Copycat KFC Famous Bowls

Chicken Recipes Reading Time: 6 minutes
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These Copycat KFC Famous Bowls are the ultimate comfort food layered in one dish!

Creamy mashed potatoes, rich brown gravy, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, and melty cheese come together for the perfect bite every time.

They’re hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—just like the restaurant version, but even better homemade.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner, game day, or when you’re craving takeout without leaving the house.

Copycat KFC Famous Bowls

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 1 hour
Cook time: 4 hours

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with fried chicken pieces, shredded cheese, corn, brown gravy, and chopped herbs.

How To Make Copycat KFC Famous Bowls

Bowls containing cubed raw chicken, shredded cheese, corn, flour, mashed potatoes, spices, egg, milk, and other baking ingredients arranged on a white surface.

Ingredients

  • Popcorn Chicken
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
  • Oil for frying
  • 6 cups mashed potatoes
  • 2 cups corn, drained
  • 1 (1 ounce) envelope brown gravy made according to directions
  • 2 cups shredded colby cheese
A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with fried chicken pieces, shredded cheese, corn, and brown gravy, with a drink and kitchen items in the background.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. In a large bowl whisk together the 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 egg.

2. Add your chicken to the mixture and let marinate for at least an hour.

3. To another bowl add the flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder and whisk until combined.

A bowl of flour and spices next to a plate of raw chicken pieces marinating in a creamy liquid, with a whole egg nearby on a white surface.

4. Add in ½ cup of the buttermilk from the chicken into the flour mixture and whisk.

Raw chicken pieces coated in flour and seasoning are arranged in a glass baking dish on a white marble surface.

5. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and place into the flour mixture.

6. Toss together until all the pieces are coated.

7. Heat 1 inch of your oil in a heavy skillet to 350 degrees.

8. Fry the popcorn chicken in batches for 2-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.

9. Set aside on a wire rack or paper towel lined tray to drain.

Golden brown pieces of breaded and fried chicken resting on a white paper towel.
Golden brown, crispy breaded chicken nuggets drain on a white paper towel.

10. To prepare the bowls divide your prepared mashed potatoes into 4 bowls.

11. Next prepare your brown gravy according to package directions and spoon on top of the potatoes.

A white bowl filled with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes on a marble surface.

12. Next divide the corn between the bowls.

Bowl of mashed potatoes topped with yellow corn kernels on a white marble surface.

13. Top each bowl with an even amount of the popcorn chicken.

14. Top with cheese.

15. Serve!

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with fried chicken, gravy, cheese, and corn sits on a wooden table next to a red drink and kitchen utensils.
A plate of mashed potatoes topped with fried chicken pieces, corn kernels, shredded cheese, and brown gravy.

Tips & Tricks

  • Marinate the chicken – At least an hour in buttermilk keeps it juicy and flavorful.
  • Fry in batches – Don’t overcrowd the skillet; it keeps the chicken crispy.
  • Use a wire rack – Drain fried chicken on a rack instead of paper towels for max crunch.
  • Keep potatoes warm – Assemble bowls right before serving so everything is hot and melty.
  • Shred cheese yourself – Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with fried chicken pieces, corn, shredded cheese, and brown gravy, set on a wooden table.

Substitutions

  • Chicken – Use store-bought popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets for a shortcut.
  • Mashed potatoes – Instant potatoes work in a pinch, or swap with cauliflower mash for a lighter version.
  • Gravy – Use homemade brown gravy, jarred, or even country gravy.
  • Cheese – Colby can be swapped with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
  • Corn – Frozen or fresh corn works just as well as canned.
A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with fried chicken, corn, shredded cheese, and brown gravy sits on a wooden table.

Variations

  • Spicy Bowls – Toss popcorn chicken in buffalo or hot sauce before adding to the bowl.
  • BBQ Bowls – Swap gravy for BBQ sauce and top with cheddar for a smoky twist.
  • Loaded Bowls – Add bacon, green onions, or ranch drizzle for extra flavor.
  • Veggie Style – Skip the chicken and add sautéed veggies or beans for a meatless version.
  • Cheese Lovers – Add an extra cheese layer between the potatoes and gravy.
A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with fried chicken pieces, corn, shredded cheese, and brown gravy, set on a wooden table.

Copycat KFC Famous Bowls

Print Recipe
A white bowl filled with mashed potatoes, topped with fried chicken pieces, corn, shredded cheese, and brown gravy sits on a wooden table next to a wooden spoon.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours
Marinate time:1 hour
Total Time:5 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • Popcorn Chicken
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
  • Oil for frying
  • 6 cups mashed potatoes
  • 2 cups corn drained
  • 1 (1 ounce) envelope brown gravy made according to directions
  • 2 cups shredded colby cheese

Instructions

  • In a large bowl whisk together the 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 egg.
  • Add your chicken to the mixture and let marinate for at least an hour.
  • To another bowl add the flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder and whisk until combined.
  • Add in ½ cup of the buttermilk from the chicken into the flour mixture and whisk.
  • Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and place into the flour mixture.
  • Toss together until all the pieces are coated.
  • Heat 1 inch of your oil in a heavy skillet to 350 degrees.
  • Fry the popcorn chicken in batches for 2-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Set aside on a wire rack or paper towel lined tray to drain.
  • To prepare the bowls divide your prepared mashed potatoes into 4 bowls.
  • Next prepare your brown gravy according to package directions and spoon on top of the potatoes.
  • Next divide the corn between the bowls.
  • Top each bowl with an even amount of the popcorn chicken.
  • Top with cheese.
  • Serve!

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • Marinate the chicken – At least an hour in buttermilk keeps it juicy and flavorful.
  • Fry in batches – Don’t overcrowd the skillet; it keeps the chicken crispy.
  • Use a wire rack – Drain fried chicken on a rack instead of paper towels for max crunch.
  • Keep potatoes warm – Assemble bowls right before serving so everything is hot and melty.
  • Shred cheese yourself – Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.

Substitutions

  • Chicken – Use store-bought popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets for a shortcut.
  • Mashed potatoes – Instant potatoes work in a pinch, or swap with cauliflower mash for a lighter version.
  • Gravy – Use homemade brown gravy, jarred, or even country gravy.
  • Cheese – Colby can be swapped with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
  • Corn – Frozen or fresh corn works just as well as canned.

Variations

  • Spicy Bowls – Toss popcorn chicken in buffalo or hot sauce before adding to the bowl.
  • BBQ Bowls – Swap gravy for BBQ sauce and top with cheddar for a smoky twist.
  • Loaded Bowls – Add bacon, green onions, or ranch drizzle for extra flavor.
  • Veggie Style – Skip the chicken and add sautéed veggies or beans for a meatless version.
  • Cheese Lovers – Add an extra cheese layer between the potatoes and gravy.
Servings: 4 servings
A plate of mashed potatoes topped with fried chicken, corn, gravy, and green onions, sits on a wooden table with a red glass, potted plants, and wooden utensils in the background.

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