If you’re craving cozy comfort food, these Copycat KFC Bowls are your ticket to a quick, easy dinner that’s packed with all the irresistible layers you love: fluffy mashed potatoes, juicy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, hearty brown gravy, and lots of melty cheddar cheese. This family-friendly recipe brings restaurant flavors right into your kitchen, and turns an ordinary night into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Copycat KFC Bowls is in their simplicity: every ingredient works together to create that crave-worthy blend of flavors and textures. Here’s everything you’ll need—and why each one matters.

6 servings mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect pillowy base, soaking up all the sauces and flavors.
1 24 oz package popcorn chicken (cooked): These crispy little bites add a satisfying crunch and savory chicken flavor to every spoonful.
1 15 oz can corn (drained and heated): Sweet corn kernels bring pops of color and bursts of natural sweetness to balance the dish.
1 pkg beef gravy (cooked): A rich, velvety brown gravy ties everything together with its deep, savory notes.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The cheddar melts over the top, giving that signature gooey finish no Copycat KFC Bowl would be complete without!

How to Make Copycat KFC Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by making your mashed potatoes. You can follow the instructions on your favorite instant mashed potato mix, or if you’re feeling extra, whip up a homemade batch. Ensure they’re smooth and creamy—this is the foundation of your Copycat KFC Bowls, so you want them to be absolutely luscious. Keep them warm while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Cook the Popcorn Chicken

Pop your package of popcorn chicken in the oven (or air fryer for extra crispiness) and cook according to the package directions. The goal is to get them golden and crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Don’t skip this step—nothing beats that crunchy chicken texture when you dig in!

Step 3: Heat the Corn

Next, drain your can of corn and warm the kernels either in the microwave or in a saucepan over the stove. This keeps everything piping hot and also brings out the natural sweetness of the corn, which adds such a lovely contrast to the savory parts of the Copycat KFC Bowls.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

While the other components are warming up, prepare your beef (or brown) gravy packet. Follow the instructions carefully so your gravy comes out smooth, rich, and pourable. This is the flavorful sauce that brings all the layers together, so make sure it’s lump-free and well-seasoned.

Step 5: Assemble the Copycat KFC Bowls

Time for the most fun: assembling your Copycat KFC Bowls! Start with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes in each bowl. Layer on a helping of sweet corn, then pile on the delicious popcorn chicken. Ladle over plenty of hot beef gravy, making sure every nook and cranny gets a taste. Finally, shower the top with a hearty handful of shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the gravy and chicken will start to melt the cheese, making every bite gooey and wonderful.

How to Serve Copycat KFC Bowls

Garnishes

Take these Copycat KFC Bowls over the top with a few simple garnishes! A sprinkle of sliced green onions, fresh cracked black pepper, or even a small handful of crispy fried onions will add a little extra flair and crunch. Fresh chopped parsley is also great for a burst of color.

Side Dishes

While these bowls are hearty enough to stand on their own, you could turn dinner into a complete feast by serving them alongside a crisp green salad, fluffy biscuits, or coleslaw. These classic sides add freshness and balance to the rich, savory flavors in your bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful with presentations! Serve Copycat KFC Bowls in individual ramekins for personal-sized portions, or let everyone build their own from a “bowl bar” setup, where each layer is set out buffet-style. It’s perfect for picky eaters or anyone who loves extra cheese or gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Copycat KFC Bowls (good luck!), store each component—the potatoes, chicken, corn, and gravy—in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess, letting you reheat only the parts you need later.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze parts of this dish for busy nights ahead! Mashed potatoes and cooked chicken freeze particularly well. Store them separately in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to two months. Wait to add the corn, gravy, and cheese until you’re ready to reheat for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm each component separately in the microwave or over the stove, then assemble just like when you first made them. If you already built the bowls, use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out—then heat until hot and the cheese is deliciously melty again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade fried chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken?

Absolutely! If you have leftover homemade fried chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces for a more personal touch. Homemade chicken will add an even more flavorful, crispy element to your Copycat KFC Bowls.

What’s the best way to get creamy mashed potatoes?

The secret is plenty of butter, a splash of milk or cream, and seasoning to taste! For ultra-smooth potatoes, use a hand mixer or potato ricer. You can also stir in roasted garlic or sour cream for extra richness.

Can I make Copycat KFC Bowls vegetarian?

Yes! Swap in meatless chicken nuggets and use vegetarian gravy. The rest of the bowl stays the same, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or satisfyingly cheesy, savory layers.

Can I use different cheese?

Feel free to experiment! While sharp cheddar adds classic flavor, you could use Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even some pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist in your Copycat KFC Bowls.

What if I want to add extra vegetables?

Go for it! Sautéed peppers, steamed broccoli, or cooked peas are all delicious additions. Extra veggies can bulk up your bowl and add more nutrients, color, and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food layered with flavor and just a bit of nostalgia, you’ll want to keep Copycat KFC Bowls in your regular meal rotation. Don’t be surprised when everyone goes back for seconds—these bowls are simple, hearty, and a whole lot of fun. Give them a try and make dinner the best part of your day!

Copycat KFC Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the flavors of a fast-food favorite at home with this Copycat KFC Bowl recipe. Layers of mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, corn, savory beef gravy, and melted cheddar cheese create a comforting and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potatoes:

6 servings mashed potatoes

Popcorn Chicken:

1 24 oz package popcorn chicken (cooked)

Corn:

1 15 oz can corn (drained and heated)

Beef Gravy:

1 pkg beef gravy (cooked)

Cheddar Cheese:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Make Mashed Potatoes: Prepare 6 servings of instant mashed potatoes or homemade.
Cook Popcorn Chicken: Cook the popcorn chicken following the package instructions.
Heat Corn: Warm the corn in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Prepare Gravy: Make the beef gravy, using a brown gravy packet.
Assemble Bowls: Layer mashed potatoes, corn, popcorn chicken, gravy, and shredded cheddar cheese in bowls.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Layering
Cuisine: American