Introduction

The Buffalo Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for game day or any casual meal. Packed with spicy buffalo chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty rice, it offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. This recipe comes together quickly and can be customized to your liking.

A bowl filled with three distinct layers: white rice on the right side with a fluffy texture, diced green avocado pieces next to the rice showing a smooth and creamy texture, and cubed chicken pieces on the left side covered in orange sauce with a shiny, slightly thick coating. The chicken is garnished with chopped green herbs scattered on top. The bowl is a dark speckled ceramic placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred similar bowl in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, drained (canned or frozen)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook your chicken using your preferred method such as rotisserie, boiling, grilling, or baking. Once cooked, let it cool, then shred it and place into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Pour buffalo sauce over the shredded chicken and mix well. Adjust the sauce to your desired spice level and set aside.
Step 3: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice with 2 cups of water or chicken broth and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Step 4: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 5: Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes. If using frozen corn, thaw it by running under warm water or microwaving briefly, then drain.
Step 6: Dice the avocado just before assembly and optionally squeeze lime juice over it to prevent browning.
Step 7: Assemble the bowls by starting with a scoop of cooked rice at the bottom. Add a layer of buffalo chicken on top of the rice.
Step 8: Arrange black beans on one side and corn on the other. Place halved cherry tomatoes next to the beans and corn.
Step 9: Add diced avocado on top of the chicken or on the side. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the bowl.
Step 10: Top with chopped green onions and drizzle ranch dressing if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro if using.
Step 11: Serve immediately while warm. You can prepare components ahead and assemble just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and added flavor.
Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a milder variation.
Add cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different grain base.
Include jalapeño slices or hot sauce for extra heat.
Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing for a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo chicken, rice, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and rice thoroughly before assembling fresh bowls. Add the fresh ingredients like avocado and tomatoes just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with three main layers is shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is white rice with a soft and fluffy texture. Above the rice, there are chunks of grilled chicken covered in bright orange sauce, speckled mildly and garnished with fresh chopped green herbs scattered evenly on top. To one side of the chicken, there are slices of fresh avocado arranged neatly, showing light green inner flesh with darker green edges. The bowl is white, and the image has a close-up, warm tone look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken that is properly thawed. Just shred it and proceed with mixing the buffalo sauce as directed.

Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust the amount of sauce or substitute with a milder sauce if you prefer less heat.