Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

Introduction

The Copycat KFC Famous Bowl is a comforting layered dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes, crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, savory gravy, and melted cheddar cheese. This recipe lets you enjoy all the flavors of the beloved fast-food classic right at home with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 4 servings mashed potatoes (homemade or instant)
• 1 package popcorn chicken (or chicken nuggets or chicken tenders)
• 1 15-ounce can of corn, drained
• 1 jar chicken gravy (or beef gravy)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 Russet potatoes (cleaned and peeled, for homemade mashed potatoes)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare mashed potatoes by separating the mashed potatoes into 4 individual bowls if using pre-made. For homemade mashed potatoes, follow steps 6 to 9 below.
2. Step 2: Bake the frozen popcorn chicken or chicken tenders according to the package directions until crispy and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Drain the canned corn and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for 1 minute until warm.
4. Step 4: Assemble the bowls by placing a serving of mashed potatoes in each bowl. Top each with cooked chicken, warm corn, a generous ladle of heated gravy, and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Step 5: Heat the gravy in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes until hot.
6. Step 6: For homemade mashed potatoes: Cut peeled potatoes into smaller chunks.
7. Step 7: Fill a large pot about 3/4 full with water and add the potato chunks. Bring to a boil.
8. Step 8: Boil the potatoes for about 10 minutes or until fork tender.
9. Step 9: Drain the potatoes carefully. Add butter, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy chicken, pat dry the pieces before baking and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
• You can swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the mashed potatoes for enhanced taste.
• Use homemade gravy for a richer, fresher flavor instead of jarred gravy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, adding extra gravy or cheese if needed to maintain moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free chicken nuggets and gravy. Check all ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the mashed potatoes and chicken in advance and assemble the bowls just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess.

Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

This Copycat KFC Famous Bowl recipe combines creamy homemade mashed potatoes topped with crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, savory gravy, and melted cheddar cheese, replicating the beloved fast-food favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mashed Potatoes

• 4 Russet potatoes (cleaned and peeled)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Toppings

• 1 package popcorn chicken (or chicken nuggets or chicken tenders)
• 1 15 ounce can of corn, drained
• 1 jar chicken gravy (or beef gravy)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Cut the peeled Russet potatoes into smaller chunks and place them in a large pot filled 3/4 full with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes or until fork-tender. Carefully drain the water off, then add the butter, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Mash everything together with a potato masher until creamy and smooth.
2. Divide Mashed Potatoes: Separate the mashed potatoes evenly into 4 individual serving bowls to prepare the base of the dish.
3. Cook Popcorn Chicken: Bake the frozen popcorn chicken or chicken tenders according to the package instructions until fully cooked and crispy.
4. Heat Corn: Drain the canned corn well and place it into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute to warm through.
5. Heat Gravy: Pour the chicken gravy into a small saucepan and gently heat it over medium heat on the stovetop until hot. Alternatively, the gravy can be placed in a microwave-safe bowl and heated for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
6. Assemble the Bowl: On top of each bowl of mashed potatoes, layer the baked popcorn chicken, heated corn, warm gravy, and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Notes

• You can use instant mashed potatoes for a quicker version, but homemade mashed potatoes provide the best texture and flavor.
• Popcorn chicken can be substituted with chicken nuggets or chicken tenders depending on availability or preference.
• Feel free to use beef gravy if you prefer a different flavor to complement the chicken.
• For a crispier texture, broil the assembled bowls briefly to melt the cheese and slightly brown the top, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Adjust seasoning in the mashed potatoes with more salt or pepper if desired.

Keywords: KFC Famous Bowl, copycat recipe, mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, comfort food, chicken bowl, homemade gravy, easy dinner