Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls
Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls – Easy Homemade Famous Bowls
These Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls are loaded with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, crispy golden popcorn chicken, sweet corn, rich brown gravy, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese! Inspired by the famous KFC chicken bowls, this easy homemade version is the ultimate comfort food dinner.
If you love the KFC Famous Bowl, you’re going to absolutely love making these delicious mashed potato bowls at home!
Each bowl starts with a generous helping of hot, fluffy mashed potatoes, followed by crispy breaded chicken bites, warm sweet corn, shredded cheddar cheese, and a big spoonful of savory brown gravy poured right over the top.
The combination is so good! You get creamy potatoes, crunchy chicken, sweet corn, gooey cheese, and rich gravy in every delicious bite.
And the best part is how easy these homemade KFC bowls are to make. You can use homemade mashed potatoes and chicken, or take a few shortcuts with frozen popcorn chicken, instant mashed potatoes, and prepared gravy.
They’re perfect for busy weeknights, easy family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving a warm, hearty meal without going through the drive-thru.
Why You’ll Love These Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls
- Better than takeout: All the delicious flavors of your favorite KFC Famous Bowl made right at home.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and convenient shortcuts make this a quick dinner.
- Loaded with comfort food: Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, sweet corn, gravy, and melted cheese.
- Family-friendly: A hearty dinner everyone can customize with their favorite toppings.
- Budget-friendly: A great way to turn simple ingredients into a filling meal.
- Perfect for busy weeknights: Ready in approximately 30 minutes when using prepared chicken.
- Great for leftovers: Use leftover mashed potatoes, chicken, or gravy to make an entirely new meal.
Ingredients for Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls
Makes 4 generous servings.
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup warm milk, plus more if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken
- 1 pound frozen popcorn chicken, or homemade crispy chicken bites
- Cooking spray, if needed
For the Corn
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gravy
- 1 packet brown gravy mix, approximately 0.87 ounces
- Water, according to package directions
For the Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional
- Extra black pepper, optional
How to Make Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat slightly and cook for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the warm pot.
Add the butter, warm milk, salt, and black pepper.
Mash until smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
Add a little more warm milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Cover and keep warm while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Popcorn Chicken
Preheat your oven or air fryer according to the directions on your popcorn chicken package.
Arrange the frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer.
Cook according to package directions until golden brown, crispy, and heated through to 165°F.
If using an air fryer, shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
Keep the chicken warm until you’re ready to assemble the bowls.
Step 3: Heat the Corn
Drain the canned corn and add it to a small saucepan.
Add 1 Tablespoon of butter and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook over medium heat for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is hot.
You can also use frozen corn if you prefer.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Gravy
In a small saucepan, prepare the brown gravy according to the package directions.
Whisk until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook until the gravy thickens and becomes rich and silky.
Keep warm over low heat.
If you prefer homemade gravy, you can use your favorite chicken or brown gravy recipe instead.
Step 5: Assemble the Mashed Potato Bowls
Divide the hot, creamy mashed potatoes evenly among four serving bowls.
Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each bowl.
Add a generous layer of warm sweet corn over the mashed potatoes.
Arrange the crispy popcorn chicken pieces over the corn.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and potatoes.
Step 6: Add the Gravy
Spoon the hot brown gravy generously over the chicken, cheese, and mashed potatoes.
The warm gravy will help melt the cheddar cheese and bring all those delicious flavors together.
For extra melted cheese, you can briefly microwave each assembled bowl before adding the gravy, using a microwave-safe dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a little black pepper if desired.
Serve immediately while the mashed potatoes are hot, the chicken is crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Enjoy!
Jennie’s Thoughts
I absolutely love making homemade versions of restaurant favorites, and these Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls are such an easy and delicious dinner!
There’s just something about creamy mashed potatoes topped with crispy chicken, sweet corn, melted cheddar cheese, and rich brown gravy that’s so comforting.
I think the best part is how all those flavors come together in one bowl.
You get a little bit of everything in every bite!
I especially love using homemade mashed potatoes because they’re so creamy and buttery, but you can definitely use instant mashed potatoes when you’re short on time.
And frozen popcorn chicken is such a wonderful shortcut. You can bake it in the oven or cook it in the air fryer while you’re making the potatoes and gravy.
I also love that you can make these bowls as cheesy and saucy as you want.
Personally, I think a generous helping of gravy is what really makes them delicious!
These are perfect for a cozy family dinner, especially when you want something hearty and homemade without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
And if you have leftover mashed potatoes from another meal, this is such a great way to use them.
Tips for Making the Best Copycat KFC Famous Bowls
Use Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The mashed potatoes are the base of the entire dish, so you want them smooth, buttery, and creamy.
Russet potatoes make fluffy mashed potatoes, while Yukon Gold potatoes create a naturally creamy texture.
Make the Chicken Extra Crispy
Crispy popcorn chicken adds wonderful texture against the soft mashed potatoes.
I recommend using an air fryer or oven instead of microwaving the chicken.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheddar
Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully and creates that delicious cheesy layer.
Keep Everything Hot
The best mashed potato bowls are assembled while all the ingredients are hot.
Warm potatoes, chicken, corn, and gravy help melt the cheese and create that classic comfort food texture.
Don’t Add the Gravy Too Early
For the crispiest chicken, spoon the gravy over the bowls right before serving.
Make Extra Gravy
If you love gravy, make a little extra!
It’s delicious spooned over the mashed potatoes and crispy chicken.
How to Make Homemade Popcorn Chicken
If you’d rather make your chicken from scratch, homemade popcorn chicken is a delicious option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces.
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture.
Heat approximately 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
Carefully fry the chicken in small batches for approximately 4–6 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
Use the homemade popcorn chicken to assemble your mashed potato bowls.
Easy Shortcuts for Busy Weeknights
One of the best things about these Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls is how easy they are to make with convenient ingredients.
Frozen Popcorn Chicken: Use your favorite frozen breaded chicken bites for a quick and easy option.
Instant Mashed Potatoes: Prepared instant mashed potatoes work beautifully when you’re short on time.
Prepared Gravy: Use a jar of brown gravy or a packet of gravy mix instead of making homemade gravy.
Frozen Corn: Microwave or heat frozen sweet corn for a quick topping.
Pre-Shredded Cheese: Bagged shredded cheddar is a convenient shortcut.
With these easy ingredients, you can have a delicious homemade chicken bowl ready in approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on the chicken’s cooking time.
Delicious Variations
Spicy KFC Mashed Potato Bowls: Use spicy popcorn chicken and add a drizzle of hot sauce.
Buffalo Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls: Toss the crispy chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the potatoes.
Bacon Cheddar Chicken Bowls: Add crispy crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.
Loaded Mashed Potato Bowls: Add sour cream, green onions, bacon, and extra cheddar cheese.
BBQ Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls: Toss the chicken in barbecue sauce and use a little less gravy.
Chicken Tender Mashed Potato Bowls: Use sliced crispy chicken tenders instead of popcorn chicken.
Homemade Chicken Gravy Bowls: Replace the brown gravy with creamy homemade chicken gravy.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bowls: Add a drizzle of ranch dressing and extra shredded cheddar.
What to Serve with KFC Mashed Potato Bowls
These loaded chicken bowls are hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but they’re also delicious with a few easy side dishes.
- Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
- Soft Dinner Rolls
- Southern Green Beans
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Roasted Broccoli
- Honey Butter Cornbread
- Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Side Salad
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Roasted Carrots
Can You Make KFC Mashed Potato Bowls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the individual ingredients ahead of time and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
Make the mashed potatoes, cook the corn, and prepare the gravy in advance.
Store everything in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, cook the popcorn chicken shortly before serving so it stays crispy.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat the potatoes, corn, and gravy until hot, cook the chicken, and assemble the bowls.
How to Store Leftover Mashed Potato Bowls
Store leftover mashed potatoes, chicken, corn, and gravy in separate airtight containers whenever possible.
Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3–4 days.
Keeping the chicken separate helps prevent it from becoming soggy.
If the bowls are already assembled, you can still refrigerate them in airtight containers, although the chicken coating will soften.
How to Reheat Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls
Microwave: Place the mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring as needed, until thoroughly hot.
Air Fryer: Reheat the popcorn chicken in the air fryer at 350°F until hot and crispy.
Oven: Place the popcorn chicken on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F until heated through.
For food safety, reheat leftovers to 165°F.
Assemble the bowls after reheating for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a KFC Famous Bowl?
A KFC Famous Bowl is a fast-food meal featuring mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy chicken pieces, gravy, and shredded cheese.
Can I Make KFC Mashed Potato Bowls at Home?
Absolutely! These homemade bowls are easy to recreate using mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, corn, gravy, and cheddar cheese.
What Kind of Chicken Is Best?
Crispy popcorn chicken is the easiest option and gives these bowls a texture similar to the restaurant version.
You can also use homemade breaded chicken bites or chopped chicken tenders.
What Kind of Gravy Does KFC Use?
KFC serves its Famous Bowls with savory brown-style gravy. For a homemade version, you can use prepared brown gravy, chicken gravy, or your favorite homemade gravy.
Can I Use Instant Mashed Potatoes?
Yes! Instant mashed potatoes are a great shortcut and make this recipe even easier.
Can I Use Frozen Corn?
Absolutely! Frozen sweet corn works just as well as canned corn. Cook it according to package directions before adding it to the bowls.
What Cheese Is Used in KFC Mashed Potato Bowls?
Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice and melts beautifully over the hot chicken and mashed potatoes.
Can I Make These Bowls with Leftover Chicken?
Yes! Leftover crispy chicken tenders or breaded chicken bites work wonderfully.
Are These Bowls Good for Meal Prep?
Yes! Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the bowls when you’re ready to serve.
More Easy Copycat and Comfort Food Recipes to Try
If you love these Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls, be sure to try some of these other delicious homemade dinner ideas!
- Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
- Homemade Popcorn Chicken
- Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
- Crockpot Salisbury Steak
- Sloppy Joe Baked Potatoes
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Homemade Chicken Gravy
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Chicken and Gravy
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Final Thoughts
These Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls are the ultimate easy comfort food dinner!
With creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, crispy golden chicken, sweet corn, melted cheddar cheese, and rich savory gravy, every bite is loaded with delicious flavor.
They’re quick, easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm, hearty, and satisfying.
Whether you make everything from scratch or use a few convenient shortcuts, these homemade KFC Famous Bowls are sure to become a family favorite.
Save this easy Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls recipe for later and make it for your next family dinner!
