Sizzling Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice Recipe for Spicy Souls

Creamy buffalo chicken blends perfectly with hearty cheddar rice in this mouthwatering comfort dish.

Spicy flavors dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Sharp cheese adds a tangy kick that complements the zesty chicken.

Weeknight dinners never looked so exciting or tasted this incredible.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor into minimal preparation time.

Crispy, tender chicken nestled among fluffy rice promises a meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

Let’s whip up this irresistible recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Why Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice Rocks

• Spice Up Your Meal: Unleash bold buffalo flavors that transform ordinary chicken and rice into a mouthwatering dish packed with zesty excitement.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust heat levels by choosing mild or extra-hot buffalo sauce, making this recipe perfect for different spice preferences and family members.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a satisfying one-skillet meal in less than 20 minutes, cutting down on cooking time and kitchen cleanup while delivering maximum taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine classic comfort food elements like cheesy rice and tender chicken with a spicy kick that appeals to both kids and adults at family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Rice

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish and absorbs the buffalo sauce flavors.

• White Rice: Neutral grain that serves as the foundation for the buffalo chicken mixture.

• Buffalo Sauce: Spicy and tangy condiment that gives the dish its signature heat and zest.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the overall savory flavor of the recipe.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides a creamy texture and rich taste.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and bright color.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and preventing sticking.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment that can cool down the buffalo sauce's heat.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken in Skillet

Grab a large skillet and drizzle olive oil across the bottom. Heat the skillet over medium flame.

Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken pieces. Cook the chicken, flipping occasionally, until it transforms to a golden brown color and cooks completely through, which takes around 6-7 minutes.

Step 2: Splash Buffalo Sauce

Pour buffalo sauce and chicken broth into the skillet with cooked chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and completely coat the chicken.

Step 3: Combine Rice with Chicken

Add cooked rice directly into the skillet. Gently stir and mix the rice, ensuring it blends smoothly with the saucy chicken, creating a delicious one-pan meal.

Step 4: Melt Cheddar Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the rice and chicken mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and rich texture throughout the dish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the buffalo chicken and cheddar rice to serving plates. Optional: Drizzle ranch dressing on top and scatter sliced green onions for extra flavor and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips For Creamy Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice

• Swap chicken breasts for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth.
• Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by mixing mild and hot sauces for personalized spice levels.
• Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for healthier alternatives without compromising taste.
• Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top for a tangy twist that complements buffalo sauce perfectly.
• Prepare rice in advance and store separately to quickly assemble this speedy one-pan meal during busy weeknights.

Fun Twists On Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice

• Cauliflower Rice Edition: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that maintains the spicy buffalo chicken flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, keeping the buffalo sauce and cheddar cheese for a meatless protein-packed meal.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Use mild buffalo sauce for less heat or mix hot sauce with honey for a sweet-spicy balance, catering to different heat tolerance levels.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds, making the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.

Pairing Ideas For Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice

• Spicy Game Night Feast: Create a bold spread with this buffalo chicken rice as the centerpiece, surrounded by crispy celery sticks, extra buffalo sauce, and blue cheese crumbles for a perfect party platter.
• Lunch Bowl Delight: Pack this zesty dish in a portable container for a workplace meal that brings excitement to your midday break, keeping the rice and chicken separate until ready to mix.
• Comfort Meal Upgrade: Transform this recipe into a cozy casserole by transferring the mixture to a baking dish, topping with additional cheese, and baking until golden and bubbly for a satisfying family dinner.
• Quick Protein Power Bowl: Layer the buffalo chicken rice over fresh mixed greens, add diced avocado, and drizzle with extra ranch for a nutritious and filling meal that combines warm and cool textures.

How To Store Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store buffalo chicken and cheddar rice in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly.
• Transfer leftovers to a microwave-safe dish before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
• Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

FAQs

• What is buffalo sauce?

Buffalo sauce is a spicy, tangy hot sauce typically made from cayenne pepper, vinegar, and butter, originally created in Buffalo, New York for chicken wings.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded or diced.

• How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce brand. You can control heat by using mild buffalo sauce or mixing hot sauce with a bit of ranch to reduce spiciness.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This buffalo chicken and cheddar rice can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats well in the microwave or skillet.

Easy Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty buffalo chicken and cheddar rice brings bold flavors to comfort food classics. Spicy, cheesy goodness satisfies hunger with simple ingredients and quick preparation for home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Starch and Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) ranch dressing (optional for serving)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Pour buffalo sauce and chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to simmer and slightly reduce for 2-3 minutes, thoroughly coating the chicken.
3. Incorporate cooked rice into the skillet, gently mixing to ensure even distribution of chicken and sauce.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
5. Transfer the buffalo chicken rice to serving plates, garnishing with a drizzle of ranch dressing and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein alternatives to create a vegetarian version that maintains the zesty buffalo flavor profile.
• Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by using mild or hot varieties, allowing customization for different spice tolerance levels.
• Control sodium content by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and measuring salt carefully during seasoning process.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or batch-cooking rice in advance to reduce overall cooking time.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg