What makes the KFC Famous Bowls the ultimate comfort food sensation? Imagine sinking your fork into a warm bowl layered with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, and melted cheese, all smothered in rich brown gravy. This copycat version delivers all the satisfaction of the original at a fraction of the cost, best of all, you can customize this to your preferences.
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What makes KFC Famous Bowls the perfect comfort food?
Are you craving the classic taste of a KFC Famous Bowl, but don’t feel like making a trip through the drive-thru? This copycat version has you covered, and the results are every bit as tasty as the original, plus, a whole lot cheaper.
It all starts with a creamy bed of mashed potatoes, crunchy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, and melted cheese smothered in a tasty brown gravy. Move over mac ‘n’ cheese, this dish may be the next ultimate comfort food. Why? It is so easy to make, tastes fantastic, and is simple to customize.
Do you want to serve a crowd? Provide your guests with all the components and let them assemble their own bowls. Everyone will get exactly what they want, and it is a lot less work for you!
Homemade KFC Famous Bowl ingredients and their roles
To make a KFC Famous Bowl at home, you’ll need:
- Popcorn chicken (frozen or homemade) – is the main protein and delivers some crunch.
- Mashed potatoes – form the base of the dish and provide the carbs to make this a hearty meal. You can use your favorite mashed potato recipe, try this KFC Mashed Potatoes recipe, or whip up instant mashed potatoes.Â
- Brown gravy – adds a savory richness to the dish.
- Sweet corn kernels, canned, provide sweetness, color, and a hint of texture.Â
- Brown gravy (store-bought or homemade) – adds a savory richness to the dish. Try this KFC Gravy recipe.
- Colby-Jack cheese or a three-cheese blend containing Colby-Jack cheese, shredded, melts beautifully and has a subtle nutty flavor.Â
- Salt – boosts the flavor of the other ingredients.Â
- Ground black pepper – offers an earthy warmth.Â
How to make homemade KFC Famous Bowls
To prep all the components for the KFC Famous Bowls:
- Cook the popcorn chicken according to the package instructions.Â
- While the chicken is in the oven, prepare the mashed potatoes using your preferred method. Cover the mashed potatoes to keep them warm.
- Open the canned sweet corn kernels and pour them into a colander in the sink. Rinse and drain the corn well, then heat it in a small saucepan with a lid over medium-low heat. Keep warm.
- Prepare the brown gravy and heat it on the stove. Cover the gravy to keep it warm.Â
To assemble the KFC popcorn chicken bowls:
- Divide the mashed potatoes between two serving bowls.
- Top the mashed potatoes with gravy and then add the hot popcorn chicken, sweet corn, and shredded Colby-Jack cheese. Serve immediately.
What to serve it with
These KFC Bowls are great because they have everything you need for a complete meal. But, try adding some sides and a refreshing drink to make them even more delicious. Below are a few great options for you.
Biscuits. Who can say no to a light and airy biscuit? Perhaps you prefer the buttery tang of a classic Buttermilk Biscuit like those served at KFC, or lean towards slightly sweet Church’s Honey Biscuits? Maybe your go-to is something more savory, like a Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits with cheese and Old Bay seasoning? Whichever you choose, it’s guaranteed to pair wonderfully with these chicken bowls.
Drinks. Skip the same-old soda and try one of these alternative beverages. Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher is the perfect mix of green and hibiscus teas, mixed berries, and white grape juice with just a touch of sugar for sweetness. It’s guaranteed to revive you. Need to chill out? Then the Taco Bell Baja Blast Freeze is what you want. This beverage blends Mountain Dew, Powerade Berry Blast, and ice for a delicious slushy-style drink.
Fresh Cucumber Onion Salad. Enhance your meal with this simple and Fresh Cucumber Onion Salad. Simply slice cucumbers thinly and julienne white onions, then toss them in a sweet and tart dressing. The crunch and tang of this salad make it the ultimate side for any carb-heavy main course.Â
Storage & reheating instructions
Freezing: Not recommended once assembled, as textures will change significantly when thawed.
Refrigerator Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days for best quality and texture.
Reheating Method: Reheat popcorn chicken in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes, shaking the tray every 5 minutes. Warm other components in separate saucepans over low heat.
Love KFC? Try these copycat recipes!
Check out more of my easy recipes for chicken and the best copycat fast food recipes on CopyKat!
KFC Famous Bowl – Easy Copycat Recipe
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 three-cheese blend containing Colby Jack
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes and keep warm.
- If using frozen popcorn chicken, bake or air fry until crispy according to the package directions.
- Heat the brown gravy and corn in separate saucepans over medium heat until warmed through.
- To assemble, divide the mashed potatoes between two serving bowls. Spoon some gravy over the potatoes and top with chicken, corn, and cheese.
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