Description
Buffalo Chicken Bowls deliver a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal combining spicy buffalo sauce-coated chicken with wholesome grains and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish balances heat and freshness, providing a colorful and satisfying bowl packed with protein and vibrant veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
- Olive oil, 1-2 tablespoons
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
Bases
- 1 cup brown rice or quinoa (uncooked)
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh Vegetables
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
Dressings and Garnishes
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling (about 1/4 cup)
- Green onions, chopped (2-3 stalks)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped, about 2 tablespoons
Optional Spices and Extras
- Sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Nuts or seeds (optional, for added crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Cook 1 cup of brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. This will serve as the wholesome base to soak up the buffalo flavors.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and fully cooked through.
- Toss with buffalo sauce: Slice or shred the cooked chicken, then thoroughly toss it in 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce to coat each piece evenly with the classic spicy, tangy flavor.
- Prepare fresh veggies: Chop celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to add a refreshing crunch and vibrant color that balances the heat.
- Assemble your bowls: Layer the cooked grain base with the buffalo chicken and fresh vegetables. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh herbs on top for a bright, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use fresh buffalo sauce, homemade or store-bought, for the best flavor and to avoid sogginess.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; keep it juicy and tender by checking for doneness early and letting it rest before slicing.
- Chill vegetables before serving for a crisp contrast to the warm and spicy chicken.
- Make extra buffalo sauce and keep it on the side for drizzling to amp up every bite.
- Mix textures by adding nuts or seeds to complement the soft chicken and crunchy veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, chicken bowls, quick dinner, spicy chicken, healthy meal, gluten free, weeknight dinner
