Name: Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless & skinless; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp dried basil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp unsalted butter; ⅓ cup buffalo sauce; ½ cup sour cream; 2 cloves garlic; ¼ tsp apple cider vinegar; 3-4 Tbsp fresh chives; 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp salt (more to taste); ½ cup long grain rice, uncooked; 4 Tbsp green onions, chopped; ¼ cup red onion, chopped; 1 small red bell pepper, chopped; ¼ cup banana peppers, chopped; ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced; ⅓ cup monterey jack, shredded (optional); fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re after a dish that brings serious flavor and texture to your table, these Buffalo Chicken Bowls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy, spice-kissed chicken tossed in zippy buffalo sauce, perched atop a mountain of fluffy rice, and crowned with crunchy, colorful vegetables, shredded cheese, and a cooling, herby ranch. Every forkful is a little bit spicy, a little creamy, and altogether irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game night, meal prepping for the week, or seeking a fun twist on chicken dinner, Buffalo Chicken Bowls are impossibly satisfying and totally customizable for every craving.

Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Bowls starts with their deceptively simple ingredient list: every item has a job to do, whether it’s adding punchy heat, cooling freshness, or a pop of color. Don’t skip any—each one plays a starring role in building up that unforgettable flavor and crunch!

Chicken breasts: Tender, lean, and perfect for soaking up all that buffalo magic; feel free to swap for thighs if you like a richer bite.
Garlic powder: Lends mellow savory depth to the chicken seasoning for truly craveable bites.
Dried basil: Adds an herby warmth that balances the tang of the buffalo sauce.
Salt and pepper: Classic seasoning essentials to bring out the best in your chicken and veggies.
Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully and keeps everything moist.
Unsalted butter: Swirled into the sauce for a velvety finish and extra flavor.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show—choose your favorite store-bought brand for consistent heat and tang.
Sour cream: The base for your herby ranch, bringing luscious tang to cool the spicy chicken.
Fresh garlic: For a burst of sharpness in the homemade ranch that’s simply unmatched.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds an acidic bite to your ranch for the perfect contrasting zing.
Fresh chives and cilantro: These two herbs make the ranch next-level fresh and delicious—use more for extra pop.
Onion powder: Another layer of savory in the homemade ranch, don’t skip it!
Long grain rice: The fluffy foundation for your bowls; basmati or jasmine both work beautifully.
Green onions: Sprinkle on for fresh flavor and a satisfying bite.
Red onion: Adds a crisp, zesty crunch to every forkful.
Red bell pepper: For a splash of color and sweet, juicy texture.
Banana peppers: Tangy and mildly spiced, these are a zippy addition that wakes up the bowl.
Cucumber: Sliced thin for refreshing crunch, balancing spice and richness.
Monterey Jack cheese (optional): Shredded cheese melts into the warm chicken for a gooey, creamy bite.
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds even more freshness and an herby finish.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Rice and Prep the Veggies

Start off by getting your rice cooking according to the package directions—usually about 20 minutes for perfectly fluffy grains. While the rice simmers, gather all your vegetables and chop them up. Prepping the produce first keeps everything organized and helps assembly go quickly later on. Cut the chicken breasts (or thighs, if you’re feeling decadent) into bite-sized cubes for speedy, even cooking.

Step 2: Sizzle and Season the Chicken

Season your chicken cubes generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces and let them brown on all sides, turning occasionally, until they’re golden outside and reach 165ºF inside—about 12 minutes. Browning is key for juicy, flavorful chicken that stands up to the bold buffalo sauce!

Step 3: Whip Up the Herby Ranch Dressing

While your chicken cooks, make the coolest, freshest ranch around. In a small blender or food processor, combine sour cream, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic, fresh chives, cilantro, and a splash of water. Blend until smooth and creamy—you can add more chives or cilantro for extra herby punch. Taste and season with a pinch more salt or pepper if desired. This dressing is ultra-refreshing and totally makes these Buffalo Chicken Bowls sing.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, lower the heat and add buffalo sauce plus a tablespoon of butter right to the pan. Stir gently as the butter melts and the sauce bubbles up, coating every morsel in spicy, buttery goodness. Let it heat through just until everything’s glossy, steamy, and ready to serve.

Step 5: Build Your Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Time for the fun part! Start with a scoop of rice in each bowl. Pile on the saucy buffalo chicken, scatter over shredded cheese, and top with red onion, green onions, red bell pepper, banana peppers, and sliced cucumber. Drizzle generously with the herby ranch and extra buffalo sauce if you like it hot. Finish with fresh cilantro for good measure, and dig in!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Garnishes

The right garnish turns a great bowl into a showstopper. For Buffalo Chicken Bowls, don’t be shy with chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of extra chives, or an extra pour of that dreamy ranch. If you love heat, a dash of hot sauce or extra buffalo sauce over the top is always a winner. Even sliced avocado can make it special and give a creamy contrast to the heat.

Side Dishes

Since these bowls are so hearty and satisfying, you honestly don’t need much on the side. But for big appetites, consider crispy potato wedges or a simple green salad tossed in ranch to echo those fresh herb flavors. Buttery corn on the cob or garlic breadsticks are also super fun, especially if you’re serving a crowd or want to stretch the meal even further.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun with Buffalo Chicken Bowls. Serve in colorful shallow bowls for restaurant-vibes or stack everything in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches. You can also lay out all the toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own bowl just how they like it—great for picky eaters or casual get-togethers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Buffalo Chicken Bowls store beautifully. Keep the chicken, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This way everything stays crisp and fresh, and you can easily build new bowls in moments. The ranch dressing will also keep in the fridge, covered, for 3 to 4 days without losing its herby punch.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked buffalo chicken and plain rice in separate freezer-safe bags or containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again. It’s best to slice and freeze veggies separately or add them fresh for the best crunch and flavor—frozen veggies can get watery after thawing.

Reheating

Warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep things juicy. Stir the ranch dressing before drizzling, and always add your veggies and garnishes fresh once everything’s warmed. With just a few minutes of effort, your Buffalo Chicken Bowls will taste freshly made all over again!

FAQs

Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Bowls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter and swap out the sour cream for a plant-based version in the ranch. Omit the cheese or use your favorite non-dairy shredded cheese—everything else will work just the same and you’ll still get that addictive spicy-creamy combo.

What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Bowls is how easily you can control the heat. Choose a mild buffalo sauce for less kick, or add extra for real spice-lovers. You can also mix in a little more sour cream or ranch to soften the heat if anyone at the table is sensitive to spice.

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

For a lightning-quick version, yes! Shred cooked chicken and warm it with the buffalo sauce and butter in a skillet until heated through. You’ll lose a bit of the from-scratch flavor, but it’s a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights or meal prep.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro or chives?

You can substitute dried herbs in the ranch if you’re in a pinch—use about one-third the amount. The flavor will be milder, but it’ll still offer plenty of freshness and herby oomph to your Buffalo Chicken Bowls.

Can I use quinoa or another grain instead of rice?

Definitely! Quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice all work as a hearty base for the spicy chicken and veggies. Feel free to mix and match with whatever grains you love or have on hand—it keeps things exciting, and the bowl is delicious every time.

Final Thoughts

With their bold flavors, vibrant colors, and endless customization, Buffalo Chicken Bowls are destined to become your weeknight dinner staple or crowd-pleasing party food. Give them a try and let your cravings and creativity take the lead—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!