If you’re craving something flavorful, spicy, and comforting, this Buffalo Chicken Rice is the perfect recipe! It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Juicy chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and cheesy rice come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this recipe is sure to impress.
Method
Sauté the Veggies
Begin by preparing the flavorful base of your Buffalo Chicken Rice. Heat a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, add the diced red onion and diced pepper. Sauté these vegetables for a few minutes until they become softened and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish. After the onions and peppers have softened, add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Cook the garlic for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn. The aromatic garlic infuses the vegetables with its rich flavor, setting the stage for the robust buffalo seasoning to come.
Cook the Chicken
With the vegetables sautéed, it’s time to add the protein to your dish. Add the 400g of diced chicken breast to the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the softened onions, peppers, and garlic. Cook the chicken until it starts to brown on all sides, ensuring that each piece is evenly seared. This browning process not only locks in the juices, making the chicken tender and juicy, but also adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the spicy buffalo sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan and to promote even cooking.
Season and Add Sauce
Once the chicken is browned, it’s time to infuse it with bold buffalo flavors. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic granules, 1 teaspoon of onion granules, and 1 tablespoon of buffalo seasoning over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed, coating each piece of chicken and every bite of vegetables with rich, spicy goodness. Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all the ingredients. The buffalo sauce adds a tangy heat that defines the dish, making each bite exciting and flavorful.
Add Rice and Stock
Now, incorporate the hearty element of rice into your Buffalo Chicken Rice. Add 260g of uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring it into the seasoned chicken and vegetables to ensure it absorbs all the delicious flavors. Pour in 500ml of chicken stock, which will provide the necessary liquid to cook the rice and infuse it with savory depth. Stir the mixture well, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to allow it to simmer gently. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process allows the rice to cook through, absorbing the flavorful broth and becoming tender and fluffy.
Finish with Cheese
As the rice cooks and absorbs the flavors, it’s time to add a creamy, cheesy layer to your dish. Once the rice is tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed, sprinkle 80g of reduced-fat grated cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for a couple of minutes, creating a luscious, gooey topping that binds everything together. The melted cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that perfectly balances the spicy buffalo flavors, making each bite both comforting and indulgent.
Garnish and Serve
With the cheese melted and the dish beautifully combined, it’s time to add the final touches before serving. Top your Buffalo Chicken Rice with freshly chopped spring onions for a burst of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the spicy and cheesy elements. For an extra kick, drizzle a little more buffalo sauce over the top if desired. Serve the dish hot, accompanied by a side of steamed broccoli to add a nutritious and vibrant component to your meal. The steamed broccoli provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy rice, making the meal well-balanced and satisfying.
Buffalo Chicken Rice
Equipment
- Large skillet or deep frying pan with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 diced red onion
- 1 diced pepper
- 400 g diced chicken breast
- 500 ml chicken stock
- 260 g uncooked rice
- 3 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp onion granules
- 1 tbsp buffalo seasoning
- 2-3 tbsp buffalo sauce
- 80 g reduced-fat grated cheese
- For Garnish:
- Spring onions chopped
- Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling
- For Serving:
- Steamed broccoli
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Veggies. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the diced onion and pepper, and sauté for a few minutes until softened. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken. Add the diced chicken breast to the pan. Stir and cook until the chicken starts to brown on all sides.
- Step 3: Season and Add Sauce. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, and buffalo seasoning over the chicken. Stir well. Add the buffalo sauce and mix until everything is coated.
- Step 4: Add Rice and Stock. Stir in the uncooked rice, then pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Finish with Cheese. Once the rice is done, stir in some chopped parsley (optional) and scatter the grated cheese over the top. Cover the pan again for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve. Top with chopped spring onions and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce. Serve hot with a side of steamed broccoli.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until it starts to brown; it will finish cooking with the rice.
- Stir Occasionally: Stir the rice occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce or mix it with a little honey to balance the heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra creaminess.
- Add avocado slices on top for a cool and creamy addition.
Fun Fact
Did you know that buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo, New York? It was first made in 1964 and is traditionally a mix of hot sauce and melted butter, giving it its iconic spicy and tangy flavor!
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Rice is a delicious, quick, and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With bold buffalo flavors, tender chicken, and cheesy rice, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let me know how much you love it. Happy cooking! 🐔🌶️🍚