Sizzling Buffalo Chicken & Cheddar Rice Recipe: Spicy Magic

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor into every bite.

This mouthwatering buffalo chicken and cheddar rice recipe delivers bold, spicy comfort in under 30 minutes.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a zesty buffalo sauce, melding perfectly with creamy, sharp cheddar-infused rice.

Packed with protein and irresistible heat, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Each forkful promises a kick of spice balanced by rich, cheesy goodness.

The combination of tangy buffalo sauce and melted cheddar creates a harmony that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Bold Buffalo Flavor

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure crispy, well-browned meat and prevent soggy results.
• Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to match your heat tolerance, using mild or hot sauce based on preference.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature before adding to create smoother, more even melting without clumping.
• Substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quick alternative preparation method.
• Fluff rice with a fork after cooking to separate grains and prevent sticking, creating a lighter final dish.

New Twists for Cheddar Chicken Rice

• Spicy Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, using same buffalo sauce technique for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure buffalo sauce is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice, maintaining the same cheese and buffalo sauce flavors while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from cashews or coconut, keeping the buffalo chicken essence intact.

Serving Buffalo Chicken Rice in Style

• Spicy Game Night Delight: Perfect for watching sports with friends, this zesty dish brings heat and comfort to your gathering.
• Cool Comfort Pairing: Serve alongside crisp celery sticks and carrot slices to balance the buffalo chicken's spiciness and add fresh crunch.
• Creamy Dressing Drizzle: Top with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for those who love additional tangy flavor and want to mellow the buffalo kick.
• Meal Transformation Hack: Turn leftovers into a quick wrap by rolling the buffalo chicken rice mixture into large tortillas for a next-day lunch option.

Best Ways to Store Buffalo Chicken Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled buffalo chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What makes buffalo chicken and cheddar rice different from other chicken rice dishes?

This recipe combines spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheeses, creating a bold, zesty flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional chicken and rice meals.

• Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by using mild or hot buffalo sauce. You can control the spiciness based on your personal preference by choosing a buffalo sauce with your desired heat intensity.

• Can I use a different type of rice?

While the recipe works best with white rice, you can substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the rice type you choose.

Reasons to Love Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice

• Spice Up Your Meal: Unleash bold, tangy buffalo chicken flavors that pack a delicious punch into a comforting rice dish.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Simplify cooking by preparing everything in a single pan, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation super straightforward.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, zesty combination of ingredients.
• Customize Your Dinner: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels or adding extra toppings like blue cheese crumbles or crispy bacon bits to suit personal preferences.

Buffalo Chicken Rice Must-Have Ingredients

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that enhances the chicken's taste and provides depth of flavor.

• Buffalo Sauce: Adds signature tangy and spicy kick to the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory flavor for cooking the rice.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for cooking and adds a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes to the creamy consistency of the rice.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, melty cheese flavor throughout the dish.

• White Rice: The foundational starch that absorbs flavors and creates a hearty base.

• Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds a mild, crisp flavor and visual appeal.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Optional condiment for serving that complements the buffalo chicken flavor.

Steps for Cheesy Buffalo Rice Perfection

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked.

Step 2: Splash With Buffalo Sauce

Stir buffalo sauce into the chicken, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated.

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside temporarily.

Step 3: Simmer The Rice

In the same skillet, combine rice and chicken broth.

Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice becomes tender.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Base

• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Stir until cheeses melt completely and create a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken And Rice

Return buffalo chicken to the skillet.

Mix thoroughly with cheesy rice.

Cook an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated evenly.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Top with sliced green onions.

Offer ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for extra dipping enjoyment.

Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty buffalo chicken and cheddar rice delivers bold spice and comfort in one satisfying skillet. Cheesy, zesty flavors meld perfectly, creating a quick meal that brings Southern comfort and spicy excitement to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Rice and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2.25 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese and Flavoring:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Chopped green onions
• Chopped cilantro or parsley
• Crumbled blue cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a golden base for sautéing chicken.
2. Sprinkle chicken with aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then sizzle for 5-7 minutes until golden and completely cooked.
3. Drench the chicken in tangy buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Using the same skillet, combine rice and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow rice to simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender and fluffy.
6. After rice is cooked, fold in cream cheese and cheddar, stirring until a smooth, velvety texture develops.
7. Reintroduce the buffalo-coated chicken into the cheesy rice, gently mixing to distribute flavors evenly.
8. Warm the combined mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
9. Finish the dish by scattering fresh green onion slices on top for a crisp, bright garnish.
10. Serve immediately, offering ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for extra zesty dipping.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version packed with protein and spicy flavor.
• Reduce buffalo sauce amount for milder taste, perfect for kids or those sensitive to heat.
• Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative that keeps the delicious buffalo chicken essence intact.
• Select high-quality sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the overall richness and depth of the dish’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 489 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1070 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg