The Classic Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe Reimagined

Let me spill the secret about my favorite copycat KFC mashed potato bowls that have become a total game-changer in my kitchen.

Friends constantly ask how I nail this comfort classic with such delicious precision.

Crispy chicken, creamy potatoes, and that signature gravy create a magical combination that feels like pure indulgence.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become something special when you whip up this hearty bowl of goodness.

Comfort food rarely gets more satisfying than these beautifully layered bowls packed with flavor and texture.

Skeptical home cooks might think restaurant-style dishes are impossible, but this recipe proves otherwise.

Prepare to transform your meal routine with a dish that brings restaurant magic right to your dining table.

Why Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls Are Comfort Food Goals

Whip Up Comfort: Quick Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls Delight

• Speedy Meal Prep: Assemble this crowd-pleasing dish in under 20 minutes using convenient frozen and packaged ingredients that require minimal cooking skills.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Create a restaurant-style meal at home for a fraction of the cost, using affordable ingredients like frozen popcorn chicken and instant mashed potatoes.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily swap ingredients to match family preferences – change chicken type, cheese variety, or add extra seasonings for a personalized touch.
• Kid-Approved Dinner: Combines favorite elements like crispy chicken, cheesy potatoes, and sweet corn in one bowl that appeals to children and adults alike, making mealtime stress-free.

Inside Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls

• Popcorn Chicken: Frozen pre-cooked chicken pieces that provide a crispy protein base for the bowl.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base that serves as the foundation of the dish, best when smooth and buttery.
• Corn: Sweet and tender vegetable that adds freshness and color to the bowl.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds richness and savory flavor, shredded for easy melting.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a pop of color and mild herbal freshness.

• Gravy Packets: Classic brown gravy mix that creates a rich, savory sauce for the bowl.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the gravy.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet and savory undertones to enhance overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick and complements the other seasonings.
• Water: Used to prepare the gravy and corn, helping to blend and heat ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the corn and other components.

Copycat Method for KFC Mashed Potato Bowls

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Chicken

Cook frozen popcorn chicken using your preferred method – baking, frying, or air frying.

Ensure the chicken turns golden and crispy on the outside.

Follow package instructions carefully to achieve perfect texture and crunchiness.

Step 2: Whip Up Flavorful Gravy

• Gravy packets
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Water

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for one minute.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for a rich, savory flavor.

Step 3: Warm Tasty Corn

Microwave corn with a splash of water until thoroughly heated.

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to enhance its natural sweetness.

Step 4: Build Your Potato Bowl

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Crispy popcorn chicken
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Warm corn

Drizzle warm gravy generously over the top.

Add fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor if desired.

Step 5: Savor Your Creation

Dive into your homemade KFC-inspired mashed potato bowl and enjoy every delicious bite!

Mashed Potato Bowl Know-How (KFC Copycat Edition)

• Use an air fryer for the crispiest, healthiest popcorn chicken without excess oil, ensuring a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Enhance store-bought gravy packets by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more complex, restaurant-style flavor profile.
• Sprinkle cheese while the mashed potatoes and chicken are still warm to create a beautifully melted, gooey cheese layer that binds the dish together.
• Choose sweet corn kernels for a burst of freshness, and consider briefly sautéing them in butter for extra richness and depth of flavor.
• Swap regular chicken for plant-based chicken alternatives, use gluten-free gravy packets, and opt for dairy-free cheese to make this recipe accommodating for various dietary needs.

Store Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mashed potato bowls to freezer-safe containers, where they can be stored for up to 1 month without losing quality.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Add a splash of milk or extra gravy when reheating to restore moisture and prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming dry or tough.

What Works with KFC Mashed Potato Bowl Copycat

• Pair with Crisp Lager: A cold, light beer cuts through the richness of the cheese and gravy, refreshing your palate with every bite.
• Complement with Tangy Coleslaw: A zesty, vinegar-based coleslaw adds a bright, crunchy contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes and crispy chicken.
• Match with Sparkling Lemonade: The citrusy, effervescent drink balances the heavy flavors and provides a light, palate-cleansing experience.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Tart, crunchy pickled vegetables add a punchy acidity that cuts through the bowl's richness and provides textural variety.

Mashed Potato Bowls Fast Food Inspired Spins

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace popcorn chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken nuggets for a meat-free version that maintains the bowl's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gravy packets and chicken alternatives, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash and use keto-friendly chicken bites to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add hot sauce to the gravy, incorporate jalapeños, or use spicy seasoned chicken to elevate the flavor profile for heat lovers.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade mashed potatoes instead of store-bought?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade mashed potatoes work great and can add a more personalized touch to the recipe.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the popcorn chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or crispy tofu to create a vegetarian version of the bowl.

• How can I make the gravy more flavorful?

Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the gravy’s depth of flavor.

• Can I prep this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the components separately ahead of time and assemble the bowl just before serving to maintain the best texture and temperature.

Copycat Kfc Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic Kentucky comfort meets homemade charm with copycat KFC mashed potato bowls. Crispy chicken, creamy potatoes, and golden corn blend into a satisfying meal that brings restaurant magic right to your kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen popcorn chicken (or homemade fried chicken bites)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mashed Potato Components:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Gravy and Seasoning:

• 1 packet brown gravy mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade gravy mix)
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the popcorn chicken by following the package instructions, ensuring a golden and crispy exterior through baking, frying, or air frying.
2. Craft the gravy by whisking together gravy packets, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and water in a saucepan, bringing to a robust boil before reducing heat and simmering for one minute.
3. Heat corn kernels in the microwave with a splash of water, seasoning lightly with salt for enhanced flavor.
4. Create layered bowls by spreading a thick base of creamy mashed potatoes as the foundation.
5. Strategically arrange crispy popcorn chicken pieces across the potato landscape.
6. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the warm chicken, allowing it to slightly melt.
7. Distribute corn kernels evenly across the surface for added texture and color.
8. Generously cascade warm gravy over the entire composition, ensuring each ingredient gets a delicious coating.
9. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
10. Serve immediately while all components remain warm and inviting, creating a comforting meal reminiscent of the classic KFC style.

Notes

• Opt for air frying or baking the popcorn chicken for a lighter, less greasy version that stays wonderfully crisp.
• Enhance store-bought gravy with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of fresh thyme for deeper, more complex flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese options like smoked gouda or pepper jack to add unique taste dimensions to the bowl.
• Swap frozen chicken with grilled tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives for vegetarian-friendly results, and use gluten-free gravy packets for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg