Description
How to make creamy buffalo ranch chicken rice with tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce and cool ranch that creates the perfect comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Base
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
Buffalo Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Creamy Ranch Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook Rice: Combine rice, chicken broth, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until tender and fluffy.
- Season Chicken: While rice cooks, season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until chicken is evenly coated with aromatic seasonings.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add Buffalo: Pour buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat completely. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes so the sauce reduces slightly and clings to every piece.
- Make Ranch: In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch mix, and milk until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be pourable but not too thin.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked rice to the buffalo chicken skillet, then pour ranch mixture over top. Gently fold everything together until rice is coated in creamy goodness.
- Finish Dish: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the mixture and let it melt for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chives, and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Don’t skip searing the chicken first for maximum flavor development and golden color.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days for best quality.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten up the dish while keeping it creamy.
- Add extra buffalo sauce on the side for those who like more heat.
- Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half on busy weeknights.
- Garnish with blue cheese crumbles for authentic buffalo wing flavor.
Allergy Information: Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g