Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice Recipe

Craving something bold, cheesy, and packed with flavor? This Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice recipe combines tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheddar cheese with fluffy rice for a dish that’s a total flavor explosion. Whether you're a fan of buffalo wings or just love hearty, cheesy meals, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is quick, easy, and full of cheesy, spicy goodness. Ready to turn up the heat? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe!

this Recipe

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What is Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice?

Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice is a comforting, one-pan dish that combines the flavors of buffalo chicken wings with creamy, cheesy rice. Tender pieces of chicken are cooked with spicy buffalo sauce and then mixed with cheddar cheese and fluffy rice for a balanced combination of heat, creaminess, and heartiness. It’s the perfect meal for buffalo wing lovers, offering the iconic buffalo flavor in a hearty, satisfying dish that's easy to make and full of comforting textures.

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Ingredients List for Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice

To make the ultimate Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice: You can use any type of rice you prefer, though long-grain rice works best for a fluffy texture.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Chicken thighs work as a juicier alternative.
• ½ cup buffalo sauce: Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce or make your own if you prefer.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but mild cheddar also works.
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For added flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds depth.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: For a mild smoky flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the chicken and rice.
• ¼ cup green onions or chives, chopped: For garnish and a pop of fresh flavor.
• Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional): For serving if you want to add a classic buffalo wing pairing.

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Ingredients List for Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice (Optional Add-ins)

If you want to get creative and add extra layers of flavor, here are some optional ingredients to include in your Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice:

• 1 cup cooked broccoli: Adds color and extra nutrition.
• ½ cup diced celery: For a crunchy texture and traditional buffalo wing pairing.
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning: For that classic buffalo/ranch combo.
• Hot sauce: If you want to add extra heat.

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Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken: You can swap the chicken for cooked shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, or use ground chicken or turkey.
• Buffalo sauce: For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder wing sauce. If you like it spicier, add more or mix in some extra hot sauce.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cheddar alternative and swap the cream cheese for a plant-based version.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to make this mouthwatering dish. It's quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

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How to Cook Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Rice: If you don’t already have cooked rice on hand, prepare 2 cups of white or brown rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
3. Add the Buffalo Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the buffalo sauce, making sure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add the Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts into the buffalo sauce, creating a creamy, smooth texture. This will help balance the heat from the buffalo sauce and add richness to the dish.
5. Combine the Rice and Cheese: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the buffalo chicken and sauce. Once the rice is fully coated, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until it’s melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions or chives. For an extra kick, drizzle more buffalo sauce over the top or add crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch dressing for that classic buffalo wing pairing.
7. Serve: Serve the Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice warm, either as a stand-alone meal or alongside a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken just until it’s done (internal temperature of 165°F), as overcooking can make the meat tough and dry.
• Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly into the sauce without leaving lumps.
• Adding too much buffalo sauce too soon: Start with ½ cup of buffalo sauce and taste the dish before adding more. You can always add more heat, but it’s harder to reduce once it's too spicy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This dish is bursting with flavor, but there are plenty of ways to take it up a notch with presentation and side dish pairings.

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How to Serve Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice

• Family-style: Serve the Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice straight from the skillet in the middle of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. You can also transfer it to a serving bowl for a cleaner look.
• Individual bowls: For a more personalized presentation, dish out individual portions in bowls and top each one with your preferred garnishes like extra buffalo sauce, green onions, or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese.
• With sides: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

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Presentation Ideas for Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice

• Colorful garnishes: Brighten up your dish with vibrant garnishes like chopped fresh herbs, extra cheddar, and even thinly sliced jalapeños for an added kick.
• Buffalo wing-inspired: Top each serving with a small drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkling of crumbled blue cheese to channel that classic buffalo wing flavor.
• Layered presentation: If you're serving this dish at a gathering, layer the rice mixture in a baking dish, then top with an extra layer of cheddar cheese and broil until bubbly and golden for an eye-catching presentation.

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Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• Bulk it up: To make the dish even more filling, stir in extra vegetables like cooked broccoli, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Freezer-friendly: Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish less spicy? Yes! To reduce the heat, use less buffalo sauce or choose a milder wing sauce. You can also add more cream cheese or cheddar to mellow out the spiciness.
2. Can I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice? Absolutely! Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative and will work well with the buffalo chicken and cheddar combination.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time. Simply toss it in the buffalo sauce and heat through before combining with the rice and cheese.
4. What type of buffalo sauce is best? Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce is a classic, but you can use any brand you prefer based on your heat tolerance. For a homemade version, mix hot sauce with melted butter.
5. Can I make this in the oven instead of the stovetop? Yes! After cooking the chicken and combining everything in the skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheddar cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice is the perfect comfort food for when you're craving something cheesy, spicy, and satisfying. Combining the flavors of buffalo wings with the heartiness of cheesy rice, this dish is easy to prepare, versatile, and a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking it for a family dinner, a game day party, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. So grab your buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and chicken, and enjoy this delicious and spicy meal tonight!

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