There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy, and hearty KFC Bowl recipe (Copycat). The layers of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, sweet corn, and rich brown gravy all topped with melty cheese feel like a hug in a bowl. I still remember the first time I had it, it was after a long workday, and one spoonful instantly lifted my mood. That’s the magic of this recipe.
The beauty of the homemade KFC Bowl is how it fits into so many occasions. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, filling enough for a weekend indulgence, and crowd-pleasing enough to serve at a casual get-together. Plus, making it at home means you get to control the ingredients and customize it exactly to your liking.
Table of contents
What Makes This Copycat KFC Bowl So Good
What makes this KFC Bowl recipe stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. You get creamy mashed potatoes as a base, juicy chicken bites with a crunchy coating, bursts of sweet corn, savory gravy, and gooey cheese tying everything together. Unlike fast food, here you control the quality, fresh potatoes, real cheese, and chicken seasoned the way you love.
This recipe is also flexible. Want a lighter version? Swap fried chicken for air-fried or grilled chicken. Craving more vegetables? Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or even broccoli. Dairy-free? Use vegan cheese and plant-based gravy. It’s a meal you can adapt without losing its essence.
Make Ahead Steps for Easy KFC Bowls
To make this KFC Bowl recipe a breeze, a little prep goes a long way. You can cook and mash the potatoes in advance and keep them refrigerated for up to two days. Gravy also reheats beautifully, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time. If you’re making crispy chicken from scratch, bread it earlier in the day and store in the fridge until ready to fry or bake. Even grating the cheese and thawing frozen corn in advance helps speed up the assembly.
How to Make it: Recipe Card
KFC Bowl Recipe
4
servings15
minutes20
minutes650
kcalThis KFC bowl recipe is a homemade version of the famous comfort food, featuring mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, sweet corn, gravy, and melty cheese.
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Ingredients
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup whole milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Chicken:
2 cups frozen popcorn chicken
Cooking spray (for baking or air-frying)
- For the Gravy:
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 cup water
- Toppings:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen corn, cooked
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Prepare the popcorn chicken according to the package instructions (bake or air-fry for best results). Set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Gravy
- In a small saucepan, whisk the gravy mix with water and cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the mashed potatoes among 4 bowls.
- Layer with cooked corn, crispy popcorn chicken, and shredded cheese.
- Drizzle warm gravy over the top.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the consistency of the mashed potatoes by adding more milk if needed.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality.
- For a healthier version, try air-frying the popcorn chicken or using grilled chicken strips.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
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Tips and Tricks for the Perfect KFC Bowl
- Season each layer – Don’t rely on gravy alone. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to your mashed potatoes, season your chicken coating well, and let the cheese shine.
- Crispy chicken trick – Double dip your chicken pieces in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for extra crunch. For a lighter option, use an air fryer.
- Smooth potatoes – For the creamiest base, mash hot potatoes with warm milk and butter. Cold ingredients make them gummy.
- Cheese matters – Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Layer smartly – Always start with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. This ensures the bowl stays hearty and balanced.
What Can You Serve With This Recipe ?
- A crisp side salad with ranch dressing
- Warm dinner rolls
- Coleslaw or steamed green beans
How to Store This Recipe
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Making KFC Bowl Recipe
- Watery Potatoes: Always drain potatoes thoroughly before mashing.
- Overcooked Chicken: Follow package instructions to avoid dry or chewy chicken.
- Gravy Lumps: Whisk constantly while preparing gravy to prevent lumps.
Creative Twists on the Classic KFC Bowl
One of the joys of making a KFC Bowl recipe at home is the ability to tweak it to your mood or dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations:
1. Spicy KFC Bowl
If you love a little heat, season your chicken with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even hot sauce before breading. Top the final bowl with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
2. BBQ KFC Bowl
Swap out the gravy for tangy barbecue sauce. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with crispy chicken and sweet corn, giving the classic bowl a Southern twist.
3. Vegetarian KFC Bowl
Skip the chicken and instead use crispy cauliflower bites, chickpea nuggets, or even grilled portobello mushrooms. Use vegetarian gravy and dairy-free cheese to keep it plant-based.
4. Breakfast KFC Bowl
Yes, you read that right. Replace the chicken with crispy breakfast sausage or bacon. Add a fried egg on top and swap the gravy for sausage gravy. It’s hearty and indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can save time and work well in this recipe.
Replace popcorn chicken with breaded cauliflower or crispy tofu.
Use gluten-free gravy mix and chicken nuggets.
Add chicken right before serving and drizzle gravy lightly rather than drenching. This keeps the coating crunchy.
Wrapping It Up
The KFC Bowl recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can recreate a restaurant favorite at home while tailoring it to your taste. Whether you stick with the classic layers or get creative with spicy or lighter variations, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
The next time you crave something warm, cheesy, and soul-soothing, skip the drive-thru and make your own KFC Bowl instead. Trust me, it’s more rewarding and tastes even better when homemade.
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