These Buffalo Chicken Bowls combine the bold, spicy flavors of Buffalo chicken with a healthy, colorful bowl base. The tender chicken is coated in Buffalo sauce, paired with rice or quinoa, avocado, corn, and tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner that’s both filling and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together crispy, spicy Buffalo chicken and the freshness of vegetables for a satisfying meal. The Buffalo sauce gives the chicken a bold kick, while the butter (optional) makes it extra creamy.
The bowl base is full of textures and flavors from rice or quinoa, avocado, corn, and shredded lettuce, topped off with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional).
Whether you prefer brown rice, white rice, or quinoa, this meal is easy to customize to your liking. It’s a great way to enjoy the comfort of Buffalo chicken while keeping the meal balanced and fresh!

Ingredient Highlights

Buffalo Chicken: The star of the bowl. The chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked until juicy, then coated in spicy Buffalo sauce for a bold, flavorful punch.
Rice or Quinoa: A filling base that adds heartiness to the dish. Brown rice, white rice, or quinoa all work perfectly.
Corn and Tomatoes: These fresh ingredients add a pop of color, sweetness, and texture to balance the spice of the chicken.
Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado adds a refreshing contrast to the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
Toppings: Optional ranch or blue cheese dressing, crumbled feta, and lime juice enhance the flavors and add a tangy finish.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce or paprika to suit your preferred level of heat. You can also add extra hot sauce for more spice.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender when slicing.
Use a Non-Stick Skillet: To prevent the chicken from sticking and to get a nice sear, use a non-stick skillet for cooking.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional), salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Coat in Buffalo Sauce

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter (optional) in the same skillet over low heat.
Add ½ cup Buffalo sauce and stir to combine.
Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and toss in the Buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Bowl Base

Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions.
Slice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the cilantro.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Start with a layer of rice or quinoa in each bowl.
Add shredded lettuce, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onions.
Top with the Buffalo chicken and drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the top.
Finish with crumbled feta, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Serving Ideas

These Buffalo Chicken Bowls can be served with extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, or sour cream for an added kick.
For a lighter option, you can swap the rice for lettuce for a Buffalo chicken salad.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stove. If needed, add a little extra Buffalo sauce to keep the dish flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and add a little extra flavor. Be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower to make it vegetarian. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Bowls are the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors. The crispy chicken, paired with the creamy avocado and tangy Buffalo sauce, makes for a satisfying and customizable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing a quick dinner for yourself, this dish is sure to be a favorite!