Name: Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless & skinless (thighs can also be used); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp dried basil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp unsalted butter; ⅓ cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s Red Hot); ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt); 2 cloves garlic; ¼ tsp apple cider vinegar; 3-4 Tbsp fresh chives; 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp salt (or to taste); ½ cup long grain rice, uncooked (use more if needed); 4 Tbsp green onions, chopped; ¼ cup red onion, chopped; 1 small red bell pepper, chopped; ¼ cup banana peppers, chopped; ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced; ⅓ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (optional); Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

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There is something truly irresistible about a dish bursting with flavor and color, and that is exactly what makes this Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe a weeknight hero. Packed with saucy, tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy herby ranch dressing, this bowl is a vibrant celebration of textures and taste that’s easy to whip up in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing, this Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe has the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and fresh to keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pan filled with many pieces of cooked chicken coated in a thick, smooth orange sauce, with some sauce spread unevenly on the sides of the pan. A wooden spoon inside the pan is partially covered in the same orange sauce, resting to the left among the chicken pieces. Near the top right corner of the image are two white bowls, one holding yellow sliced pickled peppers and the other a creamy white sauce with a spoon inside. The pan and bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth partially visible beneath the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe right is all about fresh, simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture. From juicy chicken to crunchy veggies and that luscious herby ranch, every element shines through without needing complicated additions.

1 lb chicken breasts, boneless & skinless: The star protein that soaks up all the buffalo goodness for that perfect bite.
½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth that enhances the chicken’s savory notes.
½ tsp dried basil: Brings a hint of earthiness that contrasts wonderfully with the spicy sauce.
½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
½ tsp pepper: Just enough kick without overpowering the dish.
½ tsp olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully and keep it juicy.
1 Tbsp unsalted butter: Melts into the buffalo sauce to create a rich, silky coating.
⅓ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot): The spicy punch that defines this recipe’s sass and flavor.
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the herby ranch to cool off the heat.
2 cloves garlic: Freshly minced for that punchy, aromatic boost in the ranch.
¼ tsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a little tang and brightness to the dressing.
3-4 Tbsp fresh chives: Brings a mild onion-y freshness to the ranch dressing.
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, zesty note that lifts the whole bowl.
½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the ranch’s savoriness with a subtle depth.
¼ tsp salt (more to taste): Makes sure the ranch dressing is perfectly seasoned.
½ cup long grain rice, uncooked: The fluffy, comforting base layer that lets the other ingredients shine.
4 Tbsp green onions, chopped: Adds crunch and a mild sharpness to each spoonful.
¼ cup red onion, chopped: Provides a vibrant color contrast and a bit of zest.
1 small red bell pepper, chopped: Sweet and crunchy, it brightens the bowl beautifully.
¼ cup banana peppers, chopped: Offers a tangy bite that complements the buffalo chicken perfectly.
¼ cucumber, thinly sliced: Cool and crisp, these slices add a refreshing textural contrast.
⅓ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (optional): For those who love a melty, creamy cheese layer in their bowl.
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional): Adds a burst of fresh herbal flavor and a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your long grain rice following the package instructions—this usually takes around 20 minutes. The rice will serve as the perfect soft foundation to soak up all the saucy goodness from the chicken and veggies, so make sure it’s fluffy and tender before assembling your bowls.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

While the rice cooks, chop your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. This ensures quick, even cooking and that every piece gets nicely coated with seasoning and sauce. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried basil to infuse it with a subtle, herbaceous undertone that plays so well with the buffalo sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and let them brown on all sides—this should take around 12 minutes, though the key is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. This ensures juicy, tender chicken that holds up beautifully under the buffalo glaze.

Step 4: Make the Herby Ranch Dressing

While the chicken cooks, blend up your herby ranch by combining sour cream (or Greek yogurt), freshly minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, chopped chives, cilantro, onion powder, and salt in a small blender or food processor. The result is a cool, creamy dressing that adds a gentle brightness and balances the spicy heat perfectly.

Step 5: Add Buffalo Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, turn the heat down to low and stir in the unsalted butter and buffalo sauce. Let the sauce gently melt together with the butter, coating every piece of chicken in a luscious, spicy glaze that’s full of tang and richness.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

To build your Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe, start by spooning a generous bed of rice into each bowl. Top with the saucy buffalo chicken, then sprinkle on shredded cheese (if using), chopped green onions, red onions, red bell peppers, banana peppers, and thin cucumber slices. Finish with a drizzle of the creamy herby ranch and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that final burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe

The dish is a bowl with several layers arranged in sections. At the base, there is white rice that covers the bottom. On top of the rice, in the center, are small chunks of orange-colored cooked chicken coated in a sauce, drizzled with a light green herb sauce. Surrounding the chicken, going clockwise, there are thinly sliced yellow pickled peppers, red tomato wedges, thin red onion slices, slices of green cucumber arranged in a fan shape, chopped green onions, and fresh green cilantro leaves. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Fresh chopped cilantro and a few extra green onions add an inviting pop of color and freshness. For a little crunch, you can sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or toasted pepitas, adding delightful texture that complements the saucy chicken beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe is substantial on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, simple sides like a crisp garden salad or roasted sweet potatoes work perfectly. A side of celery sticks with blue cheese dressing also pairs wonderfully, keeping that classic buffalo theme alive through every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re craving a fun twist, try serving the Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe layered in clear glass jars for a grab-and-go meal or a picnic treat. You can also stuff the buffalo chicken and veggies into warm pita pockets or tacos for a handheld delight. Either way, the vibrant colors and bold flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the herby ranch dressing separate if possible to prevent sogginess, and simply reheat and reassemble when ready to enjoy.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked buffalo chicken (without the fresh veggies or ranch) for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best texture. Avoid freezing rice or raw vegetables as their texture won’t hold up well.

Reheating

Reheat your buffalo chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep it tender and prevent drying out. Warm the rice separately either on the stove or in the microwave. Once heated through, reassemble your bowl with fresh veggies and ranch for that perfect balance of warm, cool, and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe because they remain juicy and tender even after cooking and soaking in the buffalo sauce. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce. Both options absorb the bold flavors well and keep the meal hearty and satisfying.

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe?

The level of spiciness depends largely on the buffalo sauce you choose. Using Frank’s Red Hot gives a balanced heat that’s flavorful without overwhelming. If you prefer milder, reduce the sauce amount, or add more if you like an extra kick.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Definitely. You can chop all the veggies and prepare the ranch dressing a day in advance. Cooking the chicken ahead of time is also a great option for quick assembly when you’re ready to eat.

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?

Long grain rice is ideal because its fluffy, separate grains create a lovely texture contrast with the saucy chicken and crisp veggies. However, you can use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a vibrant, flavorful Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe that’s quick to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. With its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh veggies, it’s a dinner that feels like a treat without any fuss. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again sooner than you think!

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