Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl

Y’all, let me tell you about a weeknight lifesaver. Imagine this: it’s Tuesday, the kids are running wild after soccer practice, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl comes in. I’ve made this recipe at least a dozen times in my own Texas kitchen, and it’s always a winner. The spicy, tangy buffalo chicken paired with fluffy rice and all your favorite toppings? Pure comfort food, ready in under 30 minutes. I promise this will become a family favorite!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mama, I’m always looking for ways to get a delicious and healthy meal on the table without spending all day in the kitchen. This Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl recipe ticks all the boxes! Here’s why it works:

• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this dish is ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those hectic weeknights!
• Kid-Approved: My kids (even the picky one!) love the customizable toppings and the mild heat of the buffalo sauce (which you can adjust, of course!).
• Versatile & Adaptable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (I like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or your favorite!)
• Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, chopped celery, chopped green onions, ranch dressing, avocado, chopped tomatoes, etc.

Ingredient Notes

Buffalo Wing Sauce: The quality of your buffalo wing sauce will greatly impact the overall flavor of the dish. I personally love Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce because it has the perfect balance of heat and tang. However, feel free to use your favorite brand. For a milder flavor, use a butter buffalo sauce.

Rice: Use any type of rice you prefer! White rice cooks the fastest, but brown rice adds a nice nutty flavor and more fiber. Quinoa is also a great option for a healthier twist.

Toppings: This is where you can really get creative! I like to set out a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your family’s favorites.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the buffalo wing sauce and butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is heated through, about 1-2 minutes. This is where the magic happens, folks! The butter adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the chicken.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce. Toss the cooked chicken in the buffalo sauce until it’s evenly coated. Make sure every piece is glistening with that fiery goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls. Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the buffalo chicken and your favorite toppings. This is where everyone gets to personalize their own creation! Let the kids help with this part – they’ll love it.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Leftover buffalo chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cooked rice should also be stored separately in the refrigerator.

Reheating: Reheat the buffalo chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Reheat the rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Make-Ahead & Batch Prep: You can easily make the buffalo chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. You can also cook a large batch of rice on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for easy meal prep during the week.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Ensure your buffalo wing sauce is gluten-free. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is gluten-free, but always double-check the label.

Dairy-Free: Omit the butter or use a dairy-free butter substitute. Skip the cheese toppings or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets or chickpeas. Toss them with the buffalo sauce and roast or sauté until tender.

Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for extra heat.

Cooler: For a cooler twist, add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to your bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can definitely make this ahead! The buffalo chicken can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. You can also cook the rice ahead of time. I find that the flavors meld together even better when the chicken sits for a bit!

How do I make this milder for my kids?

Easy peasy! Use a mild buffalo wing sauce or cut the buffalo sauce with melted butter to reduce the heat. You can also offer a side of ranch dressing or sour cream to help cool things down. Start with a small amount of buffalo sauce and let your kids add more if they want it.

What other toppings can I use?

Get creative! Some other topping ideas include corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, pickled onions, jalapenos (if you like it spicy!), and even crumbled tortilla chips for some crunch.

Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works great in this recipe. Just cook it thoroughly and drain off any excess grease before adding the buffalo sauce. It’s a super easy swap and still tastes amazing.

How do I prevent the rice from getting sticky?

Rinse your rice before cooking it to remove excess starch. Use the correct water-to-rice ratio and avoid stirring it too much while it’s cooking. Fluff it with a fork after it’s done. If you’re using leftover rice, adding a tablespoon of water while reheating can help keep it moist.

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