If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, then look no further than these Easy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls. These bowls are packed with flavor and can be customized to your taste. Whether you like it spicy or mild, this recipe has got you covered.
To make these Easy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls, you’ll need some cooked chicken, preferably chicken breast, and your favorite buffalo sauce. You can either cook the chicken yourself or use leftovers from a previous meal. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with the buffalo sauce until it’s well coated.
For the rice, you can use any type you prefer – white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Cook the rice according to the package instructions and divide it among bowls. Top the rice with the buffalo chicken mixture and garnish with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include chopped celery, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
To make Easy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup of ranch dressing
- 1 cup of shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
For the chicken, you can either cook it yourself by baking or grilling the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and then shredding them, or you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken. Both options will work well in this recipe.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 pound |
| Buffalo sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Ranch dressing | 1/4 cup |
| Shredded lettuce | 1 cup |
| Diced tomatoes | 1/2 cup |
| Diced red onion | 1/4 cup |
| Crumbled blue cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped fresh cilantro | 1/4 cup |
Instructions
1. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the chicken breast until it is no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add hot sauce, honey, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined and heated through.
3. Assemble the rice bowls: Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with chopped chicken, diced avocado, sliced celery, and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle the buffalo sauce over the top of each bowl.
4. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with green onions and parsley, if desired. Serve the Easy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls immediately and enjoy!
Here is a summary of the instructions:
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook the chicken breast until no longer pink. |
| 2 | Melt butter and mix with hot sauce, honey, and garlic powder to make buffalo sauce. |
| 3 | Assemble the rice bowls with rice, chicken, avocado, celery, and blue cheese. |
| 4 | Drizzle buffalo sauce over the top and garnish with green onions and parsley. |
| 5 | Serve and enjoy! |
Serving Suggestions
- Customizable Toppings: Set up a topping bar with various options for your guests to add their favorite toppings to their rice bowls. Some options could include shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and sour cream.
- Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Skip the rice and serve the buffalo chicken mixture in crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Simply spoon the chicken mixture into large lettuce leaves, roll them up, and enjoy.
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Use the buffalo chicken mixture as a filling for quesadillas. Spread a layer of the mixture on one tortilla, top with shredded cheese and another tortilla, then cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad: Create a refreshing salad by tossing the buffalo chicken mixture with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a creamy dressing. This is a great option for those who prefer a lighter meal.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Use the buffalo chicken mixture as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza. Spread a layer of buffalo sauce on the pizza crust, then top with the buffalo chicken, shredded cheese, and any other desired toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
These serving suggestions offer a variety of ways to enjoy Easy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls, whether you’re looking for a customizable option, a lighter alternative, or a unique twist on a classic dish. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch to make the meal fit your preferences.
Variations
- Protein: Instead of using chicken breast, you can substitute it with other proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require different cooking times.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder hot sauce variety. On the other hand, if you want a spicier dish, you can add more hot sauce or even incorporate additional hot spices such as cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables to suit your preferences. Some popular options include bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or zucchini. You can sauté them with the chicken or roast them separately and add them to the bowl afterwards.
- Grains: While rice is the traditional choice for a rice bowl, you can experiment with different grains. Quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice can be used as a base for the bowl.
- Toppings: Customize your bowl with various toppings such as chopped green onions, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese, or a drizzle of ranch dressing. These additional toppings can enhance the flavors and add extra texture to your dish.
By exploring these variations, you can create your own unique version of Easy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls and tailor it to your personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with the recipe!
