DINNER

Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Chef Olivia

January 21, 2026
3 min read

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal. They combine tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and fresh toppings all on a bed of rice. This dish is great for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option. You get protein, veggies, and grains in one bowl, making it a balanced and tasty choice.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Optional: sliced avocado, for topping

Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Directions:

Begin by preparing the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce and melted butter. Mix well and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Reduce the heat to low and pour the buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Allow it to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, absorbing the sauce’s flavors.
Prepare the serving bowls by adding a base layer of cooked rice.
Divide the buffalo chicken evenly among the bowls, placing it over the rice.
Top each bowl with shredded lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes.
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions. If desired, add slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
Serve immediately while the chicken is hot, and enjoy the flavorful combination.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Serve Buffalo Chicken Bowls warm for the best taste. You can enjoy them as a complete meal or serve them at gatherings and parties. These bowls are also great for game day snacks!

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Bowls

To store leftovers, let the bowls cool to room temperature. Place them in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Bowls

For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce to the chicken.
You can use any type of rice you prefer, including cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your favorite salad ingredients.

Variation

You can switch up the proteins by using shredded rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The toppings can also be adjusted. Try adding corn, avocado, or your favorite salsa!

FAQs

Q: Can I make Buffalo Chicken Bowls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the chicken and rice ahead of time and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What can I use instead of hot sauce?
A: If you don’t want spicy flavor, you can use a mild barbecue sauce instead.

Q: Are these bowls gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free hot sauce and ensure your rice is also gluten-free, this dish can be gluten-free.