Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy comfort of cheesy rice. This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’s perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or any time you’re craving something wonderfully satisfying and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups / 300g cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup / 240ml buffalo sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1 ½ cups / 300g uncooked white rice
- 3 cups / 720ml chicken broth
- 1 cup / 100g shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp / 28g butter
- ½ cup / 120ml ranch dressing (optional)
- ½ tsp / 2g garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
- In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil
- Add rice
- Reduce heat to low
- Cover and simmer
- Cook 15-20 minutes until rice is tender
- Remove from heat when fully cooked
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium heat
- Melt butter
- Add shredded chicken
- Pour in buffalo sauce
- Sprinkle garlic powder
- Stir to coat chicken evenly
- Cook for 5 minutes until heated through
3. Combine and Cheese Up
- Transfer cooked rice to a large mixing bowl
- Add buffalo chicken mixture
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese
- Mix until cheese is completely melted
- Ensure even distribution of ingredients
4. Final Touch and Serving
- Spoon mixture into serving bowls
- Optional cheese boost:
- Sprinkle additional cheddar on top
- Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese melts
- Garnish with:
- Chopped green onions
- Drizzle of ranch dressing (if desired)
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Nutritional Snapshot (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
Why This Buffalo Chicken Rice is a Nutritional Powerhouse
This isn’t just another recipe – it’s a strategic blend of protein, complex carbohydrates, and exciting flavors. The shredded chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth. Rice offers sustained energy, while the cheddar cheese contributes calcium and additional protein.
Buffalo sauce brings more than just heat – it contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The optional ranch dressing adds a creamy element that balances the spice.
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of ranch and opt for low-fat cheddar cheese. To reduce spice, mix mild and hot buffalo sauce.
Prepare for a flavor explosion that will become your new comfort food obsession!