Get ready to spice up your meal prep routine with these Shredded Buffalo Chicken Meal Prep Bowls! Tender shredded chicken breast tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, paired with fluffy basmati rice, roasted cauliflower, and fresh tomatoes, creating a satisfying and flavor-packed meal that's perfect for busy weekdays.
With a kick of heat and a burst of freshness in every bite, these bowls are sure to become your new favorite lunchtime staple! 100% gluten-free. Low-carb/keto, vegetarian/vegan/dairy-free, paleo and whole30 options detailed in the Dietary Variations section!
Buffalo Chicken Meal Prep Ingredients
Red Hot Sauce. Adds a bold and spicy kick to every bite with just the right amount of heat and tanginess!
Chicken Breasts. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, slow-cooked to tender juiciness.
Fat-free Plain Greek yogurt. Creamy fat-free plain Greek yogurt serves as the cool and tangy counterpart to the fiery buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. With its velvety texture and rich taste, this Greek yogurt adds a touch of indulgence without the guilt, making these meal prep bowls both satisfying and nutritious!
Onion Powder. Part of the spice mix.
Garlic Powder. Part of the spice mix.
Dill. Part of the spice mix.
Parsley. Part of the spice mix.
Tomato. Cubed tomatoes. Store separately and add after reheating.
Red Onion. Chopped red onion. Store separately and add after reheating as well!
Green Onion. Chopped green onion. Store separately and add after reheating as well!
Recipe Variations
Asian-Inspired: Swap out the buffalo sauce for a spicy-sweet Asian glaze made with soy sauce, honey, and sriracha, then pair the shredded chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a flavorful fusion dish.
Mediterranean: Transform your shredded buffalo chicken into gyro bowls by serving it over fluffy quinoa or couscous, alongside crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, tangy tzatziki sauce, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Tex-Mex: Create Tex-Mex-inspired bowls by mixing the shredded buffalo chicken with black beans, corn, diced avocado, and fresh salsa, then serving it over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a zesty and satisfying meal.
BBQ: Give your buffalo chicken a Southern twist by tossing it in tangy barbecue sauce and serving it with creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, and a side of baked beans for a barbecue-inspired feast that's finger-lickin' good.
Italian-Inspired: Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy with Italian-inspired bowls featuring shredded buffalo chicken served over al dente pasta, tossed with marinara sauce, roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a hearty and comforting meal.
Greek Goddess Bowls: Create Greek-inspired bowls by pairing shredded buffalo chicken with fluffy couscous, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy tzatziki sauce, then topping it all off with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Teriyaki: Give your shredded buffalo chicken an Asian-inspired twist by tossing it in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then serving it over steamed rice or quinoa with stir-fried vegetables and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Southwest: Create Southwest-inspired bowls by mixing shredded buffalo chicken with black beans, corn, diced avocado, and fresh salsa, then serving it over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a zesty and flavorful meal.
Caprese: Transform your shredded buffalo chicken into Caprese bowls by serving it over a bed of mixed greens with ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a light and refreshing meal.
Loaded Potato: Create loaded potato bowls by serving shredded buffalo chicken over baked potatoes, then topping them with sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions for a hearty and indulgent meal that's perfect for game day or any day!
Dietary Variations
Low-Carb/Keto: Swap out the traditional rice or pasta base for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a low-carb version of these meal prep bowls, perfect for those watching their carb intake while still enjoying the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. For keto, use full-fat plain Greek yogurt.
Paleo: Follow a paleo diet? Opt for homemade buffalo sauce made with paleo-friendly ingredients like hot sauce, ghee, and apple cider vinegar, and pair your shredded buffalo chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, and avocado for a paleo-friendly meal prep option.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt.
Vegetarian: For a vegetarian twist, replace the shredded chicken with seasoned chickpeas or tofu cubes, and pair them with grains like quinoa or brown rice and plenty of fresh veggies for a satisfying and protein-packed vegetarian meal prep option.
Vegan: Make these meal prep bowls vegan-friendly by using plant-based protein alternatives like tempeh or seitan instead of chicken, and use plain vegan yogurt, for a delicious and cruelty-free meal option.
Whole30-Approved: Follow a Whole30 diet? Stick to compliant buffalo sauce made with Whole30-friendly ingredients, and pair your shredded buffalo chicken with roasted vegetables and cauliflower rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken, is a great time-saving option for this recipe. The cooking time will also be greatly reduced. Monitor closely and remove from heat as soon as the chicken can easily be separated using two forks.
How spicy is the recipe?
The spiciness of the sauce will vary depending on the brand you choose. We used the Red Hot sauce so the recipe is not overly spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount of sauce or use a different brand according to your preference for heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these meal prep bowls are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply store them in individual containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and reheat when ready to enjoy.
How do I reheat the meal prep bowls?
To reheat, simply microwave the meal prep bowls for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Can I freeze the meal prep bowls?
Yes, these meal prep bowls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to store them in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve as side dishes with these meal prep bowls?
Some great side dish options include steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, salad greens, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the shredded chicken with cooked tofu, chickpeas, or even shrimp for a different twist on this recipe.
Can I customize the toppings in these meal prep bowls?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas, tofu, or seitan for a vegetarian version of these meal prep bowls. Top with your favorite veggies!
How long will the buffalo chicken stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The buffalo chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought buffalo sauce works great for this recipe. Just be sure to choose a brand that you enjoy the flavor of.
Are these meal prep bowls suitable for a low-carb diet?
Absolutely! You can easily make these meal prep bowls low-carb by serving the shredded buffalo chicken over cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens instead of rice or pasta.
Tips and Tricks
Prep Like a Pro: Take some time at the beginning of the week to prep all your ingredients, including chopping vegetables and cooking grains, to streamline the meal prep process.
Adjust the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance, adding more or less according to your preference for a milder or spicier flavor.
Mix Up the Grains: Experiment with different grains like quinoa, brown rice, or farro to add variety and texture to your meal prep bowls.
Add a Cooling Element: Balance out the heat of the buffalo chicken with a cooling element like sliced cucumber, celery sticks, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Add Some Crunch: Add a crunchy element like chopped celery, carrots, or crispy fried onions to your meal prep bowls for texture and contrast.
Pack Toppings Separately: Pack the tomato cubes and chopped onion separately and add them just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent them from getting soggy.
Reheat with Care: When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the chicken from drying out, and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Enjoy Variety: Keep things interesting by switching up the toppings, grains, and vegetables in your meal prep bowls to prevent boredom and ensure you're getting a variety of nutrients.
More Chicken Meal Preps
- BBQ Chicken Meal Prep
- Chicken Fajita Meal Prep Bowls
- Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Meal Prep
- Mexican Rice Bowls
- Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
- Greek Chicken Meal Prep
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Recipe
Shredded Buffalo Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken
- 2 lb chicken breasts skinless boneless
- 1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup Red Hot Sauce
- 3 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon dill dried
- 2 teaspoon parsley dried
Toppings
- 2 cup tomatoes diced
- ⅓ cup red onion chopped
- ⅓ cup green onion chopped
Rice
- 1 ½ cup basmati rice
Instructions
- Whisk together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, ¾ cup red hot sauce, 3 teaspoon garlic powder, 3 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoon dill, and 2 teaspoon parsley directly in your slow cooker dish.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Add in 2 pounds of chicken breasts. Gently stir to coat and cover evenly with sauce. Cook for about 4 hours on LOW and around 6 hours on HIGH setting. It will be ready when the chicken breasts can easily be separated using a fork.
- When done, delicately remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks in a large bowl. Then, put the shredded chicken back into the sauce and gently stir.
- Layer the rice in the bottom of your meal prep bowls. Place the shredded chicken on top.
- Fill separate containers evenly with 2 cups diced tomatoes, ⅓ chopped red onion, ¼ cup chopped green onion.
- Reheat for 1-2 minutes in the microwave. Wait after reheating before adding the toppings. Optional: Top with low-fat ranch sauce. Stir. Enjoy!