Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, savory brown gravy, and plenty of melted cheddar come together in these easy Copycat KFC Bowls. Ready in about 20 minutes, they make a comforting fast-food-inspired dinner without a trip to the drive-thru.
Why You’ll Love These Copycat KFC Bowls
These homemade KFC bowls are all about layers of comforting textures and familiar flavors.
Warm mashed potatoes create a creamy base, followed by sweet corn and crispy popcorn chicken. Brown gravy brings everything together, while shredded cheddar melts over the top for a rich, cheesy finish.
The recipe is especially convenient because several ingredients can come straight from the freezer or pantry. Use instant mashed potatoes for speed, or make homemade mashed potatoes if you have extra time.
You can also adjust the portions easily, making these bowls for a quick lunch, family dinner, or a casual meal when everyone wants something hearty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 servings mashed potatoes
- 1 package (24 ounces) cooked popcorn chicken
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained and heated
- 1 package brown or beef gravy, prepared
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Notes
Mashed potatoes form the creamy foundation of each bowl. Instant potatoes keep this recipe quick, but homemade mashed potatoes work just as well.
Popcorn chicken provides the crispy, savory layer. Cook it according to the package directions before assembling the bowls.
Canned corn is convenient and works well here. Drain and heat it before adding it to the bowls.
Brown gravy adds moisture and savory flavor to the potatoes and chicken. Beef gravy is used in the original recipe, but your preferred gravy can be substituted.
Cheddar cheese gives the bowls their familiar cheesy finish. Sharp cheddar provides more flavor, while mild cheddar melts into a softer topping.
How to Make Copycat KFC Bowls
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Prepare six servings of instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions, or make your favorite homemade mashed potatoes.
Keep the potatoes warm while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Cook the Popcorn Chicken
Cook the popcorn chicken according to the package instructions.
For the best texture, cook it until the outside is crisp and the chicken is heated completely through.
Heat the Corn and Gravy
Drain the canned corn and heat it in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
Prepare the brown gravy according to the package directions and keep it warm until you’re ready to assemble the bowls.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide the warm mashed potatoes among six bowls.
Layer the heated corn over the potatoes, followed by the cooked popcorn chicken.
Pour warm gravy over the top and finish each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese.
Serve immediately while the potatoes and chicken are hot and the cheese can soften over the warm layers.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Keep each component warm until you’re ready to assemble the bowls.
- Cook the popcorn chicken until crisp so it holds its texture beneath the gravy.
- If using homemade mashed potatoes, keep them slightly creamy rather than overly thick.
- Shred cheddar from a block for a smooth melt.
- Add the gravy just before serving to keep the chicken from becoming excessively soft.
- The quantities can easily be adjusted if you’re making fewer or more bowls.
- For a more substantial serving, add extra chicken or cheese according to your preference.
Easy Variations and Substitutions
Use Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Instant mashed potatoes are convenient, but homemade mashed potatoes give the bowls a richer, more traditional comfort-food flavor.
Swap the Chicken
Chicken strips can replace popcorn chicken. Cook them according to their package directions, then cut them into bite-sized pieces before layering them over the potatoes.
Try a Different Gravy
Although beef gravy is used in this recipe, chicken gravy or another preferred gravy can be substituted.
Make a Mac and Cheese Bowl
For a different KFC-inspired variation, replace the mashed potatoes with prepared macaroni and cheese. For this version, omit the corn and gravy.
What to Serve With KFC Bowls
These bowls are filling enough to serve on their own, so extra sides aren’t necessary.
If you’d like to round out the meal, simple options include:
- Green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Coleslaw
- Green beans
- Dinner rolls
A light, crisp side works particularly well with the creamy potatoes, gravy, cheese, and chicken.
How to Store Leftovers
For the best texture, store the individual components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Keep the mashed potatoes, corn, chicken, gravy, and cheese separate when possible. This makes reheating easier and helps prevent the chicken from becoming too soft.
Reheat each component until hot, then assemble fresh bowls.
Because the recipe uses prepared ingredients with different storage characteristics, follow the package storage instructions for any remaining packaged foods.
Copycat KFC Bowls Recipe with Popcorn Chicken
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American6
servings10
minutes10
minutes592
kcal20
minutesA quick homemade KFC-inspired bowl layered with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, savory gravy, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
6 servings mashed potatoes
1 package (24 ounces) cooked popcorn chicken
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained and heated
1 package brown or beef gravy, prepared
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare six servings of instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions, or prepare homemade mashed potatoes. Keep warm.
- Cook the popcorn chicken according to the package instructions until heated through and crisp.
- Drain and heat the canned corn in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prepare the brown or beef gravy according to the package directions and keep warm.
- Divide the mashed potatoes among six bowls.
- Layer the heated corn over the potatoes, followed by the cooked popcorn chicken.
- Pour warm gravy over the chicken and potatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
- Instant or homemade mashed potatoes can be used.
- Chicken strips can replace popcorn chicken. Cut cooked chicken strips into bite-sized pieces before assembling.
- Beef gravy can be replaced with your preferred gravy.
- For a KFC-style Mac and Cheese Bowl, replace the mashed potatoes with mac and cheese and omit the corn and gravy.
- The recipe can be prepared in larger or smaller quantities as needed.
- Store individual components separately when possible for better texture.
- Nutritional information per serving: 592 calories, 49 g carbohydrates, 14 g protein, 13 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 40 mg cholesterol, 298 mg sodium, 696 mg potassium, 4 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 377 IU vitamin A, 49 mg vitamin C, 288 mg calcium, and 1 mg iron.
- Nutrition is an estimate and can vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.
Can I use homemade mashed potatoes for KFC Bowls?
Yes. Homemade mashed potatoes work perfectly in place of instant mashed potatoes. Prepare about six servings and keep them warm until assembly.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Popcorn chicken is the easiest choice and gives the bowls their familiar crispy texture. Chicken strips can also be cooked, cut into pieces, and used instead.
Can I use a different type of gravy?
Yes. Beef gravy is specified in the recipe, but chicken gravy or another preferred gravy can be used.
Can I make these bowls with mac and cheese?
Yes. Replace the mashed potatoes with prepared mac and cheese and omit the corn and gravy for a cheesy KFC-style Mac and Cheese Bowl.
Can I make more or fewer bowls?
Yes. The ingredients can be scaled up or down depending on how many servings you need. Simply adjust each component to match the number of bowls you’re preparing.
How do I keep the popcorn chicken crispy?
Cook the chicken until crisp according to the package instructions and add it to the bowls shortly before serving. Adding gravy at the last moment also helps preserve some of its texture.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?
Yes. Cook the frozen corn until heated through and use it in the same way as canned corn.
How many calories are in a Copycat KFC Bowl?
The provided recipe lists approximately 592 calories per serving. Actual nutrition can vary depending on the brands and specific ingredients used.
