Delicious Copycat KFC Famous Bowls Recipe

Craving the comforting flavors of your favorite fast-food indulgence without the long drive-thru lines? Look no further than these homemade Copycat KFC Bowls! Picture this: fluffy mashed potatoes, crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, all smothered in rich gravy and topped with a generous helping of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a meal that’s quick to assemble, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy those comfort food cravings.

I stumbled upon this Copycat KFC Bowls recipe during a winter night when the urge for fast food struck, but the thought of waiting in line was less than appealing. Little did I know that my DIY version would not only save me time but also surpass the taste of the original. There’s just something about the combination of flavors and textures – the warmth of the gravy, the crunch of the chicken, and the gooey cheese – that makes these bowls a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a laid-back movie night, these bowls have become a go-to favorite in my household.

Assembling these bowls has become a fun and customizable experience for my family. From adjusting the thickness of the mashed potatoes to adding extra cheese or doubling up on the chicken, everyone can tailor their bowl to their liking. And the best part? You can get creative with variations like swapping corn for peas or using tater tots instead of mashed potatoes. With a few prep-ahead tips up your sleeve, like freezing extra chicken or saving leftover mashed potatoes, you can whip up these Copycat KFC Bowls in no time, making them perfect for any occasion – from busy weeknights to casual get-togethers.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy: A simple 20-minute meal that saves time compared to waiting in drive-thru lines.
• Customizable: DIY assembly allows everyone to tailor their bowl to their liking with extra cheese, more chicken, or additional toppings.
• Versatile: Can be adapted with different ingredients like peas or tater tots, making it a flexible meal for various occasions.
• Make-ahead Options: Prep-ahead tips like freezing extra chicken or refrigerating mashed potatoes for later use help streamline future meal preparations.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Copycat KFC Famous Bowls Recipe Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal with steaming hot mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, sweet corn, and rich gravy, perfect for cozy nights in or busy days when you crave something hearty.
• Homemade Version: Tastes way better than the original fast-food version; you can enjoy the flavors of your favorite dish without the long drive-thru lines.
• Customizable Assembly: Everyone can personalize their bowl by adding extra cheese, more chicken, or any desired toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal for the whole family.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by, providing a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
• Versatile & Adaptable: You can easily customize the recipe by swapping ingredients like corn for peas, using tater tots instead of mashed potatoes, or incorporating holiday leftovers, making it a flexible choice for different occasions.
• Meal-in-One: These bowls are a complete meal by themselves, but you can also add simple sides like pickle spears or a side salad for a well-rounded dining experience.
• Make-Ahead Options: Save time by prepping components in advance, such as cooking extra chicken or mashed potatoes for future meals, ensuring you can quickly assemble a delicious dinner when needed.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by all ages, from picky eaters to food enthusiasts, this recipe has a universal appeal that makes it a go-to option for various occasions, from casual family dinners to gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Delicious Copycat KFC Famous Bowls Recipe

Main Components

• 1 package beef gravy mix
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 6 servings instant mashed potatoes (or homemade)
• 1 package (24 oz) frozen popcorn chicken

How to Make Delicious Copycat KFC Famous Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes

Prepare 6 servings of instant mashed potatoes following package instructions, or make homemade mashed potatoes as desired.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Prepare the frozen popcorn chicken as directed on the package until crispy and fully cooked.

Step 3: Heat the corn

Remove liquid from canned corn and heat in microwave for 1-2 minutes or on stovetop until warmed.

Step 4: Make the gravy

Follow the package instructions to prepare the beef gravy.

Step 5: Assemble the bowls

Layer ingredients in each serving bowl in this sequence: mashed potatoes, warm corn, popcorn chicken, gravy, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Serve immediately

Serve immediately so that the cheese can start to melt from the heat of the other ingredients.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Copycat KFC Bowls, you can store any leftovers for future enjoyment. To maintain the best texture and flavor, it is recommended to store the components of the dish separately. Store the mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, corn, beef gravy, and shredded cheddar cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will help preserve the individual flavors and prevent them from becoming soggy when stored together.

When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat each component separately before assembling the bowls. You can warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. By storing and reheating the components separately, you can recreate the delicious flavors and textures of the Copycat KFC Bowls as if they were freshly made. This storage method also allows for easy customization if you want to add extra toppings or adjust the quantities of each component to suit your preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Copycat KFC Bowls recipe, there are several ingredient substitutions you can make based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use cauliflower mash instead of traditional mashed potatoes. This swap will reduce the carb content while still providing a creamy base for the other ingredients.

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of these bowls, you can replace the popcorn chicken with breaded and baked tofu or tempeh. This substitution will maintain the crispy texture and savory flavor while catering to a meat-free diet.

For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free gravy mix or make your own gravy from scratch using gluten-free ingredients. Additionally, ensure that the frozen popcorn chicken is gluten-free or substitute it with gluten-free breaded chicken strips. These substitutions will allow individuals with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this comfort food dish without compromising on taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving idea, set up a “Build Your Own KFC Bowl” station for a family dinner or casual gathering. Arrange bowls of mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, corn, gravy, and shredded cheddar cheese along a counter or table. Let everyone customize their bowls with their preferred amounts of each component and toppings like extra cheese, green onions, or hot sauce. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the meal and create a personalized dining experience.

To elevate the presentation of your Copycat KFC Bowls, consider serving them in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Layer the mashed potatoes at the bottom, followed by the crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, and a generous drizzle of beef gravy. Top each skillet with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and broil until bubbly and golden brown. The individual servings not only look charming but also help retain the warmth and gooeyness of the melted cheese. Serve these mini KFC Bowls straight from the oven for a cozy and satisfying meal experience.

FAQs for Delicious Copycat KFC Famous Bowls Recipe

Question?

What can I do if my mashed potatoes turn out too thin?

Question?

Can I customize these KFC bowls with different ingredients?

Question?

Any tips for preparing this meal ahead of time?

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, these Copycat KFC Bowls are sure to hit the spot every time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your family’s tastes and preferences. From swapping out ingredients to adding your favorite toppings, the possibilities are endless.

So next time you find yourself craving the comforting flavors of a fast-food favorite, skip the drive-thru and opt for a homemade version that’s guaranteed to impress. Embrace the convenience and deliciousness of these Copycat KFC Bowls, and watch as they become a beloved go-to meal in your household. Remember, good food doesn’t have to be complicated – sometimes all you need is a warm bowl of mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, and melted cheese to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Delicious Copycat KFC Famous Bowls Recipe

Homemade KFC Bowls: Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese topped with rich beef gravy – comfort food that’s better than the original!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 bowls)

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1 package beef gravy mix
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 6 servings instant mashed potatoes (or homemade)
• 1 package (24 oz) frozen popcorn chicken

Instructions

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Prepare 6 servings of instant mashed potatoes following package instructions, or make homemade mashed potatoes as desired.
2. Cook the chicken: Prepare the frozen popcorn chicken as directed on the package until crispy and fully cooked.
3. Heat the corn: Remove liquid from canned corn and heat in microwave for 1-2 minutes or on stovetop until warmed.
4. Make the gravy: Follow the package instructions to prepare the beef gravy.
5. Assemble the bowls: Layer ingredients in each serving bowl in this sequence: mashed potatoes, warm corn, popcorn chicken, gravy, and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Serve immediately: Serve immediately so that the cheese can start to melt from the heat of the other ingredients.