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Flavorful Bold Buffalo Chicken Protein Bowl

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A quick and easy protein bowl featuring tender buffalo chicken, fluffy quinoa, fresh veggies, and a creamy homemade ranch drizzle. Perfect for a bold, satisfying dinner that balances spice and comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (from 1 cup dry quinoa)
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce or baby spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup dry quinoa under cold water. Combine with 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Adjust heat by adding more butter if desired.
  3. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat.
  4. While chicken is still warm, transfer to a mixing bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped dill and chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Assemble bowls by layering cooked quinoa and fresh greens. Arrange buffalo chicken strips on top, then add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots around the chicken.
  7. Drizzle the creamy ranch dressing over the assembled bowls. Garnish with extra fresh dill or cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness. Toss chicken in buffalo sauce while warm but not piping hot to avoid thinning the sauce and soggy quinoa. Fresh herbs in the ranch dressing enhance flavor, but dried herbs can be used with reduced quantity. For dairy-free, substitute ranch with avocado crema or dairy-free yogurt dressing. Quinoa can be swapped with brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, protein bowl, quick dinner, healthy dinner, spicy chicken, quinoa bowl, homemade ranch, easy recipe

Find it online: https://larameals.com/flavorful-bold-buffalo-chicken-protein-bowl-recipe-easy-dinner-idea/