Are you craving something both delicious and healthy? Look no further than these delightful Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls. Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, they offer the perfect blend of spicy chicken and fresh, nutritious ingredients. Let’s dive into creating a meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds while keeping your diet on track!
Ingredients
To kick start your cooking, gather these simple yet flavor-packed ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
Ensure you have the following equipment to make your cooking process smoother:
- A large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- A saucepan
- Tongs or a spatula
How to Make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls – Step By Step
Step 1:
Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cubing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper as desired. Stir occasionally, letting the chicken cook thoroughly until it turns golden brown, typically around 5-7 minutes. Ensure the inside is cooked through as the exterior crisps nicely.
Step 2:
Add the Buffalo Sauce
Once your chicken is fully cooked, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the buffalo sauce. Stir to coat each piece thoroughly, making sure the sauce is evenly distributed. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3:
Prepare the Quinoa
While the chicken is marinating in the buffalo sauce, begin preparing your quinoa. Using a saucepan, combine one cup of quinoa with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. Fluff it with a fork once done, and let it cool slightly to ensure perfect texture in your bowl.
Step 4:
Assemble the Bowls
Begin assembling your healthy bowls by dividing the cooked quinoa and mixed greens evenly among serving bowls. Add the buffalo chicken on top. Arrange avocado slices and cherry tomatoes aesthetically along the sides of the bowl. Finally, sprinkle a generous handful of blue cheese crumbles over the top for an added burst of flavor. Each bowl should be an inviting and colorful display of natural ingredients.
How to Serve Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls
To serve, ensure the soup is hot. You can pair it with low-carb bread or a side salad. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for those who might enjoy a richer flavor profile.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best flavor, ensure your chicken is marinated in the buffalo sauce long enough to absorb the spice fully. If you’re sensitive to spice, modify the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste tolerance. Consider using freshly cooked quinoa for the best texture. However, pre-cooked quinoa is excellent for saving time on busy days.
Pumped-Up Protein: High Protein Version of Buffalo Chicken Bowls
If you’re looking to notch up the protein even further, opt for adding some black beans or chickpeas. These legumes not only boost the protein content but also add a delightful texture to your bowl. For that extra muscle-building boost, toss in some sliced boiled eggs.
Carb-Concscious Choice: Low-Carb Twist on Your Buffalo Bowl
Turning this recipe into a low-carb delight is simpler than you think. Substitute the quinoa with cauliflower rice. This veggie alternative cuts down the carbs drastically without compromising on the comforting factor of a traditional bowl. Add in more greens or crunchy cucumber for the extra bite.
Storage Instructions
Should you wish to prepare your buffalo chicken bowls ahead of time, ensure you store any leftovers in airtight containers. They can be refrigerated for up to three days. For the best experience, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain freshness in every bite.
FAQs
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, pre-cooked chicken works perfectly, especially if you’re short on time.
- How spicy is the buffalo sauce? The sauce usually has a mild to medium heat, but you can adjust it with extra hot sauce if desired.
- Is there a vegan alternative? Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower to make it vegan-friendly.
- How can I store leftovers? Store them in airtight containers in the fridge and consume within three days for the best taste.
A Delicious Journey: Bringing It All Together
And there you have it—your very own Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls. This dish offers the ideal harmony of taste and health, making it a great addition to your meal rotation. If you found this recipe delightful, consider sharing the experience or letting us know your twist on it in the comments below. Bon appétit!
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken
- olive oil
- buffalo sauce
- quinoa
- mixed greens
- avocado
- cherry tomatoes
- blue cheese crumbles
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Begin by cubing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the buffalo sauce. Stir to coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa with water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15 minutes then fluff with a fork.
- Assemble the bowls: divide quinoa and greens among bowls, top with chicken, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle blue cheese over the top.