Description
How to make one pan spicy buffalo chicken and sausage rice with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and bold buffalo flavors for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Rice Foundation
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Buffalo Flavor Builders
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Fresh Finishes
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear Proteins: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sausage, cooking until chicken is golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total.
- Build Base: Add diced onion and garlic to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onion starts to soften, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Rice: Stir in rice, coating each grain with the flavorful oils. Toast for 1-2 minutes until rice looks slightly translucent around the edges.
- Create Sauce: Mix buffalo sauce, butter, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Pour over rice mixture along with broth and water, stirring well.
- Simmer Covered: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in green onions and parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Don’t lift the lid while rice cooks or it won’t cook evenly and will be crunchy in spots.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option, but add a bit more oil for browning.
- Serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles to cool down the heat.
- Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes before adding liquid for better texture and flavor.
- Adjust spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and buffalo sauce used.
Allergy Information: None
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 calories
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 24g