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Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bowls - Spicy, Satisfying, and Simple

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
  • Buffalo Sauce: 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot (or your favorite), 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon honey (optional), 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Cauliflower Base: 1 large head cauliflower, riced (or 4 cups store-bought cauliflower rice)
  • Seasonings for Cauliflower: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Veggies and Toppings: 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup thinly sliced celery, 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced, 1 avocado sliced (optional), 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Dressing: 1/3 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • Extras: 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional), lime wedges for serving
  • Cooking Oil: 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or olive) for the pan

Method
 

  1. Prep the cauliflower rice: If using a whole cauliflower, cut into florets and pulse in a food processor until rice-like (avoid over-processing). Pat dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture.
  2. Roast the base: Toss cauliflower rice with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread on a large sheet pan. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway, until lightly browned and tender with some crisp bits.
  3. Mix the buffalo sauce: In a bowl, whisk hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), and garlic powder. Taste and adjust heat by adding more hot sauce or mellowing with a splash more butter.
  4. Cook the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a tablespoon of oil. Sear chicken in a single layer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and browned at the edges.
  5. Sauce the chicken: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Let it simmer 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat so it stays juicy.
  6. Prep the fresh toppings: While the chicken cooks, slice celery and red onion, shred carrots, and slice avocado. Chop cilantro or parsley.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Spoon roasted cauliflower rice into bowls. Top with buffalo chicken, celery, carrots, and red onion. Add avocado if using. Sprinkle with blue cheese or feta and herbs.
  8. Finish with dressing: Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top. Serve with lime wedges for a bright, tangy finish.