why make this recipe
Buffalo Chicken Protein Bowl is a tasty and fulfilling meal that gives you a good dose of protein. It combines tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and fresh veggies, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep!
how to make Buffalo Chicken Protein Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
- Optional: sliced avocado, for topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
Directions:
- Combine hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl, stirring until fully blended. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Lower heat to low and pour buffalo sauce over chicken. Stir to coat evenly and simmer for 3-5 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Divide cooked rice as a base into serving bowls. Top with buffalo chicken, then layer shredded lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over each bowl. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional avocado slices.
- Serve immediately while chicken is hot for optimal flavor and texture.
how to serve Buffalo Chicken Protein Bowl
Serve the Buffalo Chicken Protein Bowl warm, straight from the kitchen. It’s great as a quick meal or as part of a gathering. You can also serve it with extra hot sauce on the side for those who love a spicier bite!
how to store Buffalo Chicken Protein Bowl
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm.
tips to make Buffalo Chicken Protein Bowl
- For a milder dish, use less hot sauce or choose a milder brand.
- You can add other veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and flavor.
- If you’re in a hurry, using rotisserie chicken can save time while still giving great flavor.
variation
You can easily customize this bowl. Try swapping chicken for shredded turkey or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, switch the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different base.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the bowl right before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed can be gluten-free if you confirm that your hot sauce and dressings are gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the buffalo chicken part of the dish. Just make sure to store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Protein Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Optional: sliced avocado, for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl, stirring until fully blended. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Lower heat to low and pour buffalo sauce over chicken. Stir to coat evenly and simmer for 3-5 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Divide cooked rice as a base into serving bowls. Top with buffalo chicken, then layer with shredded lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over each bowl. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional avocado slices.