A quick and satisfying meal, this Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl combines spicy shredded chicken with tender rice, crisp vegetables, and a tangy blue cheese vinaigrette. Ready in about ten minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping hearty lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe requires no cooking beyond reheating leftover or rotisserie chicken and rice, yet delivers all the bold flavors of classic Buffalo wings. By using readily available ingredients, it transforms simple staples into a balanced bowl packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh produce. It’s also highly customizable and perfect for meal prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
5 teaspoons white wine vinegar
2 ounces blue cheese
¼ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of salt (optional)
Water (to thin the dressing, as needed)
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (meat only)
⅓ cup Buffalo sauce (hot or mild, to taste)
1 cup cooked brown rice
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
¾ cup chopped celery
¾ cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon sliced almonds
1 tablespoon blue cheese crumbles (optional topping)

directions

Prepare the Blue Cheese Vinaigrette. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, blue cheese, onion powder, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding 1–2 tablespoons of water to reach desired consistency. Set aside.
Sauce the Chicken. Place shredded chicken in a bowl, pour Buffalo sauce over it, and toss or use two forks to coat the meat evenly.
Chop and Combine. Chop the romaine, celery, and tomatoes. In a large bowl, combine the sauced chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Assemble the Bowls. Divide the mixture between two serving bowls. Garnish each with sliced almonds and optional blue cheese crumbles.
Finish and Serve. Drizzle the blue cheese vinaigrette over each bowl and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Extra crunch: Swap celery for diced bell pepper, cucumber, broccoli florets, or jicama.
Different dressing: Use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese vinaigrette for a milder flavor.
Southwest twist: Add black beans, grilled corn, shredded cheddar, and cilantro.
Grain alternative: Substitute quinoa, white rice, or cauliflower rice if preferred.

storage/reheating

Store the cooked rice and sauced chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep chopped vegetables and dressing chilled until serving. To reheat, microwave the chicken and rice together for 1–2 minutes until warmed through, then assemble the bowl and add fresh vegetables and dressing.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is most convenient, but shredded cooked chicken breast or thighs work equally well.

Can I make this bowl dairy-free?

Yes. Omit the blue cheese and use a dairy-free vinaigrette or ranch alternative.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level depends on the Buffalo sauce you choose. Use a mild sauce or reduce the amount for less spice.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?

You can shred the chicken, cook the rice, and chop vegetables up to a day in advance. Assemble just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, provided you use certified gluten-free Buffalo sauce and dressings.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Combine and reheat when ready to eat.

Can I freeze this dish?

It is not recommended to freeze once assembled, as the vegetables and dressing lose their texture. You may freeze the chicken and rice separately for up to two months.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to include sliced avocado, chopped green onions, shredded carrots, or toasted seeds for extra flavor and texture.

How do I adjust the dressing consistency?

Add water a teaspoon at a time until the vinaigrette reaches your preferred thickness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Simply double all ingredients to serve four bowls or to meal-prep additional servings.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl delivers the fiery tang of Buffalo sauce in a convenient, well-balanced format. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, it’s a versatile recipe you can adapt to suit any taste or dietary need. Whether you need a quick dinner or meal-prep solution, this bowl has you covered.