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Easy Buffalo Chicken Bowls - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Buffalo sauce: 1/2 cup (use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • Butter or ghee: 1–2 tablespoons, melted (optional, for a richer sauce)
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1–2 tablespoons for cooking
  • Base: 3 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Veggies: 1 cup diced celery, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup shredded carrots
  • Leafy greens: 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens (optional but recommended)
  • Cheese: 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded sharp cheddar
  • Creamy drizzle: Ranch or blue cheese dressing, to taste
  • Fresh elements: 1 avocado (sliced), 2 green onions (sliced), and a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Lemon or lime wedges: For serving

Method
 

  1. Prep the base: Cook rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. If using greens, wash and chop them.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Toss with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
  4. Buffalo it up: Lower heat to medium. Stir in Buffalo sauce and melted butter, if using. Simmer 1–2 minutes to coat the chicken and slightly thicken the sauce.
  5. Prep toppings: While the chicken cooks, chop celery, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, avocado, and green onions. Crumble cheese and rough-chop herbs.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of your base to each bowl. Top with greens. Spoon on the Buffalo chicken and any extra sauce from the pan.
  7. Finish with crunch and cream: Add celery, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, avocado, and cheese. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Sprinkle with green onions and herbs.
  8. Brighten it up: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime over the top to balance the heat. Taste and adjust salt or dressing.