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Buffalo Chicken Bowl Delight

Featured in Satisfying Entrées for Any Occasion.

Buffalo chicken bowls are a delicious, customizable meal filled with tender spiced chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce. These bowls start with a base of fluffy rice or quinoa and are layered with fresh veggies like lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. Topped with optional feta cheese, dressing, and even a squeeze of lime, this dish is both simple to prepare and loaded with bold flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these bowls strike a balance between comfort food and fresh ingredients, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

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Recipes Fives Halima
Updated on Sun, 22 Jun 2025 11:12:36 GMT
A bowl of food with rice, tomatoes, corn, and chicken. Pin it
A bowl of food with rice, tomatoes, corn, and chicken. | tastystanza.com

This buffalo chicken bowl combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients for the perfect balance of spicy, creamy and fresh. The zesty buffalo chicken adds a satisfying kick while the assortment of colorful veggies and grains creates a nourishing meal that's both comforting and exciting.

I first created these bowls when trying to satisfy my buffalo wing craving without the mess or guilt. Now it's my go to meal when hosting friends for game day as everyone can build their own perfect bowl.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and take on flavors beautifully
  • Buffalo sauce: brings that classic tangy spice that makes this dish special
  • Brown rice or quinoa: creates a hearty base with extra fiber and nutrients
  • Avocado: adds creamy richness and healthy fats that balance the spicy chicken
  • Cherry tomatoes: offer juicy freshness and a pop of color
  • Corn kernels: provide sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce
  • Fresh cilantro: brightens everything with its distinctive herbal notes
  • Feta cheese: optional but highly recommended for a tangy creamy finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:
Coat chicken breasts thoroughly with olive oil first to help seasonings adhere. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper and rub into all surfaces of the chicken. Let sit for at least 5 minutes if possible to allow flavors to penetrate.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat your skillet until it's properly hot before adding chicken to ensure a good sear. Cook chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, adjusting heat if needed to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Allow chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes to retain juices before slicing.
Create Buffalo Sauce:
If using butter, melt it slowly to prevent burning. Add buffalo sauce to the pan and stir to incorporate any browned bits from cooking the chicken for extra flavor. The butter mellows the spiciness and adds richness. Simmer the sauce briefly to thicken slightly before adding chicken.
Assemble Your Bowl:
Start with warm grain base in the bottom of a wide bowl. Arrange ingredients in sections around the bowl rather than mixing for visual appeal. Place buffalo chicken in the center as the star ingredient. Add toppings strategically with contrasting colors next to each other.

The smoked paprika might seem like an optional ingredient, but I consider it my secret weapon in this recipe. It adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly and elevates the entire dish from good to unforgettable.

Storage Tips

Store components separately in airtight containers if meal prepping. Keep the buffalo chicken separate from fresh vegetables to maintain texture. Reheat only the chicken and rice, then add fresh toppings. The prepared chicken stays good for 3 to 4 days refrigerated and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Perfect Substitutions

For a lower carb option, replace the grain base with cauliflower rice or extra greens. Vegetarians can substitute buffalo cauliflower or tofu using the same seasoning and sauce technique. Any protein works well with this buffalo treatment including shrimp, which cooks even faster than chicken.

Make It Your Own

These bowls welcome endless variations based on your preferences. Try adding black beans for extra protein and fiber. Pickled red onions offer tangy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce. For extra crunch, sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips or pepitas. Greek yogurt makes a cooling, protein rich alternative to ranch dressing.

A bowl of food with rice, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and sour cream. Pin it
A bowl of food with rice, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and sour cream. | tastystanza.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I use as a base for the bowl?

You can use cooked brown rice, white rice, or quinoa as the base for your buffalo chicken bowls.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

To make it spicier, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper while seasoning the chicken.

→ What toppings work well with this dish?

Toppings like crumbled feta cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, extra buffalo sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice complement the dish well.

→ Can this meal be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble the bowls just before serving for maximum freshness.

→ What alternatives can I use for chicken?

You can use tofu, grilled shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas as a substitute for chicken in this dish.

Buffalo Chicken with Rice Bowl

Hearty buffalo chicken bowls with rice, vegetables, and delectable toppings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: merry

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Buffalo Chicken

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
04 ½ teaspoon onion powder
05 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 Salt and pepper to taste
07 ½ cup Buffalo sauce
08 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Bowl Base

09 2 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, or quinoa
10 1 cup corn kernels
11 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
13 1 avocado, sliced
14 ¼ cup sliced red onions
15 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Optional Toppings

16 ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
17 ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
18 Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling
19 A squeeze of lime juice

Instructions

Step 01

Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil, and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 02

Melt the butter (if using) in the same skillet over low heat. Add the buffalo sauce and stir to combine. Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and toss in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.

Step 03

Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Slice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the cilantro.

Step 04

Start with a layer of rice or quinoa in each bowl. Add shredded lettuce, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onions. Top with the buffalo chicken and drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet. Finish with crumbled feta, dressing, and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese, butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480.5
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 37 g