Recipes by Brad, Simple Recipes anyone can make

Buffalo Chicken Bowls (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

Creating the perfect buffalo chicken bowl starts with selecting quality ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in building this satisfying meal, from the protein base to the finishing touches.

Boneless Chicken Breast (2 pounds)

Chicken breast serves as the lean protein foundation for these bowls. Choose fresh, boneless breasts for even cooking and easy preparation. The mild flavor of chicken breast pairs perfectly with bold buffalo sauce, allowing the spicy flavors to shine while providing essential protein for a filling meal.

Buffalo Sauce (1/2 cup)

The star ingredient that gives these bowls their signature flavor. Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce or make homemade with hot sauce and butter. The tangy, spicy sauce coats the chicken beautifully and adds that classic buffalo wing taste without the mess of traditional wings.

Romaine Lettuce (2 heads, chopped)

Fresh romaine lettuce provides a crisp, refreshing base that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce. Its sturdy leaves hold up well under the warm chicken and dressing, while adding important vitamins and fiber to make these bowls more nutritious and satisfying.

Cherry Tomatoes (2 cups, halved)

Sweet cherry tomatoes add bursts of fresh flavor and vibrant color to contrast the spicy chicken. Their natural sweetness helps balance the heat from the buffalo sauce, while their juicy texture provides a pleasant contrast to the other bowl components.

Cucumber (1 large, diced)

Crisp cucumber adds refreshing crunch and helps cool down the spiciness of the buffalo chicken. Its mild flavor and high water content make it an excellent addition for texture variety while contributing to the overall freshness of the bowl.

Red Onion (1/2 medium, thinly sliced)

Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully. The slight bite from raw onion adds another layer of complexity to the flavor profile while contributing important antioxidants and nutrients to the meal.

Ranch Dressing (1/2 cup)

Creamy ranch dressing is the perfect cooling companion to spicy buffalo chicken. Its rich, herby flavor helps tame the heat while adding indulgent creaminess to each bite. Choose your favorite brand or make homemade for the freshest taste.

Blue Cheese Crumbles (1/2 cup)

Traditional blue cheese crumbles add authentic buffalo flavor and creamy texture. The sharp, tangy taste of blue cheese pairs naturally with buffalo sauce, creating that classic wing experience. Use quality cheese for the best flavor and texture results.

Celery Stalks (3 stalks, chopped)

Fresh celery provides the classic crunch associated with buffalo wings while adding fiber and nutrients. Its crisp texture and mild flavor make it an essential component that ties these bowls back to traditional buffalo wing accompaniments.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

Extra virgin olive oil helps cook the chicken to golden perfection while adding healthy fats to the meal. It creates a beautiful sear on the chicken breast and helps the buffalo sauce adhere better to the meat for maximum flavor coverage.

Ingredient close-up

# Instructions:

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly seasoned buffalo chicken bowls that rival any restaurant version. Each step builds upon the previous one to create layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly special.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces, for even cooking and easy eating. This size allows the buffalo sauce to coat each piece thoroughly while maintaining tender, juicy texture. Let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution throughout.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke. Add the cubed chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding which can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving the pieces, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear when pierced.

Step 3: Add Buffalo Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken pieces. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This simmering process helps the sauce thicken slightly and adhere better to the chicken while infusing every bite with that signature buffalo flavor. The sauce should coat the chicken like a glaze rather than pooling in the pan.

Step 4: Prepare Fresh Vegetables

While the chicken cooks, wash and thoroughly dry all vegetables to prevent watery bowls. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into small cubes, and slice the red onion as thinly as possible. Chop the celery into small pieces for easy eating. Having all vegetables prepared and ready makes assembly quick and efficient, keeping the lettuce crisp and fresh.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Start with a generous bed of chopped romaine lettuce in each serving bowl, creating a sturdy foundation for the other ingredients. Arrange the warm buffalo chicken on top of the lettuce, allowing some of the sauce to drizzle down into the greens. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and celery in colorful sections around the bowl, creating an appealing presentation that showcases each ingredient while making it easy to get a bit of everything in each bite.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings

Drizzle ranch dressing over the entire bowl, focusing on the areas with buffalo chicken to provide cooling contrast to the spicy sauce. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles generously over the top, allowing some to fall into the vegetables below. Add any additional toppings like chopped green onions or extra celery if desired. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm for the best contrast of temperatures and textures in every bite.