bowl contains approximately 435 calories and 29g of protein, making it a robust and nutritious meal. Enjoy this perfect blend of American comfort food and fresh ingredients any day of the week.

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is the buffalo chicken?

The heat level is moderate and customizable. Using Frank's RedHot provides a familiar buffalo flavor that's spicy but not overwhelming. Add more or less sauce to adjust the intensity to your preference.

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Prepare the components in advance—cook the rice, chop vegetables, and season the chicken. Assembly works best just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and the chicken warm.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, then assemble with fresh vegetables and toppings. The rice can be microwaved with a splash of water.

→ Can I use a different protein?

Buffalo sauce works beautifully with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version, or try crispy tofu cubes. Shrimp and even white fish fillets also pair wonderfully with the spicy, tangy flavors.

→ What vegetables work best in this bowl?

Crisp, raw vegetables that stand up to the bold flavors are ideal. Try celery sticks for classic buffalo pairing, bell peppers, radishes, or jicama for extra crunch.

→ How do I make the sauce from scratch?

The homemade buffalo sauce comes together by whisking hot sauce with melted butter and a touch of honey. The butter adds richness while the honey balances acidity. Adjust proportions for thicker or thinner consistency.