Easy Buffalo Chicken Bowls
If you’re craving bold flavor with minimal effort, these Easy Buffalo Chicken Bowls are your answer! Packed with spicy buffalo chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing, this meal is the perfect combo of comfort and freshness—all in one bowl.
I first made these buffalo chicken bowls during a busy week when I was low on time but craving something exciting for dinner.
Inspired by game day flavors and quick meal prep, this recipe quickly became a go-to in my kitchen.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for lunch meal prep all week long.
Why You’ll Love This
1. Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
2. Great for Meal Prep – Store components separately or assembled for grab-and-go lunches.
3. Bold & Balanced Flavor – Spicy buffalo sauce, cool ranch, and crisp veggies make every bite delicious.
4. Customizable – Use rice, cauliflower rice, or lettuce as the base, and add your favorite toppings!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Cuisines: American
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $12
Equipment:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the buffalo chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- Optional: sliced avocado, green onions, or pickled jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Add buffalo sauce: Lower heat and pour in buffalo sauce and butter. Stir until chicken is well coated and sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- Prep the bowl base: While the chicken cooks, warm your rice (or prepare cauliflower rice) and chop all fresh vegetables.
- Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of rice or greens, then top with buffalo chicken, fresh veggies, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- Drizzle and serve: Finish with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Serve immediately or store in meal prep containers for later.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
Tips for Success
1. Use pre-cooked rice to cut down on prep time. Frozen rice pouches work great!
2. Don’t overcook the chicken – keep it juicy by cooking just until done.
3. Adjust heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce.
4. Store components separately if meal prepping to keep veggies crisp.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
For the buffalo chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup buffalo wing sauce like Frank’s RedHot
- 1 tbsp butter optional, for a richer flavor
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the bowls
- 2 cups cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling
- Optional: sliced avocado green onions, or pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Add buffalo sauce: Lower heat and pour in buffalo sauce and butter. Stir until chicken is well coated and sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- Prep the bowl base: While the chicken cooks, warm your rice (or prepare cauliflower rice) and chop all fresh vegetables.
- Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of rice or greens, then top with buffalo chicken, fresh veggies, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- Drizzle and serve: Finish with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Serve immediately or store in meal prep containers for later.
Notes
2. Don’t overcook the chicken – keep it juicy by cooking just until done.
3. Adjust heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce.
4. Store components separately if meal prepping to keep veggies crisp.
Common Questions
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just shred it and warm with buffalo sauce for a shortcut.
2. What’s the best dressing to pair with buffalo chicken?
Ranch and blue cheese are the classics, but avocado lime dressing also works well.
3. How do I make it low carb?
Use cauliflower rice or lettuce as the base instead of regular rice.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free ranch dressing. Most buffalo sauces are dairy-free, but double-check the label.
These Easy Buffalo Chicken Bowls bring together everything you love in one bite: bold flavor, crisp veggies, and comforting heat.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe delivers every time.
Enjoy and happy cooking!
