These Copycat KFC Bowls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a homemade version of a popular fast-food meal! Crispy popcorn chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and a savory corn and gravy mixture are layered in a bowl and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying and comforting dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or a fun family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like takeout: This recipe recreates the flavors of a KFC Famous Bowl in the comfort of your own kitchen.
- Quick and easy: It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and toppings to your liking.
- Kid-friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Copycat KFC Bowls
This recipe uses simple, convenient ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen Popcorn Chicken (or Chicken Nuggets): Cooked according to package directions.
- Prepared Mashed Potatoes: Use your favorite recipe or store-bought mashed potatoes.
- Frozen Corn Kernels: Thawed before using.
- Prepared Beef Gravy: Use your favorite recipe or store-bought beef gravy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a cheesy, melty topping.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Copycat KFC Bowls
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Cook the frozen popcorn chicken (or chicken nuggets) according to package directions. You can bake them, fry them, or even air fry them for extra crispiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes. You can use your favorite recipe or store-bought mashed potatoes. Keep the mashed potatoes warm.
Step 3: Heat the Corn and Gravy
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the thawed corn kernels and beef gravy. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the warm mashed potatoes evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the cooked popcorn chicken. Spoon the corn and gravy mixture over the popcorn chicken. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each bowl.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Serve
Microwave each bowl for an additional 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chicken: You can use any type of cooked chicken you like, such as rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or even grilled chicken.
- Mashed potatoes: You can make your own mashed potatoes from scratch or use store-bought mashed potatoes for convenience.
- Corn: You can use fresh or canned corn instead of frozen corn.
- Gravy: You can use your favorite type of gravy, such as chicken gravy or turkey gravy.
- Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
How to Serve Copycat KFC Bowls
- Quick dinner: These bowls are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- Casual lunch: They also make a great casual lunch or a fun family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover KFC Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the bowls just before serving.
Can I freeze this recipe?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the mashed potatoes and chicken.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken and use a vegetarian meat substitute, such as plant-based chicken or tofu. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef gravy.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the corn and gravy mixture. You can also use a spicier salsa or hot sauce.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Copycat KFC Bowls. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintCopycat KFC Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Category: Main Course, Bowl
- Method: Microwave, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Copycat KFC Bowls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a copycat version of the popular fast food meal. They feature crispy popcorn chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and a flavorful gravy with corn, all topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds frozen popcorn chicken (or chicken nuggets)
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 cup prepared beef gravy
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken according to package directions. (Air frying is a great option for crispy chicken.)
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes and keep them warm.
- Heat Gravy and Corn: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the thawed corn kernels and beef gravy. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir to combine.
- Assemble Bowls: To assemble the bowls, divide the warm mashed potatoes evenly among 4 serving bowls. Top each bowl of mashed potatoes with a generous portion of the popcorn chicken. Spoon the corn and gravy mixture over the popcorn chicken in each bowl. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each bowl.
- Melt Cheese: Microwave each bowl for an additional 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Chicken: You can use any type of cooked chicken you like for this recipe, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: You can use homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes.
- Gravy: You can use your favorite type of gravy for this recipe.
- Cheese: You can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend.
- Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as bacon bits, green onions, or sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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