KFC Bowls Made Easy With Cheesy Gravy (Quick)

This copycat KFC bowl hits all the comfort-food notes in one dish: crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, golden corn, and rich, cheesy gravy. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you want indulgence without the drive-thru. Each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture, just like the restaurant version.

Ingredients

Popcorn Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Mashed Potatoes

• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Corn

• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 tbsp butter

Cheesy Gravy

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make It

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the corn: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add corn, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until heated through and slightly golden.
3. Make the cheesy gravy: Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add cheese, stirring until smooth. Season to taste.
4. Prepare the popcorn chicken:
   • Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
   • Dredge each piece in flour, dip back in buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
   • Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

5. Assemble the bowls: Start with a layer of mashed potatoes, top with corn, then place popcorn chicken on top. Drizzle generously with cheesy gravy. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips

• Fry chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
• For extra creamy mashed potatoes, warm the milk before mashing.
• Make the cheesy gravy ahead and reheat gently over low heat; whisk constantly to prevent separation.
• Swap frozen corn for canned or fresh for a slightly different sweetness and texture.

Variations / Substitutions

• Chicken: Use pre-cooked nuggets for a faster version or baked chicken for a lighter option.
• Cheese: Try pepper jack or a smoked cheddar for a flavor twist.
• Mashed potatoes: Sweet potatoes can replace russets for a colorful variation.

FAQ

Can I make these KFC bowls ahead of time?

You can prep the mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy in advance, but fry the chicken just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Store the components separately in airtight containers. Chicken and mashed potatoes freeze well, but corn and gravy are best fresh.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different.

Is there a vegetarian version of this bowl?

Yes! Swap chicken for crispy tofu or a breaded veggie patty and use vegetable broth in the gravy.

How can I make this a quick weeknight dinner?

Use store-bought popcorn chicken and pre-made mashed potatoes to cut prep time in half. For more easy weeknight ideas, check out this collection of simple suppers.