Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 medium breasts)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Buffalo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s original hot sauce recommended)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Bowl Components
- Quinoa or white rice (cooked according to package instructions)
- Pickled red onions (optional)
- Quick slaw (optional, see notes)
- Green Goddess Sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally into 3 to 5 thin, even cutlets. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better coating and crispiness during cooking.
- Coat Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the sliced chicken pieces and toss with a spatula to evenly coat them. Drizzle soy sauce and olive oil over the chicken and toss again until fully combined.
- Cook Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap; cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F for 9 to 12 minutes until the chicken is lightly charred and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or dicing as desired.
- Make Hot Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine the unsalted butter, hot sauce, light brown sugar, and garlic powder in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Bowl Components: Cook quinoa or white rice as preferred. Prepare optional pickled red onions and quick slaw if using. Prepare Green Goddess sauce if desired, according to linked recipes or your own.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide quinoa or rice evenly among four bowls. Top with the air-fried chicken pieces, then drizzle generously with the prepared buffalo sauce. Add quick slaw and pickled red onions on top, finishing with a drizzle of Green Goddess sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Quick slaw adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the spicy chicken; prepare with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing.
- Pickled red onions contribute a tangy bite that balances the buffalo sauce’s heat.
- Green Goddess sauce is a creamy herb-based dressing that complements the spicy flavors and can be made with mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs, and lemon juice.
- To ensure the chicken stays juicy, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Frank’s original hot sauce is recommended for authentic buffalo flavor, but any hot sauce can be used to adjust heat levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American