These easy and delicious Homemade KFC Bowls come together in just 20 minutes using a handful of ingredients. They’re the perfect no-fuss dinner for the whole family and so much better (and healthier) than the drive-thru.
We all order takeout or hit the drive-thru from time to time for our favorites — we’re only human! And since KFC’s famous mashed potato bowls have been my family’s go-to forever, I found an easy, delicious and affordable way to whip them up at home. These KFC Mashed Potato Bowls are made with just a handful of store-bought ingredients and still have all those comforting, crave-worthy flavors you love.
With layers of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, crunchy corn, savory gravy and melty cheese, these Popcorn Chicken Bowls are unbelievably satisfying, not to mention beyond simple to throw together. Get dinner everyone loves on the table in under 30 minutes, without leaving the house or stretching your wallet – it’s the ultimate family meal.
If you like this easy dinner idea, try these other tasty bowl recipes. We love this flavor-packed Egg Roll In A Bowl and these easy Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Comfort Food Classic: This recipe combines your favorite comfort foods into one delicious dish you can easily make at home, anytime you want.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: You can whip this up with ease, using simple fridge and pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Customizable: Add any toppings you’d like. Try different flavor combinations each time you serve it — these are the perfect bowls to customize and change up depending on who’s enjoying them.
- Great for Game Day or an Easy Dinner: Super simple to throw together and made with just a few ingredients, these bowls are perfect for game day entertaining or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Mashed Potatoes: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version. This is a great way to use up leftovers if you have them!
- Corn: Frozen or canned work great, just throw in a pat of butter to season.
- Gravy: Any store-bought variety or homemade is delicious — we recommend chicken flavored.
- Popcorn Chicken: Crispy and crunchy, find this in the frozen food section at the store. They’re a great staple to have on hand.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful, the perfect cheesy topping.
How To Make a KFC Bowl
1. Heat up the corn, mashed potatoes and gravy. While that cooks get your chicken cooked. I use my airfryer but the oven is great too!
2. For the airfryer I spray my popcorn chicken with olive oil, place in airfryer and and airfry at 375 for 12 minutes.
3. Now the fun part! Take a bowl, place mashed potatoes in first, add in corn, top with chicken, shredded cheddar cheese and gravy.
Expert Tips
- Use Buttery Mashed Potatoes: “Everything’s better with butter” is a saying for a reason. Add an extra pat for the best flavor.
- Crisp the Chicken: Let them get extra golden brown and crunchy for better texture. It’ll pair perfectly with the creamy potatoes and gravy.
- Serve Immediately: This is best enjoyed right away, so every layer of deliciousness is fresh and most importantly, hot!
- Use Homemade Gravy: It’s worth making your favorite simple recipe for a deep, rich flavor. You can always make a big batch and freeze for a future meal.
Variations
- Make It Spicy: Make a kicked up bowl using frozen buffalo chicken tenders or nuggets. Add an extra dash of hot sauce for even more heat.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Switch it up with simply seasoned, roasted rotisserie chicken from the store instead of fried chicken if you want something slightly lighter.
- Try Different Cheeses: Use Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile. You could add blue cheese crumbles to the buffalo chicken version, too. Just be sure to grate your own cheese for the best texture.
- Add Veggies: Top these bowls with simple sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots or peas would be delicious and colorful.
What To Serve KFC Bowls
These KFC Copycat bowls are delicious and packed with flavor, but if you’d like to make them a heartier meal, or simply want a side to pair with them, here are our favorite ideas.
- Simple Green Salad
- Lemon Caesar Salad
- Coleslaw
- Biscuits
- Roasted Vegetables
Storage
If you have leftovers, we recommend storing each component separately, in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, reheat the chicken in the oven until crisp, and the potatoes, corn and gravy in the microwave in 30-second increments until warm. Assemble the bowls right before serving and top with freshly grated cheese.
We don’t recommend freezing these bowls, as the texture of the ingredients could change once frozen and thawed. This dish is best eaten immediately!
You can prep this recipe in advance: cook the chicken and potatoes ahead of time, and assemble with the rest of the bowl components when you’re ready to serve. Enjoy while it’s hot.
- Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time: Reward and add a splash of milk or cream if needed.
- Cook Chicken: Make the chicken in advance, but store separately once cooled, in an airtight container. Add to bowls when you’re ready to eat.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, so the chicken stays crispy, the gravy is hot, and the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Yes. Instant mashed potatoes will work, but they aren’t our first choice. If you can use homemade, we recommend that, for the best flavor and texture!
We like any fried chicken — frozen popcorn chicken, tenders or chunks are crispy and the best texture, or fried chicken from your favorite restaurant works well, too. You can also use rotisserie chicken if you don’t prefer fried.
You can prep some of the components in this recipe ahead of time. Make the mashed potatoes and the chicken in advance, then cool and store separately until it’s time to assemble and serve. This recipe is best enjoyed immediately once hot and ready.
You can definitely make the chicken in the air fryer for a quick and crispy texture.
You can make a quick and easy homemade gravy by melting a few tablespoons of butter in a pan, then whisking in an equal amount of flour before slowly adding in 2 cups of warm stock or pan drippings. Stir until smooth and slightly reduced, then season to taste.
More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes
- The Perfect Short Ribs
- Crockpot Lasagna
- Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Homemade KFC Bowls (Copycat recipe)
Ingredients
Method
- Heat up the corn, mashed potatoes and gravy. While that cooks get your chicken cooked. I use my airfryer but the oven is great too!
- For the airfryer I spray my popcorn chicken with olive oil, place in airfryer and and airfry at 375 for 12 minutes.
- Now the fun part! Take a bowl, place mashed potatoes in first, add in corn, top with chicken, shredded cheddar cheese and gravy.
Notes
- Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time: Reward and add a splash of milk or cream if needed.
- Cook Chicken: Make the chicken in advance, but store separately once cooled, in an airtight container. Add to bowls when you’re ready to eat.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, so the chicken stays crispy, the gravy is hot, and the potatoes are smooth and creamy.