When the craving for something bold and spicy hits—like a buffalo kick that dances on the tongue—my mind always drifts to a recipe that somehow balances indulgence with health. Buffalo chicken rice bowls. Oh yes, these beauties are the epitome of comfort food, but with a nutritious twist that makes my heart (and stomach) sing.
Picture this: tender chunks of chicken smothered in tangy buffalo sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, all topped with crispy veggies. It’s like the perfect storm of flavors, crashing together in a way that makes you wonder why you haven’t tried this sooner.
It’s the kind of dish that gets you excited to eat healthy, if you can believe it. And, if you’re like me and often find yourself glued to the latest food trends on TikTok, you probably already know that rice bowls are having their moment in the sun. So, why not join in on the fun?
Steps
- Begin by heating oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add diced red onions and cook until they are slightly caramelized, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Stir in rinsed and drained black beans along with paprika, cumin, and salt. Cook this mixture for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until thoroughly heated.
- In a separate large skillet, heat it over high heat and spray with oil. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes, ensuring to flip them for even cooking.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl and coat with buffalo sauce, ensuring every piece is well covered.
- To assemble the bowls, place about 3/4 cup of cooked brown rice in each serving bowl. Top the rice with 1/4 cup of the black bean mixture and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Divide the chicken among the bowls, placing it over the cheese. If consuming immediately, microwave the bowls for 30 seconds to melt the cheese.
- Garnish each bowl with chopped scallions before serving. For meal prep, store the assembled bowls in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheat them in the microwave for about 3 minutes when ready to eat.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (each 8 ounces), diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon olive or canola oil
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup low-sodium black beans, canned, rinsed, and drained
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s)
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim cheddar cheese or dairy-free cheddar
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1940 kcal | Carbohydrates: 190 g | Protein: 198 g | Fat: 38 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 536 mg | Sodium: 4800 mg | Fiber: 28 g | Sugar: 6 g
FAQ
- Can I substitute the brown rice with another type of grain?
- Yes, you can replace brown rice with white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- How long can I store the Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls in the fridge?
- You can store the prepared bowls in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them an excellent option for meal prep.
- Is there a way to make these bowls less spicy?
- To reduce the spiciness, you can use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder hot sauce alternative.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely, feel free to substitute part-skim cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese option or any other cheese you prefer.
- What are some additional toppings I can add to the bowls?
- You can enhance your Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls by adding toppings like avocado, a side salad, or even some chopped fresh vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips
- Caramelize Onions: To enhance the flavor of your dish, allow the onions to caramelize slightly before adding the black beans and spices. This step will add a subtle sweetness that complements the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
- Customize Your Carbs: Feel free to swap out the brown rice for white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice, depending on your dietary preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
- Efficient Meal Prep: For efficient meal prepping, layer the ingredients in individual glass containers, storing them in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it easy to grab a quick, nutritious meal during the busy week.
- Cheese Melting Tip: If you’re planning to eat the bowls immediately, microwave them for 30 seconds after assembly to melt the cheese, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
Equipment
- Medium pot: If you don’t already own a medium-sized pot for cooking the onions and beans.
- Large skillet: A large skillet is needed to cook the chicken.
- Oil spray bottle: For spraying oil in the skillet.
- Glass meal prep containers: For storing the prepared Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls for later consumption.
