Love the fiery kick of hot chicken sandwiches but want something lighter? Then you’ll love these hot chicken burger bowls! These bowls pack all the bold flavors of a spicy chicken burger into a low-carb option. Made with crispy chicken, fresh toppings, and a tangy sauce, you won’t even miss the bun! Whether you’re looking for a meal prep idea or an easy weeknight dinner, this dish delivers both heat and flavor.
Recipe for Hot Chicken Burger Bowls
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 TBS boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
For the Bowl:
- 4 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- ½ cup sliced pickles
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional)
For the Spicy Sauce:
- ½ cup mayo (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
2. Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs (or almond flour) with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, and lightly spray with oil. Cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes (flipping halfway) or pan-fry in olive oil until crispy and cooked through.
4. Make the Sauce
Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
5. Assemble the Bowl
Add the chopped lettuce to a bowl, then top with sliced chicken, pickles, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and cheese. Drizzle with spicy sauce and serve.
Tips & Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or shrimp.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with sweet potato fries or roasted cauliflower.
- Add Crunch: Top with crushed pork rinds or crispy onions.
Bring the Heat with The Butcher Shop
Hot chicken burger bowls are the ultimate way to enjoy all the spicy, savory flavors of a hot chicken sandwich while keeping things fresh and wholesome. At The Butcher Shop, you’ll only find the freshest ingredients. All of our meat is locally sourced from farms right here in Southern Oregon. We also carry freshly baked bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, and everything else you need to put a wholesome meal on your family’s table. Stop in to see us or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.