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Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Bowls Recipe with Creamy Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy buffalo chicken bowl recipe featuring spicy buffalo chicken tossed in homemade creamy ranch dressing, served over a base of brown rice or quinoa with fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (dairy-free yogurt for vegan option)
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried dill or 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup shredded romaine or mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges, for squeezing

Instructions

  1. Cook 1 cup dry brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions; set aside and keep warm.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Pat chicken pieces dry and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from heat.
  5. In a large bowl, toss cooked chicken with buffalo hot sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Prepare veggies: halve cherry tomatoes, slice cucumber, shred carrots, and wash greens.
  7. Divide cooked rice or quinoa between bowls. Top with greens, buffalo chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots.
  8. Drizzle with creamy ranch dressing and sprinkle with blue cheese or cheddar if using.
  9. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking for crispiness. Cook chicken on medium-high heat to get a golden crust. Toss chicken in buffalo sauce after cooking to keep it crispy. Make ranch dressing ahead to deepen flavors. Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control spice level. Store components separately for best leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, buffalo chicken bowls, creamy ranch dressing, quick dinner, spicy chicken, healthy bowls, easy weeknight meal