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Buffalo Ranch Ground Chicken Bowls - A Spicy, Satisfying Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground chicken: About 1 to 1.25 pounds (93–96% lean is ideal).
  • Buffalo sauce: 1/3 to 1/2 cup, depending on heat preference.
  • Ranch dressing: 1/4 cup for the skillet, plus extra for drizzling.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced.
  • Onion: 1 small, finely diced (yellow or white).
  • Celery: 2 ribs, diced (adds crunch and a classic buffalo vibe).
  • Carrots: 1 medium, finely diced or grated.
  • Cooked grains: 3–4 cups cooked rice, quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice.
  • Greens: 2 cups shredded romaine or chopped spinach for layering or serving on the side.
  • Toppings: Sliced green onions, chopped cilantro or parsley, crumbled blue cheese or feta, diced avocado, and extra celery for crunch.
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, pinch of salt (taste before adding more—buffalo sauce is salty).
  • Lemon or lime: 1/2 for a fresh squeeze at the end (optional but brightens everything).

Method
 

  1. Prep your base: Cook your grain of choice, fluff it, and set aside. If using cauliflower rice, quickly sauté with a little oil and salt until tender.
  2. Warm the skillet: Heat oil over medium-high in a large skillet. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Sprinkle in paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  4. Sauce it up: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in buffalo sauce and 1/4 cup ranch. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly and coat the chicken evenly. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
  5. Finish with freshness: Squeeze in a little lemon or lime. Stir in half the green onions. If you like extra saucy bowls, splash in another tablespoon of buffalo sauce.
  6. Build your bowls: Layer grains, a handful of greens, and a generous scoop of buffalo ranch chicken. Top with more green onions, blue cheese or feta, avocado, and crunchy celery. Drizzle with a little extra ranch or buffalo sauce to finish.
  7. Serve: Enjoy warm. Keep napkins nearby—these bowls are saucy in the best way.