These Buffalo Chicken Bowls are packed with smoky grilled chicken, tossed in a healthy homemade buffalo sauce, with fresh veggies, and a creamy vegan dill dressing.
As a gluten-free, healthy recipe creator, I love crafting delicious recipes, healthy bowl recipes being one of my specialties, that taste incredible, are made with whole ingredients, and keep you full, like this buffalo chicken and rice bowl.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Recipe Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking Method: Grilling
- Main Ingredients: Chicken thighs, rice, buffalo sauce, veggies
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, high-protein
- Serves: 4
- Calories: 735 per bowl
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Made this for my family last night & my kids loved it!
- gina
These healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls are perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, offering a delicious high-protein meal.
If you love healthy buffalo chicken recipes, you're in the right place! I think you'll also love my High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip, Healthy Buffalo Chicken Crunch Wrap, Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Wings, or High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for planning your week.
- Healthy: Packed with protein, fresh veggies, & homemade buffalo sauce.
Key Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Bowls
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, & perfect for grilling.
- Buffalo Sauce: A blend of hot sauce and honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Veggies: The combination of cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, green onions, and cucumbers brings perfect flavor and crunch to this bowl!
Substitutions & Variations
- Base: Swap rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or shredded cabbage for a lighter or grain-free option.
- Protein: Replace chicken thighs with rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. If you prefer chicken breast, that works as well in this buffalo bowl.
- Vegetarian: Use roasted chickpeas, crispy tofu, or black beans for vegetarian options.
- Sauce & Spice: Use store-bought buffalo sauce if short on time. Add extra hot sauce, chili flakes, or sriracha for more heat.
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Bowls
- Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked, then let rest for a few minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Cook your rice according to the package instructions and keep it warm. In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, honey, and olive oil to make the buffalo sauce. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Step 3: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, green onions, and cherry tomatoes. Drain pickled onions or any other toppings you like.
- Step 4: Divide the rice among bowls, top with buffalo chicken, fresh veggies, and any pickled elements. Top with extra buffalo sauce, creamy dill dressing, feta or blue cheese, & serve immediately.
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Expert Tips
- Perfectly Grilled Chicken: Let chicken rest after cooking to stay juicy and slice evenly for consistent cooking.
- Buffalo Sauce Balance: Whisk hot sauce & honey. Adjust the sauce to be spicier or sweeter based on your preference.
- Prep for Meal Planning: Store cooked components separately to keep textures fresh when reheating.
- Cook Perfect Rice: For perfect rice, rinse it to remove excess starch, use a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio, bring to a boil, then simmer covered on low heat until the water is absorbed, and let it rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Dressing Suggestions
Dressing is optional in this recipe. When I use it, I usually reach for Trader Joe's Creamy Dill. Whole Foods also carries some healthier ranch options, or you can make your own with a simple Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.
Bowls are my favorite for lunch and dinner. If you love healthy chicken and rice bowl recipes, you have to try some of my favorites! My Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl, Southwest Chicken Bowls, 15 Minute Chicken Poke Bowls & Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Bowls are always a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but be mindful of cooking time to prevent drying out.
Absolutely, just store ingredients separately.
A mix of hot sauce and butter can work as a substitute.
High-Protein Chicken Bowls I Love
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment and rating below. Also, share it on socials to let others know what you think! Be sure to tag @entirelyemmy so I can share your masterpiece with my followers! ✨
📖 Recipe
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Rice
- 8 Chicken Thighs or 2 pounds
- 1 Cucumber
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 4 Green Onions chopped
- Pickled Red Onions for topping
Buffalo Sauce
- ½ Cup Hot Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Honey
Optional Toppings
- Creamy Dill Dressing from Trader Joe's
- Feta Cheese or Blue Cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked, then let rest for a few minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook your rice according to the package instructions and keep warm. In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, and honey, to make the buffalo sauce. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Dice cucumber, bell pepper, green onions, and cherry tomatoes. Drain pickled onions and prepare any other toppings you would like to add.
- Divide the warm base among bowls, top with buffalo chicken, fresh veggies, and pickled onions. Top with extra buffalo sauce, creamy dressing, feta or blue cheese, & serve immediately.
Notes
- Perfectly Grilled Chicken: Let chicken rest after cooking to stay juicy and slice evenly for consistent cooking.
- Buffalo Sauce Balance: Whisk hot sauce & honey. Adjust the sauce to be spicier or sweeter based on your preference.
- Prep for Meal Planning: Store cooked components separately to keep textures fresh when reheating.
- Cook Perfect Rice: For perfect rice, rinse it to remove excess starch, use a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio, bring to a boil, then simmer covered on low heat until the water is absorbed, and let it rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Nutrition
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Robin says
Made this for my family last night & it was a hit!
Gina says
Made this for my family last night & my kids loved it!
Emmy Clinton says
I’m so glad they were such a hit!