Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Rice (Printable Version)

Savory blend of buffalo chicken, rice, and melted cheddar for a satisfying one-dish dinner.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Grains

01 - 1 bag (about 180g) basmati rice boil-in-bag or 185g cooked basmati rice

→ Proteins

02 - 225g shredded cooked chicken

→ Dairy

03 - 240ml (1 cup) cottage cheese
04 - 90g shredded cheddar cheese

→ Sauces and Condiments

05 - 120ml buffalo sauce
06 - Olive oil or olive oil spray

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

07 - 40g diced onion
08 - 1 tbsp minced garlic

→ Seasonings

09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Preheat the oven to 175°C.
02 - Prepare the basmati rice according to package instructions and set aside.
03 - Combine cottage cheese and buffalo sauce in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
04 - Heat olive oil or spray a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add shredded chicken, cooked rice, and blended cottage cheese mixture to the skillet. Stir to combine evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Evenly spread the mixture in the skillet or transfer to a casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
07 - Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with extra blue cheese or ranch dressing and chopped green onions.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For increased heat, use a spicier buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella as preferred. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or celery enhances flavor and nutrition.