Healthy Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Ranch Dressing ~ TO BE TASTY

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
1-2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cracked pepper
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (I recommend using Franks for the perfect balance of heat and flavor)

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
8 cups mixed greens (use spinach, kale, arugula, or a salad mix of your choice)
1 cup shredded carrots (adds crunch and a slight sweetness)
1 cup pickles (for tang and crunch)
2 avocados (cubed, for a creamy texture)
1/2 cup green onions (sliced, for a mild onion flavor and color)

For the High Protein Ranch:

1 cup Greek yogurt (for a creamy, high-protein base)
2 tbsp ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1-2 tbsp coconut milk (for the desired consistency)
1 tsp lemon juice (for a fresh, tangy kick)
1 tsp apple cider or white wine vinegar (adds a little acidity to balance the ranch flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil to the pan.
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and cracked pepper.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook the other side for another 6-7 minutes.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the juices run clear.
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into cubes.
Once cubed, drizzle buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

2. Make the High-Protein Ranch:

In a bowl, add Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, coconut milk, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar.
Stir everything together until well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more coconut milk if you prefer a thinner ranch.

3. Assemble the Bowl:

Start by adding 2 cups of mixed greens into a large bowl.
Layer with the cooked rice of your choice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice).
Top with the seasoned buffalo chicken cubes, followed by shredded carrots, pickles, sliced green onions, and cubed avocados.
Drizzle the homemade high-protein ranch dressing over the top and toss lightly to combine everything.
Optional: Add an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce for more heat and flavor if desired!

4. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your buffalo chicken bowl warm or chilled, depending on your preference. The ranch dressing adds a creamy finish that complements the spicy buffalo chicken perfectly.

Notes

Expert Tips:

Customize the Bowl: Feel free to add your favorite toppings and mix-ins! Some great additions include black beans, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, feta cheese, romaine lettuce, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Dairy-Free Option: If you’re dairy-free, swap the Greek yogurt in the ranch for a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Make sure to check the other ingredients you use to ensure they're also dairy-free.
Adjusting the Spice: If you like your buffalo chicken spicier, feel free to add more buffalo sauce or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder option, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a less spicy sauce.

Serving Tips:

Warm or Chilled: This bowl can be served both warm and chilled, making it versatile for any season or mood. Whether you're having a cozy meal or want something refreshing for a warm day, this recipe works either way.
Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! Build your bowls in individual containers and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat the chicken and rice (or enjoy chilled) and top with the ranch.

Storage Tips:

Store the Components Separately: For meal prep, store the chicken, rice, veggies, and ranch dressing in separate containers to keep everything fresh. This will help prevent sogginess and ensure that everything stays crisp and flavorful. You can keep everything in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: When you're ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stove. Assemble the bowl and drizzle on the ranch dressing before serving.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Buffalo Chicken Bowl combines the satisfying heat of buffalo sauce with the creaminess of avocado and ranch dressing, creating a balanced, flavorful meal. The Greek yogurt ranch adds a protein-packed, creamy element without the need for traditional mayonnaise or sour cream, making this dish lighter and more nutritious. Plus, the mixed greens and veggies provide essential vitamins and fiber, making it a complete and healthy meal.