Buffalo Chicken And Cheddar Rice Recipe

If you love the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo chicken wings, this Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice dish is the perfect way to bring those flavors into a hearty, comforting meal. Combining tender chicken, creamy cheddar cheese, and the bold taste of buffalo sauce, this recipe is a great one-pan dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Serve it as a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for game day, and it’s sure to satisfy anyone who loves buffalo chicken.

In this recipe, the buffalo-spiced chicken is served over creamy, cheesy rice, making it a filling, satisfying dish that’s easy to customize. You can add vegetables like broccoli or carrots for extra nutrition, or dial up the heat depending on your love of spice.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice step by step!

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What is Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice?

Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice is a flavorful, one-pan dish that combines bite-sized pieces of buffalo-spiced chicken with cheesy, creamy rice. It’s a fusion of classic buffalo chicken wings and cheesy comfort food, making it an easy and flavorful dinner option. The tangy, spicy buffalo sauce paired with melty cheddar cheese and fluffy rice creates the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and texture. This dish is typically topped with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing and a sprinkle of fresh green onions or cilantro for extra flavor.

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Ingredients List for Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious buffalo chicken and cheddar rice dish:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, or your favorite buffalo sauce)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (or water, for cooking the rice)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ cup cream cheese (for added creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Chopped cilantro or parsley (for a fresh finish)
• Crumbled blue cheese (for extra buffalo chicken flavor)

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Ingredients List for Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice is a great all-in-one meal, but here are a few ideas to serve alongside it to make the meal complete:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans – For a nutritious and crunchy side.
• Garlic bread – Perfect for sopping up any extra cheesy buffalo sauce.
• Carrot and celery sticks – These are classic buffalo wing sides that add a fresh crunch to balance the heat.
• Simple side salad – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the dish.

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Substitutions and Variations

This dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less buffalo sauce or choose a mild variety. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo sauce.
• Cheese options: While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different flavors.
• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cheddar cheese and cream cheese alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.
• Add vegetables: You can stir in steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
• Brown rice or quinoa: For a healthier alternative, swap out the white rice for brown rice or quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the chicken
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the rice
In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken to add extra flavor to the rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.

3. Add the buffalo sauce and cheese
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

4. Optional: Broil for a crispy cheese topping
If you like, transfer the buffalo chicken and cheddar rice mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top, and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!

5. Serve and garnish
Once the dish is ready, top it with your favorite garnishes. Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top, and sprinkle with chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley for a fresh finish.

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

Here’s a quick summary to ensure your Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice turns out perfectly every time:

1. Brown the chicken: Sauté the chicken in olive oil until it’s fully cooked and golden brown. This adds flavor and texture to the dish.
2. Cook the rice in broth: Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water adds richness and depth to the rice, which balances the bold flavors of the buffalo sauce.
3. Add buffalo sauce and cheese: After the rice is cooked, stir in the buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese for that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy.
4. Broil for extra cheesiness: If you want a bubbly, melted cheese topping, pop the dish under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Cook just until the chicken is browned and cooked through, then remove it from the pan to prevent overcooking.
• Using too much buffalo sauce: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with ½ cup of buffalo sauce and taste before adding more. You can always add more sauce later.
• Undercooking the rice: Make sure to cook the rice fully before adding the other ingredients. If the rice is undercooked, the dish may end up with an unpleasant texture.
• Not stirring in the cheese properly: Be sure to stir the cheese and cream cheese thoroughly into the rice to achieve a creamy, consistent texture.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice is a colorful and flavorful dish, and it’s easy to make it look as good as it tastes:

1. Serve in a large dish: Present the dish in a wide, shallow serving dish or a cast-iron skillet for a rustic and cozy look.
2. Top with fresh garnishes: Add a pop of color and brightness with chopped green onions, parsley, or cilantro. These fresh herbs contrast nicely with the rich, cheesy flavors.
3. Drizzle dressing: A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top not only adds flavor but also creates a visually appealing dish.
4. Serve with crunchy sides: Celery and carrot sticks served alongside this dish add a crunchy, cooling contrast to the spicy flavors.

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How to Serve Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice

Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides to round out the meal:

• With a side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the rice.
• With fresh veggies: Serve with carrot and celery sticks, just like traditional buffalo chicken wings.
• With garlic bread or rolls: For extra comfort, serve with garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to mop up the extra cheesy sauce.

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Presentation Ideas for Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice

Elevate the presentation of your Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice with these ideas:

• Family-style serving: Serve the dish in a large cast-iron skillet or baking dish, topped with fresh garnishes and dressing, so everyone can help themselves.
• Individual portions: Scoop the buffalo chicken and rice into individual bowls, adding garnishes and dressing to each for a more personalized presentation.
• Layered casserole: If you broil the dish, serve it directly from the baking dish with extra cheese bubbling on top for a comforting, casserole-style presentation.

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Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prep the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven and stir in a little extra cheese for freshness.
• Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. Simply stir the shredded chicken into the dish at the end.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re serving this dish to a group with varying spice preferences, offer extra buffalo sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the heat to their liking.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice reheats well. You can make it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Absolutely! Just note that brown rice has a longer cooking time and may require more liquid, so adjust the broth and simmering time accordingly.
3. What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
   Frank’s RedHot is the classic buffalo wing sauce, but you can use any brand or homemade buffalo sauce you prefer. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your dish.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, this dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Rice is the ultimate comfort dish that combines the zesty, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy, cheesy goodness of cheddar rice. This one-pan meal is quick to make, versatile, and perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or whenever you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether you top it with ranch dressing, fresh herbs, or extra cheese, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. Serve it up with simple sides like steamed veggies or a crisp salad, and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!

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