Pass the Health

Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls: A Spicy, Satisfying Power Bowl

When you’re craving something bold, protein-packed, and full of flavor, these Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls are the perfect solution. I love this recipe because it hits that perfect balance—spicy, cheesy, and hearty—while still being a wholesome meal you can feel good about. It’s great for lunch meal prep or a quick dinner when time is short but you want something filling and nutritious.

Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls These bowls are naturally high in protein and fiber, making them a fantastic fit for clean eating lifestyles, weight management plans, or anyone aiming to eat more balanced meals. They also adapt well to dairy-free diets and are completely gluten-free.

Why Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls Are a Healthy Choice

Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls deliver lean protein from chicken breast and black beans, complex carbs from brown rice, and healthy fats in small amounts. The spicy buffalo sauce adds flavor without the need for heavy dressings, while part-skim cheddar keeps the fat content in check. Plus, black beans are rich in fiber and essential minerals.

For more energizing clean meals like this, explore my lunch and dinner ideas for nutritious inspiration.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls

3 (8 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tsp olive or canola oil
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 cup canned low sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s)
3 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup part-skim cheddar cheese or dairy-free cheddar
1/4 cup chopped scallions

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls Step-by-Step

Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat.
Add the red onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until slightly caramelized.
Stir in the black beans, paprika, cumin, and salt. Cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over high heat. Lightly spray with oil.
Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, flipping to brown evenly on all sides until cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
To assemble, divide brown rice into bowls, top with the bean-onion mixture, buffalo chicken, cheese, and scallions.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 Bowl)

Calories: 485 kcal
Protein: 49.5g
Carbohydrates: 47.5g
Fat: 9.5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 134mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 1.5g

Nora’s Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls

Want extra veggies? Add chopped spinach, shredded carrots, or sautéed bell peppers.
Make it dairy-free with plant-based cheese and a vegan buffalo sauce.
Use quinoa instead of brown rice for a lower-carb, protein-rich base.
Double the chicken and beans to meal prep bowls for the whole week.
Store components separately to keep them fresh and reheat-friendly.

Looking for more smart meal prep ideas? Try my crustless quiche or air fryer chicken bites to mix up your routine.

Give These Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls a Try!

If you’re into bold flavors and healthy meals that don’t sacrifice satisfaction, these Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls are for you. I’d love to hear what you think—drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram if you share your bowl creation!

For more tips on nutritious meal planning, check out clean eating guidelines from the American Heart Association.

Did you try these Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls? I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments or see your delicious creation on Instagram!