Description
These Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls offer a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring tender, spicy chicken paired with seasoned black beans, brown rice, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these bowls can be easily prepared on the stovetop and are ideal for meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 (8 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon olive or canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Vegetables and Beans
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup canned low sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
Sauce and Other
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s)
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup part-skim cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheddar)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add the diced red onions and cook them until they are slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Beans: Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the pot with onions. Season with paprika, cumin, and kosher salt. Stir well to combine and continue heating for 3 to 4 minutes until the beans are warmed through and aromatic.
- Cook the Chicken: While the beans cook, heat a large skillet over high heat. Spray the skillet with oil to prevent sticking, then add the diced chicken breasts. Cook for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to brown the chicken evenly and ensure it is cooked through in the center.
- Toss Chicken with Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and toss it thoroughly with the buffalo sauce, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, spoon 3/4 cup of cooked brown rice. Top each with 1/4 cup of the warm black beans mixture and sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beans and rice. Distribute the buffalo chicken over the prepared bases.
- Melt the Cheese (Optional): If serving immediately, microwave the assembled bowls for about 30 seconds to melt the cheddar cheese for a gooey texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish each bowl by sprinkling with chopped scallions for a fresh bite and serve hot.
- Meal Prep and Storage: These bowls can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave each bowl for about 3 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the cheese melts again.
Notes
- You can substitute dairy cheddar with a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free option.
- Use low sodium black beans to control salt levels and make the dish healthier.
- Adjust the level of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference.
- This recipe is ideal for meal prep and can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Microwaving the assembled bowl briefly melts the cheese for a better texture when eating immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
