Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 3 (8 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon olive or canola oil
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Franks)
Beans & Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup canned low sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
Base & Toppings
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup part-skim cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheddar)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add diced red onions and cook until they have caramelized slightly, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Prepare Beans Mixture: Add rinsed and drained black beans, paprika, cumin, and kosher salt to the pot with onions. Stir to combine and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over high heat. When hot, spray with oil and add the diced chicken breasts. Cook for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to brown all sides and ensure chicken is cooked through in the center.
- Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer cooked chicken to a medium bowl and toss with the hot buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice into four bowls, approximately 3/4 cup per bowl. Top each with about 1/4 cup of the seasoned black beans and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided evenly.
- Add Buffalo Chicken: Arrange the buffalo-coated chicken evenly over the rice and beans in each bowl.
- Melt Cheese (Optional): If eating immediately, microwave each bowl for about 30 seconds to melt the cheddar cheese slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with chopped scallions for freshness and serve hot.
- Meal Prep and Storage: Store assembled bowls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 3 minutes or until heated through before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute dairy-free cheddar for a lactose-free version.
- Use any type of hot sauce or buffalo sauce based on your spice preference.
- Brown rice can be swapped with white rice or quinoa if preferred.
- To keep chicken moist, avoid overcooking by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a spicier dish, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bean mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat