1. Homepage
  2. Recipes
  3. Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish brings together tender chicken pieces bathed in a velvety buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and melted butter. The chicken is sautéed to a golden brown, then simmered gently in the rich sauce, creating a delightful spicy coating. Served over a fluffy bed of cooked rice, the bowl is layered with crisp shredded lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and finished with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Thinly sliced green onions add brightness, and optional avocado slices bring creamy richness. With a quick preparation time and balanced flavors, this meal offers a satisfying blend of heat, freshness, and comfort that's perfect for any busy day.

Pin to Pinterest Share This Recipe Share It Via Email Print the Recipe Go to Recipe Steps
A woman wearing glasses smiles for the camera.
Published By Ioana
Updated on Sat, 24 Jan 2026 23:46:35 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Bookmark
A bowl of food with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. | ioanacooks.com

These Buffalo Chicken Bowls bring together tender chicken coated in a rich, tangy buffalo sauce paired with fresh veggies over a bed of fluffy rice. It is a perfect meal to lift your weeknight dinner with bold flavors and easy preparation that fits right into a busy schedule.

I first made these on a chilly evening when I craved something spicy but comforting. Now they are a go-to for when I want something quick that still feels special. The mix of heat from the buffalo sauce and the cooling ranch is absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: tender, lean protein that soaks up sauce
  • Hot sauce: that iconic spicy and tangy buffalo flavor, pick your favorite brand for heat level
  • Unsalted butter: melts into the sauce adding richness and smooth texture
  • Olive oil: to help brown the chicken evenly and add subtle fruitiness
  • Salt and pepper: to enhance the natural flavors and balance the heat
  • Cooked rice: acts as a fluffy neutral base to catch every drop of sauce
  • Shredded lettuce: adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and bright green color
  • Cherry tomatoes: burst with juicy sweetness to balance the spice
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into a creamy, tangy layer
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing: cools the palate and ties all the flavors together
  • Thinly sliced green onions: offer a mild crisp onion bite and a fresh pop of color
  • Optional sliced avocado: brings additional creamy richness and healthy fats

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the buffalo sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter until smooth and well combined. Let the flavors marry while you cook.
Heat the pan and season the chicken:
Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan.
Cook the chicken:
Sauté the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. This browning builds flavorful crusts.
Coat with buffalo sauce:
Reduce heat to low and pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken. Stir continuously so every piece is coated. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to intensify the flavor.
Build the rice base:
Spoon cooked rice evenly into serving bowls. This base helps soak in the flavorful sauce.
Add the buffalo chicken:
Top the rice with the buffalo-coated chicken and any extra sauce, letting it drizzle over the rice beneath for extra flavor.
Layer on fresh veggies:
Add shredded lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes over the chicken to bring crispness and bright color contrast.
Finish with cheese and dressing:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing to mellow the heat and add creaminess.
Garnish and serve:
Scatter thinly sliced green onions on top. Add avocado slices if using for extra richness. Serve immediately while hot.
A plate of food with chicken and cheese. Bookmark
A plate of food with chicken and cheese. | ioanacooks.com

My favorite ingredient has to be the buffalo sauce, made simply with hot sauce and butter. It creates this silky coating that clings to the chicken and bursts with flavor. I remember the first time I made this recipe, the kitchen smelled like a comforting diner, and the sizzle of chicken in the skillet set the tone for a cozy meal loved by all.

Storage Tips

Store the buffalo chicken and cooked rice in one airtight container to keep flavors melded but fresh. Keep fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in a separate container to prevent sogginess. Avocado slices are best added fresh just before serving. For meal prep, layer rice and chicken, then add toppings when ready to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative that still soaks up sauce well
  • Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor
  • Use your favorite hot sauce or add a touch of honey if you prefer milder, slightly sweet heat
  • Crisp celery sticks or carrot batons make great crunchy additions if you like more veggies

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side so everyone can control the creaminess
  • Add toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips on top for a surprising crunch and nuttiness
  • A small side of cucumber salad with lemon juice and dill refreshes the palate and brightens the meal visually

Cultural Context

A bowl of chicken with blue cheese and ranch dressing. Bookmark
A bowl of chicken with blue cheese and ranch dressing. | ioanacooks.com

Buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo, New York, famous for spicy chicken wings. This recipe takes that classic American bar food flavor and transforms it into a balanced bowl meal that combines bold heat with cooling and fresh elements, perfect for everyday dining or casual entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for these bowls?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well as they cook evenly and absorb the sauce nicely, remaining tender and juicy.

→ Can I use a different base instead of rice?

Absolutely. Cauliflower rice or quinoa make great alternatives and add a different texture while keeping the meal light.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce to suit your taste, adding more for extra heat or reducing it for milder flavor.

→ What are good toppings to add for extra flavor?

Try sliced avocado for creaminess, toasted pepitas for crunch, or fresh celery sticks on the side for a classic spicy pairing.

→ How should leftovers be stored to keep flavors fresh?

Store the buffalo chicken and rice separately from fresh toppings in airtight containers to prevent sogginess and keep veggies crisp.

→ Can this meal be prepared ahead for convenience?

Yes, cook and store each component separately, then assemble just before eating to maintain texture and taste.

Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Spicy buffalo chicken paired with crisp veggies and cheese served over rice for a quick, tasty meal.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 buffalo chicken bowls)

Dietary Preferences: No Gluten

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Protein

Ingredient 01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Sauce

Ingredient 02 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
Ingredient 03 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cooking

Ingredient 04 2 tbsp olive oil
Ingredient 05 Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Base and Vegetables

Ingredient 06 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Ingredient 07 1 cup shredded lettuce
Ingredient 08 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Toppings

Ingredient 09 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient 10 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
Ingredient 11 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Ingredient 12 Optional: sliced avocado for topping

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Whisk together hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside to marinate.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pan.

Step 03

Sauté chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 04

Reduce heat to low, pour buffalo sauce over chicken, and stir to coat evenly. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 05

Divide cooked rice evenly into serving bowls as a foundation.

Step 06

Spoon coated chicken over the rice in each bowl, allowing extra sauce to seep through.

Step 07

Top with shredded lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes for crunch and freshness.

Step 08

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over bowls and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Step 09

Scatter thinly sliced green onions on top. Optionally, add avocado slices for creaminess. Serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. For a healthier alternative, substitute cooked rice with cauliflower rice.
  2. Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of hot sauce used.
  3. Store components separately for meal prep to maintain texture: chicken and rice together, fresh toppings separately.
  4. Reheat chicken and rice separately before assembling to preserve freshness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from butter, cheese, and dressing

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 550
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Amount: ~