KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe

This irresistible KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole transforms everyone’s favorite fast-food classic into a hearty, home-cooked meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! With layers of creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy chicken tenders, melty cheese, and savory gravy, this comfort food mashup delivers all the flavors you love in one convenient dish—ready in just 35 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weeknight Wonder: This casserole comes together in just 35 minutes total, making it perfect for those evenings when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this dish! The familiar flavors and comfort food appeal make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at your dinner table.
• Budget-Friendly: Using frozen ingredients and pantry staples means this recipe is gentle on your wallet while still delivering big on flavor.
• Versatile: This casserole is incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand—perfect for using up leftovers or customizing to your family’s preferences.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Instant Mashed Potatoes: Creates the creamy, fluffy base layer that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Leftover homemade mashed potatoes work wonderfully here too if you have them on hand!
• Frozen Corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and color to balance the savory elements. No need to thaw—just layer it in frozen!
• Frozen Chicken Tenders or Nuggets: The star protein that brings that KFC-inspired flavor. These get deliciously crispy in the oven before joining the casserole layers.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend creates that irresistible gooey, melty layer that pulls everything together. The cheese forms a beautiful golden crust that’s simply mouthwatering.
• Gravy: This magical ingredient ties all the flavors together and creates moisture throughout the casserole. Store-bought works perfectly for convenience, but homemade takes it to the next level if you have the time.

Variations

Want to customize your KFC Bowl Casserole? Here are some delicious options:

• Loaded Potato Version: Add crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top after baking for a loaded baked potato-inspired twist.
• Spicy Kick: Mix some hot sauce into your gravy or sprinkle red pepper flakes between layers for a spicy variation that will wake up your taste buds.
• Veggie Boost: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a cup of frozen mixed vegetables along with the corn for extra nutrition.
• Homestyle Upgrade: Use homemade mashed potatoes with garlic and herbs, and substitute popcorn chicken or homemade breaded chicken pieces for the nuggets.

How to Make KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Components

Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions, making enough for your base layer. Meanwhile, cook the frozen chicken tenders according to the package directions until they’re nice and crispy.

Step 2: Layer Your Casserole

In a 9×13 baking dish, spread the mashed potatoes in an even layer across the bottom. Next, spread the frozen corn (no need to thaw) evenly over the potatoes. Cut your cooked chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces and distribute them across the corn layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over everything.

Step 3: Add Gravy and Bake

Pour the gravy evenly over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep down between the layers. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set up slightly, making it easier to portion and serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Mashed Potato Perfection: Make your instant mashed potatoes slightly thicker than normal by using a little less liquid than called for—this helps them hold up better in the casserole.
• Chicken Crispiness: Cook your chicken tenders or nuggets until they’re extra crispy before adding them to the casserole. This ensures they maintain some texture even after being baked with the gravy.
• Gravy Distribution: Warm your gravy slightly before pouring it over the casserole for more even distribution throughout the layers.
• Cheese Strategy: Reserve about 1/4 cup of cheese to sprinkle on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra golden, crispy cheese topping.

How to Serve

This hearty casserole truly shines as the star of your dinner table! Here are my favorite serving suggestions:

Main Event:

Serve generous portions alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

Additions:

Set out small bowls of additional toppings like sliced green onions, extra gravy, crispy fried onions, or even pickles for a fun, DIY finishing touch.

Complementary Sides:

A side of tangy coleslaw or steamed green beans provides the perfect contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully, making the leftovers sometimes even better than the first serving!

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a small splash of milk or extra gravy if it seems dry after storage.

FAQs

Can I use real mashed potatoes instead of instant?
Absolutely! Homemade mashed potatoes work beautifully in this recipe and add an extra layer of flavor. Just prepare about 4 cups of mashed potatoes and proceed with the recipe as written. They may even hold up better than instant during baking.

How can I make this casserole healthier?
You can lighten up this comfort food classic several ways! Try using reduced-fat cheese, air-fried chicken tenders, and adding extra vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to the corn layer. You could also make the mashed potatoes with chicken broth instead of milk and butter.

My family doesn’t like corn. What can I substitute?
No problem! Green peas, mixed vegetables, or even roasted broccoli florets make excellent substitutions for the corn layer. Just keep the quantity about the same (approximately 16 ounces) to maintain the proper proportions in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, covered. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you’re starting with a cold casserole.

Final Thoughts

This KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole brings fast-food comfort to your family table with homemade love. It’s become my go-to recipe for those evenings when I need something quick that everyone will devour without complaint. The beauty lies in its simplicity and familiarity—taking those flavors we all crave and transforming them into a hearty, home-cooked meal. Give it a try tonight—I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Print