Description
A quick and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl recipe combining tender chunks of spicy buffalo chicken with seasoned black beans, brown rice, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with fresh scallions for a satisfying and balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 8 ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon olive or canola oil
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Franks)
Beans and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup canned low sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Rice and Toppings
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup part-skim cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheddar)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add the diced red onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize slightly and turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Beans: Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the onions along with paprika, cumin, and kosher salt. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: While the beans are cooking, preheat a large skillet over high heat. When hot, spray with oil and add the cubed chicken breasts. Cook for about 5 minutes, flipping to brown all sides and ensure the chicken is cooked through in the center.
- Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and toss it thoroughly with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble Bowls: To serve, spoon approximately 3/4 cup of the cooked brown rice into each bowl. Top each with 1/4 cup of the seasoned black beans and onions, sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and then evenly distribute the buffalo chicken over the top.
- Melt Cheese: If eating immediately, microwave the assembled bowl for about 30 seconds to melt the cheese lightly.
- Add Final Touch: Garnish each bowl with chopped scallions to add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Meal Prep and Storage: For meal prepping, store the assembled ingredients separately or combined in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 3 minutes or until heated through, adding scallions fresh after reheating.
Notes
- Use part-skim cheddar or a dairy-free cheese alternative to reduce fat or accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Brown rice can be substituted with white or jasmine rice if preferred.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on desired spice level.
- For added veggies, consider topping with diced celery or shredded lettuce for crunch.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Meal prep leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
