KFC Mashed Potato Bowls are the easiest and tastiest KFC copycat recipe ever. These bowls are made with homemade creamy mashed potatoes that are super buttery and delicious. All of the ingredients mimic the classic KFC bowl but make it better! This will be one of your new favorite recipes if you crave crispy chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
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This copycat KFC bowl recipe is a completely balanced dish that comes together to create the ultimate comfort food. From the smooth potatoes to the rich gravy and sweet corn—it hits all the notes and fills you up!
If you like easy copycat recipes, you will love Copycat Olive Garden Stuffed Shells and Costco Orange Chicken Copycat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s budget-friendly: Takeout is becoming more and more expensive, especially when you’re feeding the whole family! With this recipe, you can enjoy delicious KFC bowls at home at a fraction of the price at the restaurant.
- It’s easy to make: Sometimes, we all want a super simple dinner recipe to feed everyone. I love this because it’s so quick and easy to prepare, even if you don’t like to cook very often.
- It’s full of texture: What makes a KFC mashed potato bowl so delectable is all the different textures. You get smooth and creamy mashed potatoes with crispy bites of chicken and chewy corn. It’s not a one-note dish!
Ingredients
Here are all of the components that make this KFC famous bowl recipe. It includes all the layers you know and love with spices to ensure it is just as flavorful.
- Russet potatoes: These are my first choice for homemade mashed potatoes. They have plenty of starch to create a thick and creamy result. Yukon gold potatoes are a great second choice.
- Cream cheese: This is my secret ingredient. It makes the potatoes extra rich and creamy. The subtle tangy cheese flavor helps cut through the fatty flavors for balance.
- Butter: You can’t have a good mash without butter. I recommend that you use unsalted butter to better control the salt level. It will keep the KFC chicken bowl from having an overwhelmingly salty taste.
- Spices: I use salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Simple seasoning allows all of the ingredients to shine. Feel free to add paprika or onion powder if you want a little more flavor.
- Corn: Any variety of corn may be used for this recipe. If you choose canned, ensure it is fully drained so it doesn’t make the casserole soupy.
- Cheddar cheese: Simple shredded cheddar cheese works great in this recipe. You may also use Colby Jack or another blend that you enjoy.
- Gravy: I use gravy mix for convenience. This is meant to be a simple and quick recipe where not all components are made from scratch.
- Crispy chicken bites: Try any variety of frozen crispy chicken from the grocery store that you want. I prefer a popcorn chicken bowl because I don’t have to cut the chicken first.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Mac and cheese bowl: Use macaroni and cheese as a base instead of mashed potatoes. KFC has had variations of these bowls in the past. Try a homemade recipe like bacon mac and cheese or your favorite store-bought variety.
- Veggie bowl: Skip the chicken and make this a veggie bowl! Add a bag of frozen mixed veggies, or use broccoli, green beans, carrots, and any other veg you like.
- Spicy bowl: Use a spicy crispy chicken and drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top to really bring the heat.
How to Make KFC Bowl Casserole
Here are the directions on how to make a delicious KFC chicken mashed potato bowl. Before you get started, preheat your oven to the temperature needed to cook the chicken and then set it to 350° F to bake the casserole.
Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Cook the crispy chicken bites according to the package directions and set them aside.
Step 2: Boil and cook the potatoes. Prep your potatoes and add them to a pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes or until they are perfectly fork tender. Drain them and transfer them to a large bowl.
Step 3: Mash the potatoes. Add the cream cheese, butter, and seasonings to the potatoes. Mix and mash the potato mixture until the it's silky smooth.
Step 4: Transfer to the baking dish. Pour the potatoes into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 5: Assemble. Add the chicken bites and corn to the casserole dish. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6: Prepare and add the gravy. Prepare and cook the brown gravy according to the package directions. Then, drizzle it over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake and serve. Put it in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey. Scoop into bowls and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Try instant potatoes: To make this recipe even more convenient, use instant mashed potatoes instead of making them fresh. They are creamy and tasty. Plus, there are several flavors to choose from.
- Use a high-starch potato: Russet and Yukon gold potatoes are my favorite choices for the mashed potatoes. Red potatoes have a gummier texture when mashed.
- Use it for meal prep: Make extra and store it in the refrigerator to ensure you have plenty of prepared meals for lunch and dinner. It’s so helpful when you have a busy week.
If you love recipes like this quick meal with homemade mashed potatoes, you may also enjoy these Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the casserole dish in the oven for 8-10 minutes in a 350-degree oven or a bowl for 2-3 minutes in the microwave.
- Make Ahead: Cover the assembled KFC mashed potato bowl casserole with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking it. You may also prepare the components and store them separately for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
- I love tasty green veggies as a side dish with this homemade KFC bowl. These greens with bacon and sweet green beans are my top suggestions.
- Another great vegetable to serve with these mashed potatoes bowls is carrots, and I love this recipe for carrots Lyonnaise.
- Delicious bread is perfect for sopping up extra gravy and mashed potatoes. Try these soft homemade dinner rolls or flaky cream cheese biscuits with your bowl.
Recipe FAQs
Of course! Make sure all of the components are hot and ready to go, and then layer them into your bowls instead of a casserole dish.
You may, but they don’t work as well breaded. If you want flavorful chicken that’s baked or grilled without breading, chicken thighs would be amazing!
Yes. Use your favorite recipe for this. You may also make a simple brown gravy with butter and flour roux, beef broth, and plenty of spices.
Recipe Video
More Delicious Casserole Recipes
Do you like casseroles? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
KFC Mashed Potato Bowl Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 8-ounce brick cream cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups sweet corn
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) beef gravy or 1 package beef gravy prepared
- 2 cups crispy chicken bites or nuggets, store bought or homemade
Instructions
- Prepare store bought chicken nuggets, strips or popcorn chicken according to package directions or prepare homemade crispy chicken bites.
- Add diced potatoes to 8 cups of boiling water. Boil for 12-15 minutes or until potatoes become tender. Remove from water and drain.
- Add cream cheese, butter, salt, garlic powder and pepper to potatoes. Mix thoroughly. Until mashed potatoes creamy smooth.
- Grease bottom of 9x13 casserole pan or dish.
- Layer bottom of dish evenly with mashed potatoes. Add chicken and corn evenly on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook gravy according to package instructions or open can and place in saucepan on your your stove, over medium, until heated through.
- When gravy has completed cooking, pour over the dish as evenly as possible.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has melted into the dish.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy every last bite.
Individual Bowls
- Assemble bowls by first layering potatoes, then corn, chicken nuggets, strips or popcorn chicken, some gravy and topped with shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite.
- Serve individual bowls to everyone.
Notes
- Store leftover mashed potato bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use Russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the creamiest and most delicious mashed potatoes. They work better in this recipe than red potatoes.
- Prepare the casserole in advance and tightly cover it with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Bake it in the oven covered until heated through.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in March 2022. It's been updated with new content and images.
April says
I’m planning postpartum freezer meals for my daughter.. is this able to be prepped & frozen?
Karin and Ken says
I don’t freeze it myself because the texture of the mashed potatoes changes. My best friend Julie freezes it in portions and doesn’t mind or notice any difference. I leave the choice up to you. All the best in the future. Karin
montana says
amazing. Better than original. Thanks for all of your hard work. Loving your recipes.
Karin and Ken says
We think it’s better than the original too! Happy to hear you’re enjoying this recipe. All the best. Karin
ASTON MILLEY says
this recipe fits right into our rotation. Picky husband and kids all love it. I have to say I do too. Thank you for sharing
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome. I try my best. Glad everyone is enjoying it. All the best. Karin
Erika says
This was delicious, I will definitely be making this again. The potatoes came out tasting amazing.
Karin and Ken says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this dinner. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know. You made my day! All the best. Karin
Sadie says
I just want to say that I just tried this recipe and it's way better than KFC! Because my kids absolutely loved this I like that because I made it myself I know there Is not junk in it. Thanks for the idea.
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome. I’m glad you’re all enjoying this recipe. We like it better too. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. You made my day. All the best. Karin
Arpita Patel says
Great recipe and I loved the mashed potatoes. I used half and half and loved it. I also added some garlic and garlic salt to perk it up. Great recipe... I will definitely be making this again very soon. Thank you
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome. Glad to hear you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! All the best. Karin
Paige says
We made bowls with kids and had fun with your homemade recipe and we all loved it THANK YOU FOR SHARING
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome! I just LOVE these bowls myself and wish I could eat them more often than I do. Take care and be well. Karin
Reggie says
Excellent bowl we all loved it Made everything the homemade way and it’s better then one we buy thx kd for sharing another excellent recipe
Karin and Ken says
You're welcome! I love this recipe too and think the homemade version is definitely better than the original! Glad you agree! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! All the best. Karin