If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, it’s the KFC Famous Bowl. Layers of creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, tender chicken, sweet corn, and melty cheese come together in a perfect, comforting bowl of goodness. Imagine scooping into that golden-brown pile and tasting all the flavors in one bite—it’s a cozy, indulgent, and downright addictive experience.
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The best part? You don’t have to leave your house or wait in line. With a few simple ingredients, you can make this iconic dish at home, and tweak it exactly how you like it. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for a weeknight dinner, a weekend treat, or even a fun family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just a mash-up of ingredients—it’s a bowl full of joy. Whether you’re treating yourself, feeding hungry kids, or impressing guests with a “fast-food at home” twist, here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
Versatile: Swap in homemade or frozen chicken, make your own gravy, or use whatever cheese blend you have handy. The base is forgiving, so you can customize it.
Quick and Easy: Using a combination of prepared mashed potatoes, frozen chicken, and store-bought gravy gets this dish on your table in about 20 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, this bowl hits all the comfort-food notes. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds.
Customizable: Add extra veggies, spice it up with paprika or hot sauce, or try different cheeses. You can make it as mild or bold as you like.
Budget-Friendly: Made mostly with pantry staples and simple ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet but big on flavor.
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KFC Famous Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Layered/Assembly + Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
The KFC Famous Bowl is a layered comfort food dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes, crispy popcorn chicken, savory gravy, sweet corn, and melted cheese. It’s an indulgent, quick-to-make meal perfect for game day or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, prepared using your favorite method
- 1 1/2 cups popcorn chicken, frozen or homemade
- 1 cup brown gravy, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese or a three-cheese blend containing Colby Jack
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or prepare stovetop for stovetop assembly.
- If using frozen popcorn chicken, bake or cook according to package instructions until crispy.
- Layer mashed potatoes at the bottom of a serving dish or oven-safe bowls.
- Top with a layer of cooked popcorn chicken.
- Pour brown gravy evenly over the chicken layer.
- Sprinkle drained corn over the top, followed by shredded cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or cover and let sit on stovetop until cheese melts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and mashed potatoes made with skim milk.
- Homemade gravy adds richer flavor, but store-bought works for convenience.
- You can add diced green onions or paprika for garnish and extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients in KFC Famous Bowl
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Mashed Potatoes
The creamy, buttery base that holds everything together. Use your favorite method—homemade, instant, or leftover mashed potatoes all work beautifully.
Popcorn Chicken
Crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken provide protein and satisfy that craving for fried goodness. Frozen or homemade, it adds the perfect texture contrast.
Brown Gravy
Savory, rich, and slightly salty. Gravy is what turns a simple mashed potato and chicken combo into something truly magical.
Corn
Sweet, tender, and naturally colorful, corn brings freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
Colby Jack Cheese
Melted over the hot bowl, cheese adds creaminess, flavor, and that irresistible gooey factor that makes comfort food so irresistible.
Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings to taste, because even the best ingredients need a little boost to shine.
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
If using fresh potatoes, peel, boil, and mash them until creamy. If using leftover or instant mashed potatoes, reheat gently until smooth and buttery. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Popcorn Chicken
Bake or fry the popcorn chicken according to package directions, or your preferred homemade recipe. Aim for golden, crispy bites that’ll add texture to your bowl.
Heat the Gravy
Warm the brown gravy in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Layer the Bowl
In individual serving bowls, start with a base of mashed potatoes. Add a layer of warm corn, then a layer of popcorn chicken. Pour gravy over the top, letting it seep into all the layers. Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese generously over the top.
Finish and Serve
Let the cheese melt slightly from the heat of the bowl. Serve warm and enjoy! Each bite should hit all the elements: creamy, crunchy, savory, sweet, and cheesy.
How to Serve KFC Famous Bowl
- As a Meal: Serve it as a hearty, all-in-one dinner.
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad pairs well, cutting through the richness.
- Extra Toppings: Try adding sliced green onions, crispy bacon bits, or a dash of hot sauce for a flavor boost.
- For Leftovers: Reheat gently in the microwave or oven—just be careful not to overcook the chicken, or it may lose its crispiness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare mashed potatoes and cook popcorn chicken in advance. Assemble bowls just before serving.
- Storage: Store individual bowls or components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. You can sprinkle cheese on top before reheating to maintain that gooey texture.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or paprika to the gravy or chicken.
- Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Extra Veggies: Add roasted bell peppers, peas, or carrots for a veggie boost.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of popcorn chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Shred the chicken and warm it before layering in the bowl.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Substitute popcorn chicken with crispy tofu bites or a veggie protein. Use vegetable gravy instead of brown gravy.
Q3: How long can I store leftovers?
A3: Up to 3 days in the fridge in airtight containers.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing is possible, but the mashed potatoes may become grainy. Freeze components separately for best results.
Q5: Can I make the gravy from scratch?
A5: Definitely! Use pan drippings or butter with flour, then whisk in chicken or vegetable stock for homemade goodness.
Q6: Can I make this dish spicy?
A6: Yes! Add cayenne, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the gravy or sprinkle on the chicken.
Q7: Is this kid-friendly?
A7: Yes! Keep spices mild, and the gooey cheese plus popcorn chicken makes it a hit with kids.
Q8: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A8: Sure! They work perfectly for a quicker version without sacrificing comfort.
Q9: How do I make it extra cheesy?
A9: Add more cheese on top or mix some into the mashed potatoes before layering.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply scale the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or multiple bowls.
Conclusion
The KFC Famous Bowl is comfort food at its finest—layered, indulgent, and perfectly balanced between creamy, savory, and slightly sweet. Making it at home means you can control the ingredients, tweak the flavors, and enjoy it fresh from the kitchen anytime you like. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or even a game-day treat. So grab your mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, gravy, and cheese, and create a bowl that’s as satisfying as it is nostalgic. You’ll wonder why you ever waited in line for this fast-food classic when you can make it yourself—and better—right at home.