Name: Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or chopped; 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice; 2 cups lettuce or spinach; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1 avocado, sliced or diced; 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing; 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a bold, spicy, and satisfying meal that brings together tender chicken, hot buffalo sauce, and all my favorite toppings in one easy bowl. Whether I serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or lettuce, this meal packs flavor, crunch, and heat in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how customizable and easy these bowls are to make. The spicy buffalo chicken adds excitement to my usual meal rotation, and I can build the bowls exactly how I like them—whether I want to keep it low-carb, add extra veggies, or drizzle on some creamy ranch. It’s a meal that comes together quickly and still feels filling and fun. Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or chopped
Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
Lettuce or spinach
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Sliced cucumbers
Shredded carrots
Avocado, sliced or diced
Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar (optional)
Green onions for garnish

Directions

I start by cooking the chicken if it’s not already prepared. I usually season it with salt and pepper and cook it in a skillet until done, then shred or chop it.
I toss the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until it’s fully coated.
I prepare the base of my bowl—this could be rice, cauliflower rice, or a bed of lettuce.
I add the buffalo chicken on top and layer on my favorite toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and avocado.
I finish the bowl with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing and a sprinkle of green onions or cheese if I want it extra indulgent.
I serve the bowls warm or cold, depending on my mood.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 bowls and takes about 25 minutes total, especially if I have pre-cooked chicken or rice on hand. It’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week.

Variations

When I want a low-carb version, I swap the rice for cauliflower rice or extra greens. Sometimes I make it with grilled chicken or even leftover rotisserie chicken for extra convenience. If I’m not into blue cheese, I use shredded mozzarella or skip the cheese altogether. For extra crunch, I’ve added roasted chickpeas or chopped celery.

Storage/Reheating

I store the ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days. That way, nothing gets soggy, and I can reheat only the chicken and rice while keeping the veggies fresh. To reheat, I microwave the chicken and rice for 1–2 minutes, then assemble the bowl with the cold toppings. Buffalo Chicken Bowls

FAQs

What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?

I use any brand I like, but I always check the spice level. Some are milder, while others bring serious heat. I adjust the amount based on how spicy I want the chicken.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. I keep the components in separate containers and assemble the bowls when I’m ready to eat.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. I shred rotisserie chicken and toss it with buffalo sauce for a super quick version of this recipe.

What’s the best base for the bowls?

I switch between rice, cauliflower rice, or chopped lettuce. It depends on whether I want something light, low-carb, or more filling.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

It can be! I skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing like avocado mayo or a vegan ranch to make it completely dairy-free.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a spicy, fresh, and fun way to enjoy chicken with tons of bold flavor. I love how easy it is to mix and match ingredients to suit my mood or dietary goals. Whether I’m packing lunch or making a quick dinner, these bowls always deliver.