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Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls feature tender, shredded chicken tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice with fresh veggies and a creamy homemade high-protein ranch dressing. Perfect for a flavorful, macro-friendly, and gluten-free meal that you can easily prepare using a slow cooker or Instant Pot.


Ingredients

Scale

Buffalo Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
  • 1/4 cup melted ghee (or butter)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Ranch Dressing

  • 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (substitute mayo for dairy-free)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
  • 1 tsp dried chives
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)

Rice and Veggies

  • 1 cup brown or white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup Blue Cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a slow cooker or Instant Pot, combine the chicken breasts with the hot sauce, melted ghee, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Cook on low for 3 hours in a slow cooker or use the poultry setting on the Instant Pot. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it well with the buffalo sauce.
  2. Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions until fluffy. Use either brown or white rice based on your preference, ensuring it complements the buffalo chicken well.
  3. Mix the Ranch Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, almond milk, fresh dill, dried chives, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust salt to taste for a flavorful, creamy dressing.
  4. Prepare the Veggies: Dice the cucumber, slice the carrots into matchsticks, and dice the red onion. These fresh vegetables add a crisp texture and balance the spicy chicken.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl. Top with a generous portion of shredded buffalo chicken, then add the fresh veggies on top. Drizzle or dollop the homemade ranch dressing over the bowl.
  6. Add Final Touches: Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles (if using) and chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and garnish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • These Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls are easily prepared in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience and tender chicken.
  • The homemade ranch dressing is high in protein and dairy-based but can be adapted to dairy-free using mayo.
  • Choose brown or white rice depending on your carb preference; brown rice adds more fiber.
  • Optional blue cheese crumbles add a traditional buffalo wing flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
  • Perfect for meal prep as they store well and reheat beautifully.
  • Macro-friendly and gluten-free recipe ideal for balanced diets.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 536 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1499 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.02 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg