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High Protein Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bowls - Spicy, Satisfying, and Meal-Prep Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Buffalo sauce: Your favorite bottled brand (mild, medium, or hot)
  • Ranch elements: Plain nonfat or 2% Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning packet (or dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
  • Rice or base: Cooked white or brown rice, or cauliflower rice for lower carbs
  • Veggies: Romaine or mixed greens, celery, carrots, red onion, cherry tomatoes, corn (fresh, canned, or frozen), and cucumber (optional)
  • Avocado: For creaminess and healthy fats (optional but great)
  • Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar/Monterey Jack (optional)
  • Oil and seasonings: Olive oil or avocado oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper
  • Fresh elements: Lime or lemon for a squeeze of acidity, chopped chives or green onions

Method
 

  1. Prep the rice or base: Cook rice according to package directions. For cauliflower rice, sauté in a little oil with salt and pepper until tender. Fluff and set aside.
  2. Mix the ranch yogurt: In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning. If using spices, combine yogurt with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Thin with a splash of water or lemon juice to make it drizzle-able. Chill.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Cook the chicken: - Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then chicken. Cook 4–6 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges. - Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Toss with buffalo sauce: Remove chicken from heat, rest 5 minutes, then slice or dice. Toss with enough buffalo sauce to coat. Add a squeeze of lemon or a knob of butter if you like it richer.
  6. Chop the veggies: Dice celery and carrots into small pieces for crunch. Halve cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice red onion. Chop romaine or greens. If using avocado, slice just before serving.
  7. Build the bowls: Add a base of rice or greens. Top with buffalo chicken, celery, carrots, tomatoes, corn, and onion. Add avocado and cheese if using.
  8. Drizzle and finish: Spoon or drizzle the ranch yogurt over the top. Garnish with chives or green onions and a squeeze of lime. Add extra buffalo sauce for more heat.
  9. Taste and adjust: Sprinkle a pinch of salt over tomatoes and greens if needed. Balance heat with more ranch or acidity with extra lime.