If you crave the bold, tangy heat of buffalo chicken but want it in a bowl that’s as fresh as it is comforting, Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice are your new mealtime MVP. This dish is proof you don’t have to compromise on flavor to keep things light and nourishing. Juicy, spicy grilled chicken sits atop a bed of garlicky riced cauliflower, then gets topped with crisp celery, carrots, creamy avocado, and a crumble of blue cheese—a full spectrum of textures and colors in every bite. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this vibrant bowl will have you looking forward to every forkful!

Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The stunning flavors and satisfying textures in Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice come together with a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one earns its spot and helps build the classic, crave-worthy profile you love, while keeping things simple and approachable for any home cook.

Chicken breasts: The juicy, protein-packed base that soaks up every drop of that delicious buffalo sauce!
Buffalo sauce: Brings all the fiery, tangy goodness; use your favorite brand or homemade.
Unsalted butter: Melts into the buffalo sauce, smoothing out the spicy bite and helping the sauce adhere to the chicken.
Riced cauliflower: A veggie-packed, grain-free substitute that soaks up every flavor in the bowl.
Olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and ensuring the cauliflower rice is perfectly tender, never soggy.
Garlic: Freshly minced for those irresistible savory aromas in the rice.
Shredded carrots: Add a sweet, satisfying crunch and gorgeous color pop.
Diced celery: Classic in any buffalo combo, and delivers unbeatable crispness.
Avocado: Cooling and creamy, it balances every spicy, salty note in the bowl.
Crumbled blue cheese: Provides a tangy, funky counterpoint to the heat—feta works in a pinch for a milder flavor.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the whole experience and adds fresh appeal.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning both the chicken and cauliflower rice to perfection.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): A rich drizzle for extra flavor—totally optional but absolutely delightful!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

First things first, give your chicken breasts a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. This sets a solid flavor foundation for the buffalo sauce to shine. If you’ve got an extra 30 minutes, marinate the chicken in the buffalo sauce for even more punch—but don’t worry if you’re short on time, this step is absolutely optional.

Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together that zippy buffalo sauce with the melted butter, blending until silky smooth. This mixture is responsible for that saucy, craveable finish on your chicken, giving every bite its signature fiery kick!

Step 3: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Get your grill pan or skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned breasts and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning just once; the goal is a beautifully golden exterior and juicy inside. During the last minute, brush the chicken generously with the buffalo sauce and butter combo. When they reach an internal temp of 165°F, remove from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This short rest keeps them juicy.

Step 4: Make the Cauliflower Garlic Rice

While the chicken cooks, heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (you want to gently coax out the flavor, not brown it). Toss in your riced cauliflower, sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until tender and just golden—you’re aiming for fluffy, not mushy!

Step 5: Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice

Now comes the fun part: assembly! Scoop steaming cauliflower garlic rice into four bowls. Fan the sliced buffalo chicken over the rice, then top with a generous handful of shredded carrots, a scatter of diced celery, creamy slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of blue cheese. Add a flourish of fresh parsley on top and, if you’re in the mood, finish with a luxurious drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. That’s it—Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice ready in under 40 minutes!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice

Garnishes

To really bring out the restaurant-worthy experience, finish your Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a bit of extra blue cheese, and even a pinch of extra sliced green onion for crunch. A wedge of lime on the side adds a fun, tangy twist right before serving.

Side Dishes

While each Buffalo Chicken Bowl truly stands on its own, you can round out the meal with a side of crisp green salad, roasted sweet potato wedges, or even simple grilled corn, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or want something extra for sharing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice family-style, letting everyone build their own perfect bowl at the table. Layer the toppings in colorful rows or arrange them in sections for a “rainbow” effect—kids love getting in on the fun! These bowls also shine served in meal-prep containers, ready for grab-and-go lunches or last-minute dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice are meal prep gold! Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the veggies crisp and the cauliflower rice fresh until you’re ready to reheat and assemble.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the sliced buffalo chicken and cauliflower garlic rice in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Wait to add toppings like avocado, fresh veggies, and cheese until after thawing for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions of chicken and cauliflower rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot, about 2-3 minutes. Add your fresh toppings and dressing after reheating for that just-made feel!

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Toss shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken in the buffalo sauce and butter mixture, then warm through before assembling your Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice for an even quicker, equally delicious meal.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Yes—swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and skip the blue cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese. Many brands also make dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dressings perfect for drizzling!

What can I substitute for cauliflower rice?

If cauliflower rice isn’t your thing, swap in cooked brown rice, quinoa, or even farro for a heartier base. The savory garlic flavor works beautifully with a variety of grains and keeps the spirit of the bowl alive.

How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice?

The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce brand, but you control the heat by adjusting how much sauce you brush on the chicken. If you’re heat-sensitive, look for “mild” buffalo sauce or serve the extra sauce on the side.

Can I meal prep these bowls?

Definitely! Cook, slice, and store all the main components separately. Assemble your Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice in containers, leaving off the avocado and fresh parsley until just before eating to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a dish that’s as easy, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing as Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice. If you’re after a meal packed with bold flavors, smart nutrition, and endless customizability, you’re going to love every bite. Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to this irresistible bowl dinner!

Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice are a delicious and healthy low-carb meal option. Tender grilled chicken coated in buffalo sauce is served over flavorful garlic cauliflower rice and topped with fresh veggies and blue cheese. A satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Buffalo Chicken:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
½ cup buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cauliflower Garlic Rice:

4 cups riced cauliflower
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

For Serving:

1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 avocado, sliced
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Mix buffalo sauce and melted butter. Cook chicken in a grill pan, brushing with buffalo sauce mixture.
Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add riced cauliflower and season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide cauliflower rice among four bowls. Top with sliced buffalo chicken, shredded carrots, diced celery, avocado slices, and crumbled blue cheese. Garnish with parsley and drizzle with dressing if desired.