If you’ve ever craved the comforting, crispy, and flavorful delight that is KFC’s iconic bowl, you’re in for a treat. This Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls recipe lets you enjoy that perfect combination of crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, and melted cheese right from your own kitchen. Learn how to make Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls quickly with this easy recipe—crispy, savory, and perfect for any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to get dinner on your table fast.
Comfort Food at Home: Enjoy the classic flavors of KFC bowls without heading to a restaurant or waiting in line.
Customizable: Swap ingredients or add extras to suit your tastes or dietary preferences effortlessly.
Family-Friendly: These bowls please both kids and adults, making them perfect for a crowd or weeknight meal.
Budget-Friendly: Use pantry staples and everyday ingredients to recreate a restaurant favorite without overspending.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls lies in their simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in balancing flavor, texture, and appearance. From crispy chicken to creamy mashed potatoes, every component contributes to making this dish unforgettable.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless pieces for juicy, tender, and easy-to-cut chicken.
Flour and seasoning mix: The secret to that crispy, flavorful coating that mimics KFC’s iconic crust.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes act as the hearty base of the bowl.
Gravy: Rich, savory gravy brings everything together with moistness and layered flavor.
Shredded cheese: Adds melty, gooey goodness right on top to finish your bowl.
Vegetables (optional): Corn and green beans are classic side options that complement the dish perfectly.

Variations for Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or your personal tastes. Don’t hesitate to try these fun and delicious variations to make the bowl truly your own.

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken coating for a fiery twist.
Healthier Swap: Bake the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version without losing flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute crispy fried mushrooms or tofu for chicken to keep it meat-free.
Loaded Bowl: Add bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions to elevate the flavor profile.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and mashed potatoes with olive oil for those avoiding dairy.

How to Make Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized chunks. Create a seasoned flour mixture using flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne. Dip the chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the flour mix. For authentic crispiness, fry the chicken pieces in hot oil at about 350°F until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 2: Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken cooks, boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash them with plenty of butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy. This creamy base is key to replicating the comforting texture that makes the bowl so satisfying.

Step 3: Prepare the Rich Gravy

Use a classic brown gravy recipe or your favorite store-bought brand. To make your own, melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add chicken broth, whisking constantly until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl

Start by layering a generous scoop of mashed potatoes in your bowl. Next, add the crispy chicken pieces on top. Ladle warm gravy over the chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or your preferred cheese on top while everything is hot to allow it to melt perfectly. Optionally, add cooked vegetables like corn or green beans on the side or mixed in.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls

Chicken Size Matters: Cut chicken pieces into uniform sizes to cook evenly and prevent drying out.
Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer and keep oil at 350°F to ensure crispy, not greasy chicken.
Potato Prep: Warm your milk before mashing potatoes to keep the mash ultra creamy.
Gravy Consistency: Whisk continuously when adding broth to the roux for lump-free, silky gravy.
Layer Thoughtfully: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot crispy chicken and creamy potatoes before the crispy coating softens.

How to Serve Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and mild brightness that complements the rich flavors. A light drizzle of extra gravy or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper finishes off the bowl perfectly.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like buttery corn on the cob, steamed green beans, or a crisp coleslaw bring balance to this hearty meal. For something lighter, a simple garden salad pairs very well with these savory bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your homemade bowls in rustic ceramic dishes for a cozy feel or individual mason jars for a fun, picnic-ready option. Layering the ingredients in a clear glass bowl also creates a visually appealing dish that shows off each mouthwatering layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover components separate to preserve texture—store the crispy chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze mashed potatoes and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Crispy chicken is best eaten fresh but can be frozen wrapped tightly, then reheated in the oven for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat mashed potatoes and gravy on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency. Warm chicken in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness rather than microwaving which may make it soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before breading and frying to ensure even cooking and proper coating adhesion.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking coated chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes on a greased tray is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy results.

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack offer delicious alternatives that melt well and enhance flavor.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

Add a bit more flour when making your roux or cook the gravy a little longer to reduce and thicken it.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! Mashed potatoes and gravy can be made a day ahead and gently reheated, while chicken is best cooked fresh for optimal texture.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls recipe is your ticket to recreating that beloved fast-food comfort meal in your own kitchen—fast, easy, and completely customizable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project, these bowls promise a warm hug of flavor in every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly this new favorite becomes a staple at your table!

Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls

Print Recipe

Enjoy the comforting and crispy flavors of KFC’s iconic bowl from the comfort of your own kitchen with this quick and easy Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls recipe. Featuring crispy seasoned chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, and melted cheese, this customizable meal is perfect for family dinners, budget-friendly cooking, and satisfying comfort food cravings.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Entree
Method: Frying and Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Chicken

1 to 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spicy kick)
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds peeled potatoes, cut into chunks
4 tbsp butter
½ cup warm milk
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gravy

4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

To Assemble

1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
Optional vegetables: cooked corn, steamed green beans
Optional garnishes: chopped parsley or chives, cracked black pepper, extra gravy

Instructions

Prepare the Crispy Chicken: Cut chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Dip chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a fryer or deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Mash with butter and warm milk, seasoning with salt and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
Prepare the Rich Gravy: In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Slowly add chicken broth while whisking constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Keep warm.
Assemble Your Bowl: Layer a generous scoop of mashed potatoes in a bowl. Top with crispy chicken pieces. Ladle warm gravy over the chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top while hot to allow melting. Add optional cooked vegetables on the side or mixed in as desired.

Notes

Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking and to prevent drying out.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F using a thermometer for crispy, not greasy, chicken.
Warm milk before mashing potatoes for extra creamy texture.
Whisk continuously when adding broth to the roux for lump-free gravy.
Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot crispy chicken and creamy potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: KFC copycat bowl, crispy chicken bowl, mashed potato bowl, homemade comfort food, fried chicken recipe, copycat KFC, easy dinner recipe