Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl

Hey y'all! Ready for a hearty meal that combines the bold, spicy flavor of Buffalo chicken with the wholesome goodness of grains and veggies? This Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl is packed with tender, saucy chicken, nutty grains, and crisp, vibrant toppings. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for your busy week. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl

• Big, bold flavors from spicy Buffalo chicken paired with creamy ranch and fresh veggies.
• Easy-to-customize and perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Loaded with nutritious grains, lean protein, and fiber-rich vegetables.
• Both satisfying and light, ideal for lunch or dinner any day of the week.
• Gluten-free option and simple ingredient swaps for every diet.

Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• ½ cup Buffalo sauce (choose your favorite brand)
• 4 cups cooked grains (quinoa, brown rice, or farro)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing (plus more to serve)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking.
3. Rub both sides of the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Bake (or Grill) the Chicken

1. Place chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, grill for 6-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
3. Remove, let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 3: Toss with Buffalo Sauce

1. Add sliced chicken to a bowl, pour Buffalo sauce over, and toss to thoroughly coat.

Step 4: Assemble the Grain Bowls

1. Divide cooked grains evenly between four bowls (about 1 cup each).
2. Top with Buffalo chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded carrots, and red onion.
3. Add a sprinkle of blue cheese and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Notes for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Buffalo sauce for 30 minutes before cooking (learn more about marinating at Bon Appétit).
• Any hearty grain works—try it with brown rice or farro for different textures.
• Buffalo sauce heat varies, so taste and adjust according to your spice preference (see how to make your own Buffalo sauce).

Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for crispy baked tofu or chickpeas tossed in Buffalo sauce.
• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of grains for a lighter, grain-free base.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add hummus, cucumber, and Kalamata olives for a tangy flavor boost.

Required Equipment for Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl

• Baking sheet (or grill)
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowls

Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl Storage & Shelf Life

• Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat chicken and grains before assembling to keep the veggies fresh and crisp.

Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Pair with a cool cucumber salad or a simple green salad.
• Enjoy with a crisp hard cider or an icy cold lemonade—delicious!

Pro Tips for Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl Success

• Let the chicken rest before slicing so it's extra juicy.
• Use pre-cooked grains or leftover rice to save time, especially for meal prep (see Cooking Light's guide to grains).
• Toss hot chicken with sauce just before serving for maximum flavor without sogginess.

Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl FAQ

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl?

It depends on the Buffalo sauce you use—choose a mild or hot variety and adjust to your spice preference.

Can I make it ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! Store all components separately and assemble just before eating for the freshest flavor and texture.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes! Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dressing for a totally dairy-free bowl.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes

★★★★★ 4.80 from 32 ratings

Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl

yield: 4 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 20 mins

total: 40 mins

A flavorful Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl featuring spicy grilled chicken, wholesome grains, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a balanced and satisfying dinner.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. 1
   In a medium bowl, toss sliced chicken breasts with olive oil, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. 2
   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
3. 3
   Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly among four serving bowls.
4. 4
   Top each bowl with grilled buffalo chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and crumbled blue cheese.
5. 5
   Drizzle each bowl with ranch dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 450 caloriescal

Protein: 36gg

Fat: 17gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 38gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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