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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our irresistible KFC Famous Bowl Casserole. Inspired by the beloved fast-food favorite, this homemade version captures all the flavors and textures you love in a convenient casserole format. With layers of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, and melted cheese, each bite is a delicious homage to the iconic KFC dish. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this comforting and satisfying casserole, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Get ready to enjoy all the goodness of the KFC Famous Bowl from the comfort of your own kitchen!

KFC Famous Bowl Casserole

Our KFC Famous Bowl Casserole brings together the best of both worlds: the convenience of a one-dish meal and the irresistible flavors of everyone’s favorite fast-food indulgence. With layers of creamy mashed potatoes serving as the base, followed by a generous portion of crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn kernels, and a blanket of melted cheese, each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. What’s more, this casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food without the hassle. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the KFC Famous Bowl or looking for a new twist on classic casseroles, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

We will be using frozen popcorn chicken but you could also use air fryer frozen chicken nuggets to put a fun spin on this dish.

I love a good copycat dish from our favorite restaurants. There is something about being able to make our favorite dishes from restaurants at home saving money and also making them a bit healthier as well. Some of our favorite recipes have to be our air fryer copycat Chick-fil-a chicken nuggets, our copycat Honey BBQ Buffalo Wild Wings, and this copycat KFC Famous Bowl Casserole.  

What is in the Copycat KFC Famous Bowl?

The Copycat KFC Famous Bowl typically includes the following ingredients:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as the base of the bowl, providing a comforting and hearty foundation.
2. Popcorn Chicken: Crispy and bite-sized pieces of fried chicken, similar to those found in KFC’s popcorn chicken, are layered on top of the mashed potatoes.
3. Sweet Corn: Sweet corn kernels add a pop of sweetness and texture to the bowl, complementing the savory flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
4. Gravy: Rich and flavorful gravy is drizzled over the popcorn chicken and mashed potatoes, adding moisture and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
5. Shredded Cheese: A generous sprinkling of melted cheese tops off the Copycat KFC Famous Bowl, adding gooeyness and richness to each bite.

These ingredients come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s reminiscent of the iconic KFC Famous Bowl.

What is the History of KFC

KFC, which stands for Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a fast-food restaurant chain known for its fried chicken. The history of KFC dates back to the Great Depression in the 1930s. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Harland Sanders:
   • The story begins with Harland Sanders, who was born in 1890 in Henryville, Indiana, USA. Sanders operated a service station in Corbin, Kentucky during the Great Depression, and he started serving meals to travelers in the dining area of his gas station.
2. Original Recipe:
   • Sanders’ cooking skills became well-known, and he developed a unique blend of 11 herbs and spices for his fried chicken, which he called the “Original Recipe.” This recipe became the foundation of KFC’s success.
3. Franchising Begins:
   • In 1936, Sanders was given the honorary title of Colonel by Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon in recognition of his contributions to the state’s cuisine. In the early 1950s, Sanders began franchising his fried chicken recipe to other restaurant owners.
4. Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation:
   • The first KFC franchise was opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952 by Pete Harman. As the number of franchises increased, Sanders decided to sell the KFC corporation in 1964 to a partnership led by John Y. Brown, Jr.
5. Global Expansion:
   • Under new ownership, KFC underwent significant expansion both domestically and internationally. The brand became known for its “finger-lickin’ good” slogan and its distinctive red and white striped buckets of chicken.
6. Acquisition by PepsiCo:
   • In 1986, KFC was acquired by PepsiCo, which aimed to strengthen its position in the fast-food industry. This acquisition led to synergies between KFC and other PepsiCo brands.
7. Spin-Off and Changes in Ownership:
   • In 1997, PepsiCo spun off its fast-food division, which included KFC, into a separate company called Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc. Tricon later changed its name to Yum! Brands, Inc. Today, Yum! Brands is a major player in the fast-food industry and owns several other well-known brands.
8. Modern Era:
   • KFC continues to be a global brand with thousands of restaurants around the world. The menu has expanded to include various chicken products, side dishes, and beverages. The company adapts its offerings to cater to local tastes in different regions.

Throughout its history, KFC has been recognized for its innovative marketing, iconic Colonel Sanders persona, and, of course, its delicious fried chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Bag Frozen Popcorn Chicken, partially cooked and cut into ¼’s
• 2 (1 lb) Packages Premade Mashed Potatoes (Simply or Bob Evans)
• 4 Cups Corn, Frozen or canned, drained
• 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 (18 oz) Jar Brown Chicken Gravy

How to make KFC Famous Bowl Casserole at home

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Cook popcorn chicken in the air fryer at @ 400 degrees for 4-5 minutes. You want it to be cooked enough that you can cut it into ¼ pieces.   

• Spread the mashed potatoes in the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish. 

• Spread corn over the top.

• Spread the cut-up chicken pieces evenly across the top.

• Bake uncovered for 15 minutes  
• Remove from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheese across the top. 

• Put back in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. 
• Heat up the gravy in the microwave.
• Pour hot gravy over the top.

• Serve & Enjoy!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes? Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes if you’re looking to save time. However, homemade mashed potatoes will provide a fresher taste and better texture.
2. How can I make the gravy ahead of time? You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
3. Can I use different types of chicken? Absolutely! While the original Famous Bowl uses popcorn chicken, you can customize your bowl with grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even breaded chicken tenders.
4. How do I keep the mashed potatoes warm? To keep the mashed potatoes warm while you prepare the other components or serve the bowls, cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil. You can also place the pot in a warm oven set to a low temperature.
5. Can I make a vegetarian version of the Famous Bowl? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable gravy instead. You can also add extra veggies like roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions for added flavor.
6. How long will leftovers last? Leftover Famous Bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
7. Can I freeze the components separately? Yes, you can freeze the mashed potatoes, chicken, and gravy separately in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling the bowls.
8. Can I make a larger batch for a crowd? Absolutely! Simply double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of Famous Bowls. Just be sure to use a larger pot for the mashed potatoes and adjust the cooking times accordingly.

With these FAQs, you’ll have all the information you need to successfully make a Copycat KFC Famous Bowl at home and customize it to your liking.

Freezer

You can also freeze any leftovers you have in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. 

Reheating your KFC Famous Bowl

To reheat your bowl, I highly recommend doing it in the oven at 350 degrees. This will help the chicken crispy up a bit and have it cook evenly. 

If you are short on time you can do it in the microwave as well. 

Can I use real mashed potatoes instead of Instant Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, you can absolutely substitute the mashed potatoes for real mashed potatoes. In fact, I love making this dish with leftover mashed potatoes when I have them on hand. 

Can I make smaller portions?

Yes, you can make smaller portions. Just as long as you use oven-safe dishes you can make a smaller casserole or you can even make individual-sized KFC Famous Bowls. 

Looking for more delicious copycat dishes? Try these!

• KFC Coleslaw Recipe
• Air Fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
• Taco Bell Crunchwrap
• Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe

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