Craving that comforting, savory combination of mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, melty cheese, sweet corn, and rich brown gravy — but want it without the drive-thru line? This Copycat KFC Bowl recipe brings that fast-food favorite straight to your kitchen, with fresher flavors and more control over every ingredient.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or just want a satisfying lunch that hits every comfort note, this recipe delivers. It layers all the familiar textures and flavors in one bowl: creamy potatoes, golden bites of chicken, bursts of corn, and a drizzle of gravy that ties it all together.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To recreate the iconic Copycat KFC Bowls at home, having the right tools on hand simplifies everything from frying to assembling:

Air fryer or deep fryer: Perfect for getting that crispy, golden crunch on your chicken bites. The air fryer version offers a lighter twist.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few for breading the chicken, mixing potatoes, and prepping ingredients.
Large pot or Dutch oven: For boiling and mashing the potatoes to the ideal creamy texture.
Whisk and saucepan: Crucial for making a smooth, rich brown gravy.
Serving bowls: Go for deep bowls to build generous layers without spilling over the edge.

Every tool here helps lock in texture, flavor, or presentation—so don’t skip them if you want that true “bowl” experience at home.

Ingredients for the Copycat KFC Bowls

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base that anchors the bowl. Yukon golds or russets work best.
Popcorn Chicken or Chicken Nuggets: Crisp and golden, they bring the savory bite. Homemade or store-bought both work.
Corn Kernels: Adds sweetness and juicy texture, balancing the richness of the dish.
Brown Gravy: The essential sauce that marries all the layers. Choose homemade or a good-quality mix.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the hot layers for that signature gooey finish.

Each ingredient brings an essential contrast – soft vs crunchy, savory vs sweet, smooth vs melty. That’s what makes these bowls addictive.

How To Make the Copycat KFC Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Peel and cube your potatoes, then boil until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and a touch of garlic powder until creamy and smooth.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Chicken

If using store-bought chicken bites, cook them according to package directions (air fry or bake for crispness). For homemade, bread chicken pieces in seasoned flour, dip in egg, dredge in breadcrumbs, and fry or air fry until golden.

Step 3: Warm the Corn

Use canned or frozen corn and warm it in a skillet with a little butter and salt. This quick sauté brings out the sweetness.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in beef or chicken broth, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Scoop mashed potatoes into a bowl, top with corn, layer in crispy chicken, pour over warm gravy, and finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Serving and Storing Your Copycat KFC Bowls

Serve these bowls hot and freshly assembled. They don’t hold well once layered, so if you’re making them ahead of time, store each component separately. Mashed potatoes and gravy reheat beautifully in the microwave or stovetop, and the chicken crisps up best in an air fryer or oven.

You can refrigerate the components for up to 3 days. For freezing, only freeze the mashed potatoes and gravy. The corn and chicken are best made fresh or used within a day for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of breaded bites?

Yes! It won’t be crispy, but it’s a great shortcut and still flavorful.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Shredded cheddar is classic, but a blend with mozzarella melts beautifully too.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour for the gravy and certified gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken.

How do I get the gravy super smooth?

Whisk constantly and add the broth slowly to avoid lumps.

Is it okay to skip the corn?

Of course. But the slight sweetness really balances the savory layers.

Can I meal-prep these bowls?

Yes, just store each layer separately and assemble before serving.

Want More Comfort Bowl Ideas?

You might also like the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, where crispy chicken meets indulgent sauce. Or try the Shrimp Burrito Bowls for a seafood-packed variation.

If you’re after cheesy comfort, don’t miss the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, or go hearty with the Sloppy Joe Casserole.

And for another mashed potato-based hit, the Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs give new life to extras.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you air fry the chicken? Did you tweak the gravy? Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest. I’m always inspired by how you recreate these dishes.

Find more comfort bowls and cozy favorites on my Pinterest at LadyPlate.