How to Make the Ultimate KFC Bowl Recipe at Home

If you’ve ever craved the comfort of a KFC Famous Bowl, then you’ll love learning how to make your own KFC bowl recipe at home! This guide will show you how to recreate the fan-favorite dish with layers of crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, savory gravy, and a sprinkle of cheese. With these easy steps and customizable ingredients, you can enjoy the ultimate homemade KFC bowl from the comfort of your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Perfect KFC Bowl

To create a delicious KFC bowl at home, gather the following simple ingredients:

Chicken: Boneless tenderloins or breasts (about 1 lb), buttermilk, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper
Mashed Potatoes: 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, 2 tbsp butter, ¼ cup milk, salt to taste
Corn: 1 cup canned or frozen corn
Gravy: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1 cup beef or chicken broth, salt, pepper
Cheese: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Each ingredient plays a role in recreating the layered, flavorful experience of a KFC bowl. Customize with different spices or cheese types to make it your own!

Preparing the Crispy Chicken

To get that classic crunch, prepare the chicken by frying, baking, or air frying.

Frying: Dredge the chicken in a flour and spice mix, then dip in buttermilk before a final coating in flour. Fry in hot oil for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Frying: For a lighter option, cook breaded tenders in an air fryer at 400°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway.

Each method achieves a crispy exterior with a tender interior—perfect for the layered KFC bowl experience!

Making the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Next, let’s focus on the mashed potatoes and gravy, which form the heart of the KFC bowl, adding creaminess and savory flavor.

Mashed Potatoes: Peel and dice potatoes, then boil in salted water until tender. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, and salt for creamy, fluffy potatoes.
Gravy: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer until thickened and set aside.

This creamy mash paired with rich gravy makes every bite of your homemade KFC bowl taste like the original.

Assembling the KFC Bowl

Once all components are ready, it’s time to assemble your bowl. Follow these steps to layer each ingredient and create that classic KFC bowl taste:

Layer 1: Start with a generous serving of mashed potatoes.
Layer 2: Add a scoop of corn over the potatoes.
Layer 3: Place pieces of crispy chicken on top of the corn.
Layer 4: Drizzle with gravy for added richness and flavor.
Layer 5: Finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.

This step-by-step layering will give you a bowl that looks and tastes just like the original!

Conclusion

Making a KFC bowl recipe at home is easy and satisfying. With crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, savory gravy, and melty cheese, each layer brings its unique flavor, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and customize with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours. If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment and let us know how it turned out, or share a picture of your creation!

Resources

Perfect Mashed Potatoes: Learn how to make fluffy mashed potatoes, an ideal base for any KFC-style bowl. https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-make-perfect-mashed-potatoes

Easy Chicken Gravy Recipe: Make savory gravy from scratch to top off your homemade KFC bowl. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-gravy-257225