Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls

I kind of have a new obsession with bowls-& my Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls have made it to the top of the list. These bowls are loaded with smoky, tender grilled chicken thighs (or your choice of chicken), vibrant veggies, and a zippy, semi sweet buffalo sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner-bowls are always a healthy, flavorful meal, ready in minutes & filled with my favorite sauces and ingredients. Sign me up every day of the week please!

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Protein Packed, Quick, & Easy!

For this recipe, I opted for grilled chicken thighs for their juicy texture and unbeatable flavor, but don't worry-this dish is also perfect with rotisserie chicken, boneless skinless chicken breasts, or shredded chicken. All of this depends on the time you have to make this recipe. When I'm pinched for time, using rotisserie chicken allows me to have this bowl done in 15 minutes. Today, I went with the chicken thighs. Stick around, & I'll guide you through the steps to customize this recipe based on what you have on hand, so you can whip up a bowl that fits your schedule and preferences.

How to Make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Rice
• 4 Cups Chicken 
• 1 Cucumber 
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
• Pickled Red Onions
• Dressing of Choice ( I use Trader Joe's Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing)

Buffalo Sauce Recipe

• ½ Cup Hot Sauce
• 3 Tablespoons Honey
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Grill the Chicken Thighs

Start by seasoning 8 chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. A blend of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder works wonderfully. Heat your grill to medium-high and cook the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes, then chop or shred them.

Pro Tip: If grilling isn't an option, you can broil the chicken thighs at for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked. You could also use any other chicken you'd like!

• Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Cook boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Try tossing pre-cooked shredded chicken in buffalo sauce for another quick option.

Prepare the Rice

Cook 2 cups of your preferred rice according to package instructions. I like to use a rice cooker to make it easy! For a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice or quinoa. Keep the rice warm while assembling the other components.

Make the Buffalo Sauce

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup hot sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more honey for sweetness or extra hot sauce for heat. Toss the chicken int he sauce until each piece has a coat of the sauce.

Chop the Veggies

Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Drain and set aside the pickled red onions.

Assemble the Bowls

Start with a generous scoop of rice as the base. Top it with sliced or shredded grilled chicken thighs, then arrange the cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and pickled onions around the bowl. Drizzle everything with buffalo sauce and your choice dressing.

Customize Your Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls!

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken thighs with roasted chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based twist. Just toss in the buffalo toss and enjoy!

Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice or skip the rice altogether, adding extra veggies to fill out the bowl.

Make It Spicier: Add cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.

The Benefits of a Protein-Packed, Balanced Dinner

Having a protein-packed, balanced dinner is one of the best ways to support your overall health and keep your body energized. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a strong immune system. By pairing protein with a mix of vegetables and complex carbohydrates, like in these Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls, you're giving your body the nutrients it needs to thrive.

A dinner rich in protein helps regulate hunger hormones, keeps you fuller for longer and may reduce late-night snacking temptations. The balance of fiber from fresh veggies, like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red bell peppers, may supports healthy digestion and provide a steady release of energy. Including complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice or quinoa, adds an additional layer of long-lasting fuel and may help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Eating a well-balanced dinner is also great for recovery after a long day, whether you've been working out, managing a busy schedule, or just needing something nourishing to recharge. It gives your body the tools it needs to repair and reset, so you can wake up the next day feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever's next.

How to Meal Prep Bowls for the Week

One of the biggest perks of these Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls (and bowl recipes in general) is how well they work for meal prep. Here's how to make them ahead:

Cook in Batches: Grill a large batch of chicken thighs (or chicken of choice) and prepare a pot of rice at the start of the week.

Store Separately: Keep the chicken, rice, and veggies in separate containers to prevent sogginess.

Assemble When Ready: When it's time to eat, simply combine the ingredients, coat with buffalo sauce, and enjoy!

Reheat Carefully: Warm the chicken and rice before adding the fresh veggies and toppings to maintain the perfect texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls?
Absolutely! If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts are a great substitute. You can grill, bake, or poach them and then shred or slice them for your bowls. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.

Are Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls good for meal prep?
Yes! These bowls are perfect for meal prep. Grill the chicken thighs, cook the rice, and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store everything in separate containers and assemble your bowls when you're ready to eat.

What's the best type of rice to use in buffalo chicken rice bowls?
This recipe works well with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb option.

Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce for this recipe?
Of course! Store-bought buffalo sauce is a quick and convenient option. Just check the label for clean ingredients if you're aiming for a healthier choice.

How spicy are Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls?
The spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you use. If you're sensitive to heat, start with a milder hot sauce and balance it with extra honey or a dollop of dressing. Want more heat? Add extra hot sauce to crank up the spice level.

Can I freeze buffalo chicken bowls?
Yes, but with a few adjustments. You can freeze the grilled chicken thighs and rice, but avoid freezing the fresh veggies and pickled onions.

Can I make these Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! For slow-cooked buffalo chicken, place boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker with buffalo sauce and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Enjoy Your Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls!

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls are the perfect mix of bold flavors and simple ingredients, making them a go-to for quick dinners or weekly meal prep. With smoky grilled chicken thighs, crisp veggies, and a zesty buffalo sauce, they're endlessly customizable and easy to adapt to your preferences. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or throwing together a quick dinner, this recipe delivers big on flavor without overcomplicating your routine. It's wholesome, satisfying, and guaranteed to keep you coming back for more! ✨

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy

📖 Recipe