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Low Calorie Meal Prep Buffalo Chicken Bowls - Easy, Flavor-Packed, and Light

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenders)
  • Buffalo sauce: 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s) + 1–2 tablespoons light butter or ghee
  • Greek yogurt sauce: 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice, pinch of garlic powder, pinch of salt
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Veggies: 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup cucumbers (diced), 1 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup chopped green onions or cilantro
  • Base: 2–3 cups cooked cauliflower rice, brown rice, or quinoa (choose your preference)
  • Optional add-ins: 1 avocado (sliced), 1/4 cup crumbled light blue cheese or feta, pickled jalapeños, extra hot sauce
  • Olive oil spray or 1 teaspoon olive oil for cooking

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Prepare cauliflower rice, brown rice, or quinoa according to package directions. For low calories, cauliflower rice is your best bet. Let it cool slightly.
  2. Make the Buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot sauce with light butter. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust heat level by adding more hot sauce or a pinch of honey if you want balance.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub evenly over the chicken.
  4. Cook the chicken: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and mist with olive oil spray. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice. You can also air fry at 375°F for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. Toss with Buffalo sauce: Add sliced chicken to a bowl and spoon Buffalo sauce over it. Toss to coat. Reserve a little sauce for drizzling later if you like.
  6. Mix the Greek yogurt sauce: Stir yogurt with lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Thin with a splash of water until it’s drizzly but still creamy.
  7. Prep the veggies: Chop greens, halve tomatoes, dice cucumbers, slice onions, and shred carrots. Keep them dry for best texture.
  8. Assemble bowls: Divide base among 4–5 meal prep containers. Top each with Buffalo chicken, then arrange veggies around it. Add green onions or cilantro. Drizzle a little yogurt sauce and extra Buffalo sauce if desired.
  9. Optional toppings: Add avocado right before eating to avoid browning. Sprinkle a little blue cheese or feta for classic Buffalo vibes without many extra calories.
  10. Cool before sealing: Let bowls cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.