Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ cup buffalo sauce

2 tablespoons butter

2-3 cups lettuce, chopped

2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa, or cauliflower rice)

1 cup celery, sliced

1 cup carrots, shredded or sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, sliced

½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese)

½ cup ranch or blue cheese salad dressing

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, add buffalo sauce and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the chicken is fully coated. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: To assemble, divide chopped lettuce and cooked rice (or your preferred base) into serving bowls.

Step 6: Top each bowl with buffalo chicken, celery, carrots, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and blue cheese or shredded cheese.

Step 7: Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro.

Step 8: Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce or dressing on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or quinoa.

Substitute chicken thighs for breasts to keep the meat juicier and more flavorful.

Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the bowl to brighten the flavors.

Use your favorite hot sauce to adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.

Swap blue cheese for ranch if you prefer a milder dressing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be used. Simply heat it in the skillet with buffalo sauce and butter until warm and fully coated before assembling the bowl.

What can I substitute if I don’t have buffalo sauce?

You can substitute buffalo sauce with a mix of hot sauce and melted butter, or use your favorite spicy wing sauce. Adjust the heat level to your preference.