Print

Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls

Homemade KFC Copycat Bowls

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.

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 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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