Easy Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe: Your Ultimate Homemade Comfort Food Guide

For all you fried chicken aficionados and comfort food connoisseurs, prepare to have your taste buds delighted! If you’re a devoted fan of KFC’s beloved Famous Bowl, you’re in for a treat that will make you question why you ever bothered with the drive-thru. This incredible Copycat KFC Famous Bowl recipe brings all the iconic flavors and satisfying textures right into your kitchen. Imagine perfect layers of velvety mashed potatoes, golden crispy fried chicken pieces, rich, savory gravy, sweet kernels of corn, and a generous sprinkle of melty cheese – all in one glorious bowl. The best part? You can whip up this family-favorite meal in just about half an hour, saving both time and a significant amount of money compared to ordering out.

Beyond the undeniable deliciousness, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with recreating fast-food favorites at home. You control the quality of ingredients, adjust seasonings to your liking, and enjoy the process of bringing a beloved dish to life from scratch (or mostly from scratch!). This recipe is designed to be straightforward and quick, proving that ultimate comfort doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Interestingly, the very first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant didn’t actually open its doors in Kentucky at all. It was established in Utah, a mere hour or so from where our author resides! A fun fact that often surprises people, as the name certainly suggests a different origin. Nevertheless, wherever its roots truly began, the legacy of delicious fried chicken and comforting sides continues, and now you can be a part of it by mastering this homemade Famous Bowl.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade KFC Famous Bowl

Crafting the perfect Copycat KFC Famous Bowl relies on a few key components that come together harmoniously. We’ll break down the ingredients for both the creamy mashed potatoes and the assembly of the ultimate comfort bowl. Many of these items are pantry staples, making this a convenient weeknight dinner solution.

For the Silky Mashed Potatoes:

Russet Potatoes: These are the champions of mashed potatoes due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy and creamy texture when mashed. Aim for medium-sized ones for easier handling and consistent cooking.
Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to bring out the natural flavor of the potatoes. Adjust to your personal preference.
Milk: Adds richness and helps achieve that desirable silky consistency. Whole milk or even cream will make them extra decadent.
Minced Garlic: Infuses the potatoes with a subtle, aromatic warmth that elevates the flavor beyond a basic mash. Freshly minced is always best, but jarred works in a pinch.
Butter: Essential for luxurious flavor and creaminess. Don’t skimp on the butter for truly famous mashed potatoes!
Paprika: While optional, a touch of paprika adds a lovely color and a hint of sweet, peppery warmth, complementing the overall flavor profile.
Colby Jack Cheese: A portion of shredded Colby Jack is incorporated directly into the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of cheesy goodness and even more creaminess.

For Assembling the Famous Bowl:

Frozen Popcorn Chicken or Chicken Nuggets: To keep this recipe quick and easy, pre-cooked frozen chicken is your best friend. Look for brands that offer crispy, well-seasoned popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets that mimic the KFC style.
Canned Corn: Sweet corn adds a burst of freshness and a delightful pop of color and texture to each spoonful. Drained canned corn is incredibly convenient.
Chicken Gravy: A thick, savory chicken gravy is non-negotiable for a true Famous Bowl experience. You can use pre-made gravy for speed, or a packet mix, or even homemade gravy if you have a little extra time.
Colby Jack Cheese (Shredded): A generous sprinkle of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top melts beautifully into the warm layers, providing that irresistible cheesy finish.

copycat kfc famous bowl ingredients — Gathering the simple ingredients for this delicious bowl.

diced potatoes for mashed potatoes — Gathering the simple ingredients for this delicious bowl.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Copycat KFC Famous Bowl

Let’s get cooking! The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency, with many components cooking simultaneously. Follow these simple steps to assemble your incredible homemade Famous Bowl.

Part 1: The Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes into small, uniform pieces. The smaller and more consistent the dice, the faster and more evenly they will cook. If the pieces are too large, you’ll need to extend the cooking time.
Cook in the Instant Pot: If you own an Instant Pot silicone steamer basket insert (it’s a truly handy gadget for under $10!), place it at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Add the diced potatoes, one cup of water, and a dash of salt and pepper. Secure the lid, set the valve to ‘sealing,’ and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. If your potato pieces are larger than suggested, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes to ensure they are fork-tender.
Mash to Perfection: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the Instant Pot and drain any excess liquid. Now, add the remaining mashed potato ingredients: milk, minced garlic, butter, paprika, and the ⅓ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Using an electric hand mixer or a sturdy potato masher, beat the mixture until you achieve your desired level of creaminess. For extra smooth potatoes, consider using a ricer!

While the potatoes are cooking, you can multitask by preparing the other components of your Famous Bowl. This simultaneous cooking is key to getting dinner on the table in record time!

potatoes in instant pot — Potatoes cooking perfectly in the Instant Pot.

adding ingredients to mashed potatoes — Potatoes cooking perfectly in the Instant Pot.

Part 2: Preparing the Chicken, Corn, and Gravy

While your Instant Pot works its magic on the potatoes, let’s get the other elements ready:

Cook the Chicken: Place your frozen popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven according to the package instructions until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy. An air fryer is also a fantastic option for even crispier results!
Heat the Sides: In a small saucepan on the stove, gently heat the canned corn until it’s warmed through. In a separate small saucepan, warm the chicken gravy over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and ready to pour. Alternatively, both the corn and gravy can be quickly heated in the microwave.

Part 3: Assembly – The Grand Finale!

Once all your components are cooked and hot, it’s time for the exciting part – assembling your very own Copycat KFC Famous Bowls!

Layer Your Bowl: Start with a generous dollop of your warm, creamy mashed potatoes at the bottom of your serving bowl. Next, spoon a layer of the sweet corn over the potatoes. Follow this with a hearty portion of the crispy popcorn chicken. Drench everything with plenty of thick, savory chicken gravy.
Add the Cheese and Serve: Finish your masterpiece with a generous sprinkle of the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese. The residual heat from the other ingredients will help the cheese melt into gooey perfection. Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience at home!

Tips for the Best Copycat KFC Famous Bowl

Perfect Potatoes: For extra flavorful mashed potatoes, try cooking them with a bay leaf or a sprig of rosemary in the Instant Pot, removing before mashing.
Crispy Chicken Every Time: If using a conventional oven, ensure your baking sheet isn’t overcrowded. For an even crispier bite, use an air fryer!
Gravy Customization: While store-bought gravy is convenient, a packet of gravy mix prepared with chicken broth instead of water can significantly boost flavor. For an authentic homemade taste, consider making a simple roux-based chicken gravy from scratch.
Cheese, Please! Don’t limit yourself to Colby Jack. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar, can add a wonderful twist.
Keep it Hot: Warm your serving bowls slightly before assembly to help keep your Famous Bowl hot longer.

Customization Ideas & Variations

The beauty of a homemade copycat recipe is the freedom to make it your own! Here are a few ideas to customize your KFC Famous Bowl:

Spice It Up: Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Add Veggies: Sautéed peas, diced bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of chopped green onions can add extra flavor and nutrition.
Homemade Chicken: If you have more time, bread and fry your own chicken pieces for an even fresher taste. Chicken tenders cut into bite-sized pieces work wonderfully.
Different Proteins: While chicken is classic, consider swapping it for crispy fried tofu or even seasoned ground turkey for a different take.
Smoked Paprika: Use smoked paprika in your mashed potatoes for a deeper, more robust flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating Your Famous Bowl

While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers of your Copycat KFC Famous Bowl can be stored and reheated. Simply place any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you can microwave individual bowls, but for best results (especially for the chicken), consider reheating the components separately. Reheat the mashed potatoes and gravy gently on the stove or in the microwave, and crisp up the chicken in an air fryer or oven for a few minutes. Then, reassemble and enjoy!

Explore More Delicious Copycat Recipes

Loved this recipe? Dive into more of your restaurant favorites made easy at home with these fantastic copycat recipes:

Slow Cooker Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burritos

Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

4.45 from 9 votes

Copycat KFC Famous Bowl

By:

Julia Pacheco

This Copycat KFC Famous Bowl has layers of silky mashed potatoes, crispy fried chicken, thick gravy, sweet corn, and lots of cheese! It’s the ultimate homemade comfort meal.

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

20 minutes

Total:

35 minutes

Servings:

4
servings

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Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

▢

7
medium-sized
russet potatoes
▢

1
cup
water
▢

1
tsp
salt
▢

1
tsp
pepper
▢

⅓
cup
Colby jack cheese, shredded
▢

½
cup
milk
▢

1
tbsp
minced garlic
▢

2
tbsp
butter
▢

1
tsp
paprika

Bowls

▢

½
cup
Colby jack cheese, shredded
▢

24
oz
bag Frozen popcorn chicken , or chicken nuggets
▢

15
oz
can corn
▢

6
oz
chicken gravy

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Instructions

Mashed Potatoes

Peel and dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
If using an Instant Pot silicone steamer basket insert, place it at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Add the diced potatoes along with the water, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid, set the valve to ‘sealing,’ and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. If your potato pieces are larger, cook for approximately 12 minutes to ensure tenderness.
Once potatoes are cooked, quick-release the pressure and carefully remove any excess liquid from the Instant Pot. Add the remaining mashed potato ingredients: milk, minced garlic, butter, paprika, and the ⅓ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Beat with an electric hand mixer or a potato masher until smooth and creamy, to your desired consistency.

Bowls Assembly

While potatoes are cooking, place the frozen popcorn chicken (or chicken nuggets) on a sheet pan and bake according to the package instructions until crispy and golden.
To a small pot on the stove, add the drained can of corn and heat through. In another small pot, add the chicken gravy and heat until warmed through and simmering gently. Once all components are ready, assemble your bowls by placing a large dollop of mashed potatoes at the bottom, then layer with corn, crispy chicken, savory gravy, and finally, a generous sprinkle of the ½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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