Copycat KFC Bowls

Layer instant mashed potatoes, heated corn, cooked popcorn chicken, and prepared gravy, then top with shredded cheddar cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes using mostly convenience ingredients.

Steaming hot mashed potatoes loaded with crispy chicken, sweet corn and rich gravy makes this the ultimate comfort food you can throw together in minutes. I started making these last winter when my kids kept begging for fast food but the drive-thru line was wrapped around the building. Turns out the homemade version not only saved me from sitting in that line, but honestly tasted way better than the original. Something about fresh-melted cheese over piping hot gravy just hits differently when it's made in your own kitchen.

My brother-in-law stopped by unexpectedly one night when I was throwing these together. He watched skeptically as I assembled what he called "fast food knockoffs" but shut right up after his first bite. Now he texts me before visiting to see if "those KFC bowl things" might be on the menu. Nothing like converting a food snob to appreciate a 20-minute dinner!

Ingredients

• Popcorn chicken: The frozen stuff works perfectly here. I've tried several brands and honestly they're all pretty good once they're covered in gravy. The air fryer gets them extra crispy in about 8 minutes if you've got one.
• Instant mashed potatoes: Don't feel guilty using these - even restaurants use instant potatoes sometimes! I add extra butter and a splash more milk than the package calls for to make them extra creamy. Nobody will know they're not homemade once they're loaded up.
• Canned corn: Such a simple ingredient but adds that sweet pop of color and flavor. I drain mine really well and give it a quick pat with paper towels to prevent watery bowls. In summer I sometimes use fresh corn cut off the cob when it's in season.
• Gravy packets: Brown gravy makes these taste most like the restaurant version. The secret is whisking constantly while it comes to a boil so you don't get any lumps. I keep a few packets in the pantry specifically for when this dinner craving hits.
• Cheddar cheese: Grate your own instead of using the pre-shredded stuff. It melts so much better without those anti-caking agents. I throw mine on while everything's still steaming hot so it gets all melty without needing to broil it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bowl Assembly:

Start with a good scoop of potatoes - they're the foundation everything else sits on. Sprinkle corn around the edges, then pile chicken pieces in the center where they'll get maximum gravy coverage. Pour that gravy right over the middle, watching it cascade down over everything. Finish with a generous handful of cheese while steam is still rising to get that perfect melt.

Time Management:

I start the water boiling for potatoes first, then get the chicken in the oven. While those are going, I heat the corn and make the gravy. Everything finishes within minutes of each other this way. If something's done early, just keep it covered to stay warm until assembly time.

Temperature Tricks:

Making sure everything's piping hot when it goes into the bowl is key. Cold mashed potatoes won't blend with the other flavors right, and room temp gravy won't melt the cheese. I even warm the serving bowls sometimes by filling them with hot water for a minute, then drying them before adding the potatoes.

Portion Control:

These are meant to be hearty, so don't skimp on the serving sizes. I use actual bowls rather than plates to keep everything contained and make sure there's enough depth for proper layering. Nothing worse than trying to eat this off a flat plate and having gravy run everywhere.

Serving Speed:

These need to be eaten pretty much right away while everything's at its perfect temperature. Not a dish to let sit around waiting for stragglers to come to the table! I call everyone to the kitchen as I'm assembling so they can dig in while it's perfect.

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My first attempt at these bowls was a disaster because I made the potatoes too thin and everything just slid around. Now I make them slightly thicker than normal, which creates the perfect base. My daughter adds extra cheese while my husband doubles up on the chicken, which is the beauty of DIY assembly - everyone gets exactly what they want. We've accidentally created a Friday night tradition with these bowls and a movie.

Easy Sides

These bowls are pretty much a meal by themselves, but sometimes I'll add simple sides to round things out. Cold pickle spears provide that perfect tangy crunch against all the warm components. A simple side salad with ranch dressing gives some fresh contrast if you're feeling virtuous. For guests, I put out little bowls of toppings like sliced green onions, extra cheese, or hot sauce so everyone can doctor up their own creation.

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Mix It Up

We've played around with this basic recipe more times than I can count. Swapping the corn for frozen peas adds a different color and flavor that works surprisingly well. Using tater tots instead of mashed potatoes creates a whole different texture experience that my kids go crazy for. During holiday leftover season, I've subbed in chopped turkey for the chicken and added a dollop of cranberry sauce on top. For game day, my husband adds jalapeños and uses pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Quick Tips

This meal saves even more time with a few prep-ahead tricks. Cook double batches of chicken when you make these and freeze half for next time - they reheat perfectly in about 10 minutes. Make extra mashed potatoes another night and refrigerate the leftovers specifically for these bowls later in the week. Keep individual components separate until right before serving for best texture.

Cooking Wisdom

Warming the corn in the microwave with a small pat of butter adds amazing flavor. Stirring a spoonful of sour cream into the potatoes makes them extra luxurious. A pinch of garlic powder in the gravy makes it taste homemade. I've thrown together these copycat bowls for everything from last-minute dinners to teenage sleepover feedings. There's something about this combination that just works - maybe it's the comfort food factor or the nostalgia, but everyone seems to love them regardless of age. When my day goes sideways and dinner plans fall apart, I know I can pull this off with pantry staples and still feel like I've made something satisfying. My picky nephew who normally turns his nose up at most food demolished his entire bowl and asked if he could take the leftovers home - there were none, which I consider the ultimate compliment to any recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these bowls ahead of time? While best served fresh and hot, you can prepare each component ahead of time and store separately. When ready to eat, reheat each component and assemble the bowls just before serving to maintain the different textures.

→ What's the best type of potato to use? Instant mashed potatoes work great for quick preparation, but you can absolutely use homemade mashed potatoes if you prefer. For homemade, Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes make creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes.

→ Can I use a different type of gravy? Absolutely! While beef gravy is traditional for KFC bowls, chicken gravy works wonderfully too and might complement the popcorn chicken even better. Use whatever gravy you prefer or have on hand.

→ How can I make this healthier? To make a lighter version, try using cauliflower mash instead of potatoes, air-fried chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also make your own gravy to control the sodium content.

→ What sides go well with these bowls? These bowls are pretty much a complete meal on their own, but they pair well with simple sides like a green salad, coleslaw, or biscuits if you want the full KFC experience.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I make these bowls ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare each ingredient separately and store in the fridge. Reheat individually and assemble right before serving for best texture.

→ What’s the best type of potato to use?

Instant mashed potatoes are quick and effective, but homemade versions using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes add extra creaminess and flavor.

→ Can I switch up the gravy?

Absolutely. While brown gravy is traditional, chicken or turkey gravy also work well. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

→ How can I make this healthier?

Use air-fried chicken, cauliflower mash, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium homemade gravy to lighten the dish without losing comfort.

→ What sides pair well with these bowls?

Try crisp pickles, green salad, or a simple slaw. Biscuits or cornbread also round out the meal for a full comfort-food spread.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but store components separately. Reheat thoroughly and assemble just before eating to maintain texture and freshness.