copycat kfc famous bowl recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best copycat kfc famous bowl recipe

My family asks for this copycat KFC Famous Bowl at least twice a month, and I finally stopped pretending that was a problem. It comes together in about 30 minutes with ingredients I already have in my kitchen, and it delivers the same creamy, savory, layered comfort as the drive thru version without me having to load everyone into the car. The concept is simple. A base of mashed potatoes, crispy chicken bites, sweet corn, gravy, and a pile of shredded cheese on top. I keep the chicken homemade, so I know exactly what is in it.

My kids have been eating this since they were small enough to need the bowl set in front of them with a bib. They treat it like a big deal even though it is genuinely one of the easiest dinners I make. There is something about the way the gravy and potatoes melt into one another that makes them clean their plates without me asking twice. My husband takes leftovers to work the next day and reheats them in the microwave, and he says they hold up well enough that his coworkers always ask what he brought.

This is my go to for nights when I need dinner on the table before everyone gets too hungry to be reasonable. The whole thing works for a casual Sunday at home, a game night with friends, or a weeknight where the schedule got away from me. It is not a light meal, but making it myself means I choose the chicken, I control the salt, and I skip the preservatives and extra additives that come with a fried meal from a counter. I add corn because my family likes it, and I layer cheese on top while everything is still hot so it melts into the gravy instead of sitting in a cold lump.

Copycat KFC Famous Bowl

4.6 from 1749 votes

A homemade take on the fast-food classic: creamy mashed potatoes piled with crispy fried chicken bites, sweet corn, and rich gravy, all topped with melted cheddar. It comes together in about 45 minutes with everyday ingredients, and everything can be made in one go for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 720 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
4 cups vegetable oil, for frying

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Gravy

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Assembly

1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 scallions, sliced (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until a knife slides through a cube with no resistance.
2While the potatoes cook, pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish and add the chicken pieces, turning to coat. Let them sit for 10 minutes while you mix the coating.
3Stir together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a second shallow dish. Pour the oil into a Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to 350°F over medium-high heat.
4Lift the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then press each piece into the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off the loose flour and set the pieces on a plate in a single layer.
5Fry the chicken in batches of 8 to 10 pieces for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a wire rack set over paper towels and keep warm.
6Drain the potatoes and return them to the dry pot over low heat for 1 minute to steam off excess moisture. Mash with the butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Cover and set aside.
7For the gravy, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until it smells toasty and turns pale tan.
8Pour in the chicken broth in a steady stream, whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until the gravy coats the back of a spoon, then stir in the salt and pepper.
9Warm the drained corn in the microwave or a small skillet for 1 to 2 minutes. Spoon about 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes into each bowl and spread it into an even layer.
10Top each bowl with a quarter of the chicken, a scoop of corn, and a generous pour of gravy. Scatter the cheddar over the top and microwave each bowl for 30 to 45 seconds, just until the cheese melts. Finish with scallions and serve right away.

🔧Equipment

Dutch oven or deep heavy skillet
Deep-fry thermometer
Large pot
Colander
Potato masher
Small saucepan
Whisk
Shallow dish
Four serving bowls

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 720 kcal🧈Total Fat: 32g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 1180mg🌾Total Carbs: 76g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 34g

📝Notes

Tips: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F; if it drops below 325°F the breading turns greasy instead of crisp, so fry in small batches and let the oil recover between them. For a faster version, use frozen breaded chicken tenders baked according to the package and slice them into bites. Instant mashed potatoes made with butter and milk work in a pinch, and the gravy can be made up to three days ahead and reheated with a splash of broth. Assemble the bowls just before serving so the chicken stays crunchy, and set out extra gravy on the side for anyone who likes their bowl saucy.

Watch Video Of How Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Works

This copycat KFC famous bowl recipe is always a good idea because it comes together fast and everyone at the table can build their own bowl the way they like it. It works well for family gatherings since the mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, corn, and gravy can all be made ahead and kept warm until people are ready to eat. I keep it in my rotation for busy weeknights and casual get togethers alike because it feeds a crowd without much fuss.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat KFC Famous Bowl

1. What is in a KFC Famous Bowl?

A copycat version layers mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, and shredded cheese in a bowl, then finishes with another drizzle of gravy. Some home versions add a little butter to the potatoes or a sprinkle of black pepper on top.

2. Can I use a different kind of chicken?

Yes. Popcorn chicken is the classic choice because the small pieces stay crisp and distribute evenly, but bite-size chunks of breaded chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken work too. If you use rotisserie chicken, expect a softer texture since it is not breaded and fried.

3. How do I keep the bowl from getting soggy?

Build it in the right order: potatoes first, then a layer of gravy, then corn, then chicken, then cheese, and a final drizzle of gravy just before serving. Keep the chicken hot and crispy and add it last so it does not sit in moisture. Serve right away rather than letting the bowls sit.

4. Can I make copycat Famous Bowls ahead of time?

You can prep the components up to a day ahead. Store the mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn separately in the refrigerator, and cook the popcorn chicken fresh when you are ready to eat. Reheat the potatoes and gravy gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen them, then assemble.

5. What should I serve with a Famous Bowl?

The bowl is already a full meal with starch, protein, and vegetables, so it stands on its own. If you want something on the side, a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or coleslaw adds freshness without competing with the gravy.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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