Hey there, friend! I hope you’re having a wonderfully cozy day. You know, there are certain flavors that just remind me of watching my favorite shows at home, all wrapped up in a blanket with a bowl of something delicious in my hands. One of those flavors that always hits the spot for me is spicy buffalo chicken. The zingy heat, that perfect balance of creaminess, and the crunch of a good topping – it’s comfort food at its finest. Today, I’m so excited to share with you my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Onigiri Bowls Recipe with Easy Ranch Drizzle. Picture fluffy rice shaped into little pillows, filled with juicy, spicy chicken goodness, and drizzled with a kick of creamy ranch. Trust me, this is a dish that’ll make your tastebuds dance!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that deliver a big flavor punch!
• Combines comforting flavors with a fun twist on traditional onigiri.
• Meal prep friendly and great for lunches!
• Customizable to fit any dietary needs or personal tastes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful spicy buffalo chicken onigiri bowls. I promise, you’ll find everything at your local grocery store!

• For the Chicken Filling:
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Rice:
• 2 cups sushi rice (or any short-grain rice)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Ranch Drizzle:
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (adjust based on your taste)
• 1 tablespoon milk (to thin it out, as needed)
• For Toppings:
• Sliced green onions
• Diced celery
• Crumbled blue cheese (optional but oh-so-delicious!)

Pro Tip: If you have leftover chicken, feel free to use that! The flavors will absorb beautifully into the rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the magic of making these onigiri bowls. Roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear – this removes excess starch and helps achieve that lovely sticky texture! Combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat, cover it, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Don’t peek too often; this can make the rice cook unevenly!
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, stirring until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The aroma will have you feeling eager to dig in!
3. Season the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes. Then, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a separate bowl and add it to the rice. Carefully fold it through, taking care not to squish the grains – the fluffiness is key!
4. Shape the Onigiri: Wet your hands with water (this helps prevent sticking) and take about a handful of rice. Form it into a triangle or oval shape, depending on your preference. Make a little indentation in the center for the buffalo chicken filling. Spoon the chicken into the indent and cover with more rice to seal it. Give it a gentle squeeze to hold its shape but don’t overdo it!
5. Make the Ranch Drizzle: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream or yogurt with the ranch seasoning and thin it out with milk to your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if necessary – you want it creamy and zesty!
6. Assemble Your Bowls: Place your onigiri in bowls and generously drizzle with the ranch sauce. Sprinkle on the toppings like sliced green onions, celery, and blue cheese if you’re using it. The colors will pop, and your bowl will look absolutely delicious!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here’s where you can get creative! Feel free to switch this recipe up based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Spice it Up: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne to the chicken for an extra kick!
• Make it Light: You can use grilled chicken breast instead of shredded chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for roasted veggies or chickpeas tossed in buffalo sauce.
• Seafood Delight: Try shrimp or crispy tofu instead of chicken for a fun twist.

Have fun with the toppings, too! Why not throw in some chopped cilantro or even avocado for a creamy texture? The world is your oyster!

Serving Suggestions

To make these bowls truly cozy and inviting, I suggest serving them with a side of crunchy veggies like carrot sticks or cucumber slices. You can whip up a hearty salad with fresh greens too for that extra crunch and freshness. And, of course, a nice sparkling water or a chilled glass of iced tea would be the perfect beverage to wash it all down! Picture this: you’re settled on the couch, the aroma of spicy buffalo chicken wafts through the air, and you’ve got your warm bowl resting in your lap… it’s a little slice of heaven!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which I highly doubt, but just in case), you can store your onigiri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the ranch drizzle separate to maintain that fresh taste. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute or until warm through. You might want to give those toppings a little refresh with a sprinkle of freshness! For longer storage, freeze the onigiri (without the drizzle) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month. They’re perfect for quick meals later on!

Can I use other types of rice?

Absolutely! While sushi rice gives that ideal sticky texture, any short-grain rice will do. Brown rice or even quinoa could be great alternatives if you’re looking for something a little different.

How spicy is the buffalo chicken?

The spice level can be totally customized to your liking! If you prefer a milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder variety. Feel free to add a touch of honey to balance the heat if you have little ones around!

Can I meal prep these onigiri bowls?

Definitely! These bowls are perfect for meal prep. Just make the chicken and rice ahead of time, and you can easily assemble them whenever you need a quick meal!

What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

No ranch seasoning? No problem! You can make a quick substitute using garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and salt. Or, simply mix in some herbs and spices you love for a unique twist.

Conclusion

I hope you love making and sharing these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Onigiri Bowls as much as I do! They’re the kind of dish that brings people together, sparking joy with every spicy bite. Please let me know how yours turn out, or any fun variations you try out! I can’t wait to hear from you. Happy cooking, my friend!

Irresistible Spicy Buffalo Chicken Onigiri Bowls with Ranch Drizzle

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a quick Spicy Buffalo Chicken Onigiri Bowl recipe topped with a zesty ranch drizzle Perfect for a flavorful meal or snack 155 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1/2 cup buffalo sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups sushi rice

2 1/2 cups water

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix

1 tablespoon milk

Sliced green onions, for topping

Diced celery, for topping

Crumbled blue cheese, optional

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Instructions

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to low heat, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, stirring until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

Once the rice is cooked, let it sit covered for another 10 minutes. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl, then add to the rice. Fold carefully.

Wet your hands and take a handful of rice. Form it into a shape, create an indentation for the filling, fill it with buffalo chicken, and cover with more rice.

In a small bowl, mix sour cream or yogurt with ranch seasoning and milk until desired consistency is reached.

Assemble onigiri in bowls and drizzle with ranch sauce. Add toppings.

Notes

Delicious spicy buffalo chicken onigiri bowls drizzled with creamy ranch. Perfect for a cozy meal or meal prep!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, onigiri, rice bowls, spicy recipe