Save This Buffalo Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and spicy main dish that perfectly balances bold heat with fresh, crisp vegetables. Featuring tender pan-seared chicken breast tossed in a classic buffalo sauce, it is served over a bed of warm rice and topped with a cooling ranch drizzle and tangy blue cheese crumbles. It's a quick, easy, and gluten-free meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen in just 35 minutes.
Save The key to a great buffalo bowl lies in the contrast of temperatures and textures. The warmth of the rice and the freshly cooked chicken meets the cold, refreshing crunch of romaine and cucumber, creating a complete and balanced meal in every bite.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) hot sauce (such as Franks RedHot)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 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
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup (40 g) blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the Chicken
- 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: Cook the Chicken
- 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: Prepare the Sauce
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using) in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and toss with the buffalo sauce to coat thoroughly.
- Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- To assemble, divide the rice among four bowls. Top each with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, and red onion.
- Step 6: Add Toppings
- Spoon the buffalo chicken over the vegetables. Drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a high-quality chef's knife and cutting board to prep the vegetables into uniform pieces. A large skillet is essential for browning the chicken evenly without overcrowding. Always check food labels to identify hidden allergens such as dairy in butter and blue cheese, or egg and soy which are commonly found in ranch dressings.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a low-carb version of this dish, substitute the white or brown rice with cauliflower rice. If you prefer a dairy-free meal, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a vegan ranch dressing, and omit the blue cheese crumbles. For added creaminess, consider adding sliced avocado to the topping selection.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this Buffalo Chicken Bowl immediately while the chicken is hot and the vegetables are crisp. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp lager or a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the spicy and creamy elements of the bowl.
Save This Buffalo Chicken Bowl is a satisfying and flavorful solution for anyone seeking a fresh, spicy, and protein-packed meal. With its easy preparation and vibrant ingredients, it is sure to become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately up to a day in advance. Store the chicken, buffalo sauce, and chopped vegetables in airtight containers. Assemble just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
- → What can I substitute for the rice?
Cauliflower rice works well for a low-carb option. Quinoa, farro, or even shredded cabbage can provide interesting alternatives while maintaining the bowl's structure.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Reduce the hot sauce or increase the honey for milder heat. For more spice, add cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or use a hotter sauce variety. The ranch and blue cheese help balance the heat naturally.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay juicier during cooking. The cooking time remains similar, just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Use vegan ranch dressing or a dairy-free alternative made with cashew or coconut milk. Omit the blue cheese entirely or substitute with a plant-based crumble. Replace butter with olive oil in the buffalo sauce.