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    Home » Recipes » Lunch + Dinner

    Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls

    Published: Mar 17, 2023 by Nicole Addison · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    These buffalo chicken rice bowls are full of fresh veggies, crispy buffalo chicken, and topped with a creamy ranch dressing. Nutritious, easy, AND packed with flavor!

    Buffalo chicken rice bowls served with ranch.

    It's time for another 30 minute balanced meal! If you loved my buffalo chicken spaghetti squash casserole, this one's for you.

    I've been making these buffalo chicken rice bowls all week and knew I had to share. It's one of those meals that literally everyone agrees on, making it a serious repeat recipe in my house. Not only is it full of fresh ingredients, flavor, and the crispiest air fryer buffalo chicken tenders, but it's super customizable so you can make it exactly to your preference.

    I also get asked a lot about balanced meals, so let's break this one down! These buffalo chicken rice bowls make the perfect balanced meal because we've got carbohydrates and fibre from the rice and veggies, protein from the chicken, and healthy fats from the amazing creamy ranch dressing. That's right: ranch can be part of a healthy diet! And no, I'm not talking about the low calorie version.

    The other thing I love about this recipe is how meal prep friendly it is. Prep all your ingredients at once, and you've got lunches ready for the whole week. It's that easy!

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for bowls including ranch, feta, rice, and veggies.
    • Rice
    • Buffalo chicken
    • Romaine lettuce
    • Cherry tomatoes
    • Feta cheese or blue cheese
    • Green onions
    • Celery
    • Carrots

    Instructions

    Adding rice to a bowl.

    Cook rice according to package instructions. Prep and cook a batch of my buffalo chicken tenders

    Assembling veggies and toppings in rice bowl.

    To assemble your bowls add a layer of rice to each bowl, add a handful (about 1 cup) of romaine lettuce and top with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, green onions, celery and carrots.

    Topping rice bowls with buffalo chicken and serving with ranch dressing.

    Finish with buffalo chicken tenders and drizzle with creamy ranch dressing. 

    Substitutions and Variations

    To make vegetarian: Swap out the buffalo chicken for this air fryer buffalo tofu.

    To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

    To make dairy-free: Use a dairy-free ranch sauce (I like Primal Kitchen) and omit the feta (or swap for a dairy-free cheddar).

    Feel like I missed a topping you love? Don’t worry, the great thing about bowls like this is you can add whatever ingredients that sound good to you. Let your taste buds and kitchen inventory guide you!

    I also understand that not everyone has time to make my buffalo chicken tenders from scratch. Make this recipe even easier for yourself by using store-bough chicken tenders, or coating grilled chicken in buffalo sauce.

    Equipment

    • Rice cooker or pot

    Storage

    These buffalo chicken rice bowls are best kept with all ingredients stored separately. Keep the dressing and all fresh ingredients in their own containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    If you're making these bowls for a meal prep, just prep all ingredients ahead of time and assemble the bowls morning-of for an easy packed lunch!

    Top Tip

    I like making bowls like this for a fun "self-assemble" family meal to switch things up. To do this, simply prep all your toppings and let each person build their own bowl. This way, everyone has their meal the exact way they like it!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I get ranch seasoning?

    You can make your own by combining the following: salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley and dill. Alternatively, you can also purchase pre-mixed ranch seasoning at the grocery store! Trader Joe's, Hidden Valley, and Club House all make a product like this.

    I’m sick of salads! Do you recommend any other ways to eat this bowl?

    I love switching up this recipe by adding the ingredients to a tortilla for the BEST buffalo chicken wrap.

    Is this ranch dressing healthier than store-bought?

    It depends what your definition of healthy is! I don't think there's anything wrong with store-bought ranch, but I like making my own at home so I can add some Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

    Close up of buffalo chicken bowls served with ranch dressing.

    More Easy Meal Ideas

    If you're a fan of rice bowls, try out these other fun recipes on the blog!

    • Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls
    • Simple Turkey Burrito Bowls
    • Easy Big Mac in a Bowl
    • Easy Shrimp with Mango Salsa Bowls

    PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these buffalo chicken rice bowls, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!

    Buffalo chicken rice bowls served with ranch dressing.
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    Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls

    These buffalo chicken rice bowls are full of fresh veggies, crispy buffalo chicken, and topped with a creamy ranch dressing. Nutritious, easy, AND packed with flavor!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: 30 minute meals, Bowls, high protein, meal prep
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 645kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup rice dry
    • 1 batch of buffalo chicken tenders
    • 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
    • ½ cup feta cheese crumbled (or blue cheese)
    • ¼ cup green onions diced
    • 1 cup celery diced
    • 1 cup carrots shredded

    Creamy Ranch Dressing

    • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
    • 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning powder

    Instructions

    • Cook rice according to package instructions. Prep and cook a batch of my buffalo chicken tenders.
    • To assemble your bowls add a layer of rice to each bowl, add a handful (about 1 cup) of romaine lettuce and top with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, green onions, celery and carrots. Finish with buffalo chicken tenders and drizzle with creamy ranch dressing.

    Notes

    *I have included an estimation of the nutrition information for this recipe below. However, always remember a recipe is so much more than just nutritional content and these numbers do not need to dictate your food choices. Please don't forget that both your body and soul need nourishment! The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.
     
    My SUPER easy air fryer buffalo chicken tender recipe can be found HERE!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 645kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 3439mg | Potassium: 1085mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 10492IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 9mg

    More Healthy-ish Lunch and Dinner Recipes

    • Mexican tuna salad served with chips and cucumbers.
      Mexican Tuna Salad
    • Air fryer buffalo chicken tenders cut in half.
      Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
    • Zucchini and edamame fritters served with dip.
      4 Ingredient Zucchini and Edamame Fritters (High Protein) 
    • Pesto chicken quinoa bowls with whipped feta dressing.
      Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls

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    Nicole Addison, RD, MHSc

    I’m Nicole, a Registered Dietitian, recipe developer and content creator on a mission to help individuals rediscover the joys of cooking with easy, accessible, healthy recipes. After years of struggling to find balance I have finally found that there is a way nourish your body while also fueling your soul.

    On my page you'll find yummy recipes, wellness tips, and even some of my favourite travel and lifestyle recommendations!

    More about me →

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