Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
Are you ready to spice up your weeknight dinners? These Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls pack a punch with flavor, combining tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and wholesome ingredients for a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details of making these delightful bowls!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here’s what makes them so special:
– Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that will leave you wanting more.
– Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a complete meal on the table in no time.
– Health-Conscious: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish balances indulgence with nutrition.
– Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Gather These Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a handy list of ingredients:
- 38 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon olive or canola oil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup canned low sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Franks)
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup part-skim cheddar cheese, or dairy-free cheddar
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
Equipment at a Glance
Make sure you have these tools on hand to make your cooking experience smooth:
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing.
- Serving bowls: For assembling your delicious rice bowls.
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls, Made Easy
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls.
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive or canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Spices
Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced red onion, paprika, cumin, and kosher salt to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft.
Step 3: Incorporate the Beans and Sauce
Next, add the rinsed black beans and buffalo sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice
While the chicken mixture is simmering, make sure your brown rice is cooked. You can either use freshly cooked rice or heat up pre-cooked rice in the microwave.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
In serving bowls, start with a generous scoop of cooked brown rice. Top it with the buffalo chicken mixture, then sprinkle with part-skim cheddar cheese and chopped scallions for a fresh finish.
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
If you’re looking for low-carb or keto-friendly options, consider these substitutions:
- Replace brown rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Use shredded zucchini instead of rice for a veggie-packed base.
- Opt for a sugar-free buffalo sauce to keep your dish low in carbs.
Slip-Ups to Skip
To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls come out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry; aim for juicy and tender pieces.
- Don’t skip rinsing the black beans; this reduces sodium and improves flavor.
- Be mindful of your portion sizes to keep the meal balanced and healthy.
How to Store & Reheat
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case!), here’s how to store and reheat your Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Common Qs About Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?
If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, you can try BBQ sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free, this recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls, you might also like:
- Spicy Chickpea Buddha Bowl
- Teriyaki Chicken Quinoa Bowls
- Mediterranean Veggie Rice Bowls
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
Wrap-Up
These Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls are the perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. With tender chicken, zesty sauce, and a hearty base, you’ll find yourself craving this dish again and again.
So gather up your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to impress. Happy cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive or canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced red onion, paprika, cumin, and kosher salt to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft.
- Next, add the rinsed black beans and buffalo sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- While the chicken mixture is simmering, make sure your brown rice is cooked. You can either use freshly cooked rice or heat up pre-cooked rice in the microwave.
- In serving bowls, start with a generous scoop of cooked brown rice. Top it with the buffalo chicken mixture, then sprinkle with part-skim cheddar cheese and chopped scallions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a low-carb option, replace brown rice with cauliflower rice.
- Don’t skip rinsing the black beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
