Description
Juicy buffalo chicken served over crisp greens with fresh vegetables and cooling ranch dressing. This healthy, protein-packed bowl comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
1. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
2. Mix buffalo sauce, melted butter, and honey in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons oil and swirl to coat.
4. Add chicken to the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
5. Flip chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the second side is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour buffalo sauce mixture over chicken. Let bubble for 2-3 minutes, spooning sauce over chicken repeatedly.
7. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or dice into cubes.
8. Divide mixed greens among four bowls. Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, celery, and red onion.
9. Add sliced buffalo chicken to each bowl. Drizzle with ranch dressing and top with blue cheese crumbles and fresh chives.
10. Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.
Notes
For milder heat, reduce buffalo sauce by half and add more honey.
Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Store cooked chicken and fresh vegetables separately for meal prep—they’ll keep for 4-5 days.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—just shred, toss with buffalo sauce, and assemble.
For keto/low-carb, skip the honey and serve over cauliflower rice.
Air fryer method: Cook chicken at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, then toss with sauce.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken bowls, buffalo chicken salad, healthy chicken bowl, meal prep bowls, spicy chicken recipe
