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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a golden base for sautéing chicken.
- 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.
- Drench the chicken in tangy buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, combine rice and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow rice to simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender and fluffy.
- After rice is cooked, fold in cream cheese and cheddar, stirring until a smooth, velvety texture develops.
- Reintroduce the buffalo-coated chicken into the cheesy rice, gently mixing to distribute flavors evenly.
- Warm the combined mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh green onion slices on top for a crisp, bright garnish.
- 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