Introduction
If you’re a fan of the famous KFC Famous Bowl, you’re going to love this homemade version! The KFC Bowl Casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, savory gravy, and melted cheese in one comforting casserole. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or a weeknight meal when you want something hearty and satisfying. Let’s recreate this iconic favorite right in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 cups cooked popcorn chicken (frozen or homemade)
- 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken gravy (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- If you’re using store-bought mashed potatoes, heat them according to the package instructions. If making homemade mashed potatoes, boil the potatoes until tender, mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then set aside.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
3. Layer the Corn
- Spread the thawed corn evenly over the mashed potatoes. This layer adds a sweet and savory contrast to the dish.
4. Add the Popcorn Chicken
- Scatter the cooked popcorn chicken over the corn layer. For extra crispiness, you can bake or air-fry the popcorn chicken before adding it to the casserole.
5. Pour the Gravy
- Drizzle the chicken gravy evenly over the popcorn chicken layer. This helps infuse every bite with rich, savory flavor.
6. Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey and delicious topping.
7. Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color (optional).
- Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and savory dish!
Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Crispy Chicken: If you want to keep the popcorn chicken extra crispy, add it to the casserole right at the end and broil for a few minutes.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a creamy twist, you can add a little cream cheese or sour cream to your mashed potatoes before layering them in the casserole.
Substitutions/Variations
- Meat Alternatives: Try substituting the chicken with crispy tofu bites for a vegetarian version.
- Gravy: If you prefer a different flavor, use brown gravy or even country-style gravy instead of chicken gravy.
- Vegetable Variations: Add some sautéed onions, peas, or carrots for a more veggie-packed casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes work perfectly for this casserole if you want to save time. Just follow the package instructions.
Can I use homemade gravy?
Absolutely! If you have homemade chicken gravy, it will add an extra touch of richness to the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
More Comfort Food Recipes
Thank you for joining me in making this delicious KFC Bowl Casserole! It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together all your favorite flavors in one pan. Perfect for when you need a little comfort food at home. Enjoy!