Life as a busy mom can often feel like a balancing act between family meals and your packed schedule. That’s why quick, delicious recipes like Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a game-changer. This meal packs tons of flavor and comes together in no time, making it a perfect fit for your family dinner.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Bowls stand out because they are both easy to make and comforting for the whole family. With minimal prep, you can whip this dish up in about 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and fresh toppings makes it an instant winner for both kids and adults. Plus, you can do most of the cooking in one skillet, simplifying the cleanup process.
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
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.
Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Quick and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Bowls that come together in 30 minutes, perfect for busy families.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine hot sauce and melted butter. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low and pour the buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and allow to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare serving bowls with a base layer of cooked rice.
- Divide 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 dressing.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and add avocado slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to swap chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken or adjust spice levels to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to Serve
Buffalo Chicken Bowls make a great meal on their own, but you can also serve them with some warm bread or corn muffins on the side. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the flavors.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. These bowls will keep for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the bowl in the microwave until hot. You can also warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep things moist.
Tips and Variations
- Feel free to swap the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
- If your family prefers different toppings, try adding diced avocado, black beans, or even corn for extra flavor.
- Spice levels can be adjusted. Use less hot sauce if you’re cooking for little ones, or add more if you love the heat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and buffalo sauce ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of hot sauce?
You can experiment with barbecue sauce or a sweet chili sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Bowls are not just a meal; they’re a family favorite in the making. With their bold flavors and simple preparation, you can feel confident adding this recipe to your weekly rotation. Go ahead, give it a try, and save it for those busy nights when you need a comforting dish that your family will love.
