If you’re someone who loves the spicy kick of buffalo chicken but also craves something hearty and wholesome, you’re going to love this Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl. It’s the perfect mix of bold flavor, tender protein, and satisfying texture—all in one easy-to-make meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a flavorful meal prep option, or something new to spice up your weeknight routine, this bowl checks every box. It’s fast, flexible, and full of the tangy, fiery taste you know and love from buffalo wings—without the mess.
Let’s dive into how you can build this crave-worthy dish in your own kitchen.
What Is a Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl?
At its core, a Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl is comfort food reimagined with balance in mind. You layer all the flavor and heat of classic buffalo chicken over a bed of rice, then load it up with crisp veggies, creamy toppings, and whatever extras make your taste buds happy.
This bowl has it all—spicy flavor, crisp veggies, and a creamy finish in every bite. It’s packed with protein, easy to customize, and much better than ordering takeout.
Why You’ll Love It:
This dish hits the sweet spot between comfort food and something you can feel good about eating. If you love bold, spicy flavors, check out the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl or the crowd-pleasing Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls for similar takes with different heat profiles.
- It’s quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
- Adaptable for low-carb, dairy-free, or gluten-free diets
- A satisfying way to enjoy bold flavors with nutritious ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe. Most of the ingredients might already be in your fridge or pantry.
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer dark meat)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a go-to classic)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or use cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar
- 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional but amazing)
How to Make a Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
This recipe is ideal for beginners or anyone with a busy schedule. Here’s how to get it done in five easy steps.
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Season your chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook each side for about 6–7 minutes or until golden and fully cooked. Let it rest, then slice and toss with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
2. Prep the Base
While the chicken cooks, prepare your rice. You can use leftover rice, microwave rice, or cook fresh depending on your schedule. Divide it into bowls as your base layer.
3. Layer on the Good Stuff
Top the rice with your sliced buffalo chicken. Then pile on the veggies: shredded lettuce or cabbage, carrots, and creamy avocado slices.
4. Add the Finishing Touches
Crumble blue cheese or sprinkle on shredded cheddar. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing for that perfect creamy balance to the heat.
5. Serve and Enjoy
That’s it—your Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl is ready to go. Serve it warm or pack it up for the next day’s lunch.
Easy Variations to Try
You can switch things up however you like with this dish—feel free to get creative and make it your own.
Flavor and Ingredient Swaps:
- Grains: Swap rice for quinoa, farro, or couscous
- Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice
- Veggies: Try roasted sweet potatoes, cucumbers, or corn
- Extra heat: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
- Sauce switch: Use a spicy Greek yogurt sauce or avocado crema instead of ranch
Vegetarian Option:
Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu, tempeh, or even buffalo-seasoned chickpeas.
If you enjoy creamy elements and tangy toppings, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is another crave-worthy option to try next.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This bowl isn’t just tasty—it’s super meal-prep-friendly too.
How to Store:
- Keep the chicken, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Store dressings and avocado separately to prevent sogginess or browning
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave the chicken and rice until warm
- Add fresh toppings after heating for best taste and texture
Health Benefits of a Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
It might taste indulgent, but this bowl can actually be a balanced, nutrient-rich meal. Looking to maximize protein? Consider browsing the High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip if you’re also planning a snack or party platter with similar flavors.
Here’s why it works:
- High in protein from the chicken
- Fiber-packed if you use brown rice or add extra veggies
- Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil
- Low in sugar compared to store-bought bowls or wraps
- Easy to make gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep and store components separately, then assemble fresh before serving.
What buffalo sauce is best?
Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but you can use any buffalo-style sauce. For a homemade version, mix hot sauce with melted butter.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes—just make sure your buffalo sauce and dressing are gluten-free.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free ranch or avocado-based sauce instead.
Can I make it spicier or milder?
Yes! Use extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes for more heat, or dilute your buffalo sauce with a little honey or butter to tone it down.
Your New Favorite Bowl Awaits
The Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl is more than just another easy dinner—it’s a flexible, flavorful meal that brings the comfort of buffalo wings into a healthier, mess-free format. You get all the bold, spicy flavor you love, plus the freedom to build it exactly how you like it.
So next time you need a satisfying meal that delivers on taste and nutrition, give this bowl a shot. It’s quick, customizable, and might just become a weekly favorite.
Recipes You Might Love:
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa
- Rotisserie Chicken Fajita Bowls
- High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup buffalo sauce like Frank’s RedHot
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 avocado sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar
- 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing optional
- chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges Optional
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Let rest, then slice and toss in buffalo sauce until coated.
Prepare the Rice:
- While the chicken cooks, prepare rice according to package directions.
- Divide into two serving bowls.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Top each bowl of rice with buffalo chicken, shredded carrots, lettuce or cabbage, avocado, and cheese.
- Drizzle with dressing and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Serve:
- Enjoy warm, or store in meal prep containers for up to 4 days.
Notes
Reheat: Warm chicken and rice before adding fresh toppings.
