If there’s one dish that manages to hit every comfort food craving in a single bite, it’s the KFC famous bowl. Layers of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, sweet corn, savory gravy, and gooey melted cheese – it’s like a warm hug in casserole form. This kfc chicken bowl casserole with mashed potatoes takes everything you love about the original kfc bowls and transforms it into a hearty, crowd-pleasing bake. Perfect for weeknight suppers or those “what do I make for dinner?” moments, this famous bowl casserole is a delicious copycat kfc chicken dish that’s super easy to make and budget-friendly. Think of it as the ultimate dump and go crockpot dinner – except we’re baking it to crispy perfection!
KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole with Mashed Potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
9x13 baking dish A casserole essential. A deep dish works best to hold all those tasty layers.
Mixing bowls For combining mashed potatoes and prepping other layers.
Microwave or stovetop To warm up frozen components like corn and gravy.
Oven For baking it all together into bubbly perfection.
For the mashed potato base
- 4 cups mashed potatoes homemade or store-bought work fine; kfc mashed potatoes style preferred
- ¼ cup milk to loosen up the potatoes if needed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the chicken layer
- 2 cups frozen popcorn chicken or about 1 lb cooked and chopped crispy chicken tenders if homemade
- Optional: a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor
For the corn layer
- 1½ cups sweet corn kernels canned and drained, or frozen and thawed
For the gravy
- 1½ cups brown chicken gravy homemade or store-bought; the goal is something rich and thick
For the cheesy topping
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese mild or sharp depending on preference
- Optional: ½ cup mozzarella for extra gooeyness
Prepare the mashed potato layer
If you're starting from cold mashed potatoes, heat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with milk and butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish.
Add the corn
Layer the sweet corn evenly on top of the mashed potatoes. This brings that signature sweetness that balances the savory layers so well.
Top with chicken
Scatter the popcorn chicken (pre-cooked) on top of the corn layer. If using frozen chicken, heat it up in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy before layering.
Pour on the gravy
Ladle that rich brown gravy all over the chicken layer. Make sure it gets into the nooks and crannies – this is where the casserole gets its deep, comforting flavor. Reserve a few tablespoons if you like to drizzle extra on top before serving.
Sprinkle with cheese
Generously cover everything with shredded cheddar (and mozzarella, if using). The cheese acts like a melty blanket that holds everything together once baked.
Bake it up
Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the whole dish is heated through.
Serve and enjoy
Scoop onto plates or into bowls for the ultimate cozy homemade kfc famous bowl experience. Feel free to drizzle with extra gravy if desired!
Perfect Pairings
This kfc bowl casserole is pretty much a one-dish wonder, but if you’re looking to round out the meal:
- Fresh side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Coleslaw: For true KFC vibes, a crunchy slaw brings that zippy contrast.
- Biscuits or cornbread: Mop up any leftover gravy with a soft, buttery biscuit or crumbly cornbread.
- Sweet tea or lemonade: Classic Southern sippers that complement the comfort food theme.
FAQs: Get the Most from Your Famous Bowl Casserole
1. Can I use homemade chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken?
Absolutely! If you're aiming for a more from-scratch version of this diy kfc famous bowl, oven-fried or air-fried chicken chunks work beautifully. Chicken tenders or even leftover fried chicken cut into bite-sized pieces also do the trick.
2. Breast or thigh meat – what’s better here?
Breast meat tends to be more traditional in kfc bowls, especially when using popcorn chicken. However, if you’re making your own chicken, boneless, skinless thighs will stay juicier and add more flavor.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the cheese layer and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, bake as directed – you may need to add an extra 10 minutes of bake time if starting from cold.
4. Is it freezer-friendly?
This is one of those cheap dinners for a family that actually freezes well. Assemble and freeze unbaked. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake per usual.
5. What’s a good gravy substitute if I don’t have any on hand?
A quick homemade version: melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in 2 tbsp flour, then slowly add 1½ cups chicken broth. Stir until thickened, then season with salt, pepper, and a dash of onion or garlic powder. Instant gravy packets also work in a pinch.
6. Any way to make this in a crockpot?
If you're really leaning into dump and go crockpot dinners, layer everything in a slow cooker (except the cheese). Cook on low for 4 hours, then sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and cook another 10 minutes until melted.
7. Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely. Think of this as a base recipe. Add diced jalapeños for heat, sautéed onions for depth, or bacon bits for smokiness. You can even swap in mixed veggies or use shredded rotisserie chicken.
