Copycat KFC Bowls Recipe

Oh wow, have you ever craved those delicious KFC Famous Bowls but didn’t want to leave the house? Yep, me too! That’s why I figured out how to make them at home—super easy, super tasty, and way cheaper!

We’re talking crispy chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, rich gravy, and gooey cheese all in one bite. Sounds amazing, right? And guess what? You can whip this up in no time with just a few simple ingredients.

The best part? You get that same KFC flavor without waiting in line. Plus, you can make it exactly how you like—extra cheese, more chicken, or even a little spice! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the drive-thru.

So, let’s get cooking! Grab your ingredients, and I’ll walk you through every step. You’re about to make the best Copycat KFC Bowl right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & Easy: No need to wait in line—this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes.
• Comforting & Satisfying: A hearty, cheesy, and crispy meal that’s packed with classic flavors.
• Customizable: Adjust toppings, use homemade mashed potatoes, or swap in air-fried chicken for a healthier twist.
• Kid-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters who love mashed potatoes, chicken, and cheese.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store in portions for easy lunches or dinners.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 4 hearty KFC-style bowls. If serving a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients.

Difficulty Level

Beginner-friendly. Anyone can make this dish—even with minimal cooking experience.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these delicious KFC-inspired bowls, have these kitchen tools ready:

• Medium Saucepan – To warm up the mashed potatoes and gravy.
• Baking Sheet or Air Fryer – To cook the popcorn chicken for maximum crispiness.
• Microwave or Small Pot – For quickly heating the corn.
• Mixing Spoon or Whisk – To stir the gravy and mashed potatoes for a smooth texture.
• Serving Bowls – To layer all the ingredients and build your perfect bowl.

Ingredients for Copycat KFC Bowls

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to recreate this fast-food favorite.

• Frozen Popcorn Chicken (or Chicken Nuggets) – The crispy, crunchy star of the dish.
• Mashed Potatoes – Use store-bought, homemade, or instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
• Frozen Corn Kernels, Thawed – Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Beef Gravy – A rich, savory sauce that ties everything together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully over the hot ingredients.
• Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning the mashed potatoes and gravy to taste.

How to Make Copycat KFC Bowls (Step-by-Step Instructions)

This quick and easy homemade KFC Bowl comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow these detailed instructions to get the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.

Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn Chicken

Oven Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the frozen popcorn chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Air Fryer Method (For Extra Crispiness):

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the frozen popcorn chicken in the basket in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
3. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and fully heated.
4. Remove from the air fryer and set aside.

Microwave Method (Fastest Option, But Less Crispy):

1. Place the frozen popcorn chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Heat on high for 2–3 minutes or until fully warmed through.
3. Let sit for a minute before using.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Stovetop Method (For Homemade or Premade Mashed Potatoes):

1. If using homemade mashed potatoes, warm them over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.
2. If using store-bought mashed potatoes, follow package instructions to heat them on the stovetop.
3. If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add a splash of milk or butter to reach a smooth consistency.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Microwave Method (For Instant or Pre-Made Mashed Potatoes):

1. Transfer the prepared mashed potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. If needed, add a small amount of butter or milk to make them extra creamy.

Step 3: Heat the Corn & Gravy

Heating the Corn:

1. If using frozen corn, place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of water and cover with a damp paper towel.
3. Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes or until heated through.
4. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Heating the Beef Gravy:

1. Pour the beef gravy into a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until warmed.
3. If the gravy is too thick, add a small splash of water or broth to thin it out.
4. Alternatively, microwave the gravy in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

Step 4: Assemble the KFC Bowls

Now comes the best part—layering all the ingredients to build your perfect homemade KFC Bowl!

1. Start with the Mashed Potatoes
   • Spoon about 1 cup of mashed potatoes into each serving bowl, spreading it evenly as the base.
2. Add the Crispy Popcorn Chicken
   • Arrange 6–8 pieces of crispy popcorn chicken on top of the mashed potatoes.
3. Sprinkle on the Corn
   • Scatter ¼ cup of warmed corn kernels over the chicken.
4. Drizzle with Gravy
   • Pour 2–3 tablespoons of beef gravy over the entire bowl for rich, savory flavor.
5. Top with Shredded Cheddar Cheese
   • Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the hot gravy.
   • Let it melt naturally from the heat of the potatoes and gravy.

Variations for Copycat KFC Bowls

Want to put your own spin on this classic comfort dish? Try these customizations and variations to switch things up:

1. Swap the Chicken

• Grilled Chicken: For a lighter version, use grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of fried popcorn chicken.
• Spicy Chicken: Use spicy popcorn chicken or toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce for extra heat.
• Homemade Chicken Tenders: Air-fry or bake homemade breaded chicken tenders and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Change Up the Potatoes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for extra depth of flavor.
• Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Stir in butter, sour cream, and chives for a creamy, indulgent base.
• Sweet Mashed Potatoes: Swap regular mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a unique twist.

3. Try Different Toppings

• Bacon Bits: Add crispy crumbled bacon for an extra smoky flavor.
• Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped scallions or chives for freshness.
• Jalapeños: Add sliced or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Ranch Drizzle: Drizzle with ranch dressing for a creamy contrast to the gravy.

4. Experiment with the Cheese

• Colby Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese: For a sharper, bolder cheese flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: If you love a gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty, slightly salty touch.

How to Serve Copycat KFC Bowls

This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but here are some great ways to serve it:

• As a Family Dinner: Serve it with a side of coleslaw or a fresh salad to balance the richness.
• For a Game Night or Party: Prepare a DIY KFC Bowl Bar where guests can build their own bowls with their favorite toppings.
• As a Lunch Meal Prep: Make individual portions in microwave-safe containers for quick weekday lunches.

Storing & Reheating Copycat KFC Bowls

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

How to Store Leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store assembled bowls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: If you want to freeze them, store the mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Do not freeze the fried chicken, as it can get soggy when reheated.

How to Reheat:

• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. If the mashed potatoes have dried out, add a splash of milk before reheating.
• Oven: Heat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp the chicken.
• Air Fryer: Reheat chicken separately in an air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Tips & Tricks for Success

• Use Hot Ingredients: For the best texture and flavor, ensure the mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn are hot when assembling the bowls. This helps the cheese melt naturally without extra heating.
• Crispy Chicken Hack: If your popcorn chicken softens after sitting, air fry or bake it for a few minutes before assembling to restore its crispiness.
• Balance the Flavors: If your mashed potatoes taste bland, add salt, pepper, and a little butter or garlic powder to enhance their flavor.
• Customize for Preferences: Adjust gravy thickness, cheese quantity, or toppings to suit your taste.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	550–600 kcal
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	55g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sodium	1,200mg
Fiber	5g
Sugar	3g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Copycat KFC Bowls FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of gravy?

Yes! You can use chicken, turkey, or mushroom gravy instead of beef gravy if you prefer.

2. How do I make a healthier version?

• Swap fried popcorn chicken for grilled or air-fried chicken.
• Use low-fat mashed potatoes and light cheese.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium gravy and unsalted mashed potatoes.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the components separately, store them in airtight containers, and assemble just before serving.

4. What sides go well with this?

Try it with coleslaw, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Making Copycat KFC Bowls at home is easy, affordable, and fully customizable! This hearty comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or satisfying fast-food cravings without leaving home. Try different variations, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy this homemade classic with your own personal touch.