Mashed Potato Bowls (KFC Style)

If you’ve ever had a craving for hearty comfort food, you probably know about the famous KFC Mashed Potato Bowl — a delicious pile of creamy mashed potatoes topped with crispy chicken, sweet corn, shredded cheese, and a generous drizzle of gravy. It’s cozy, it’s filling, and it hits every comfort note imaginable.

Now imagine making that same indulgent bowl right at home — fresher, tastier, and totally customizable. That’s what this Homemade KFC Style Mashed Potato Bowl recipe is all about.

This easy copycat recipe brings the iconic flavors of KFC straight to your kitchen without any mystery ingredients or takeout wait times. You’ll get the same creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly seasoned crispy chicken bites, melted cheese, and savory gravy all in one irresistible bite.

Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner, a weekend comfort meal, or a family movie night, these mashed potato bowls are guaranteed to become a household favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Total comfort food: Creamy, crispy, cheesy, and saucy — all in one bowl!

• Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

• Customizable: Adjust toppings, cheese types, or add veggies.

• Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own Mashed Potato Bowls (KFC Style) at home:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2½ pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – Peeled and cut into chunks.

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – For that creamy, rich base.

• ½ cup milk or heavy cream – Adds smoothness and richness.

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders – Cut into bite-size pieces.

• 1 cup flour – For coating.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 eggs, beaten – For dredging.

• 2 tablespoons milk – Helps the coating stick.

• Vegetable oil – For frying (or bake/air fry for a lighter version).

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup sweet corn kernels – Frozen or canned, warmed.

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.

• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down how to make these indulgent, restaurant-style mashed potato bowls right at home.

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Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1½-inch cubes.

2. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.

3. Bring to a boil and cook until tender — about 15–20 minutes.

4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

5. Add butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper.

6. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Tip: For extra creamy potatoes, use a potato ricer or hand mixer on low speed.

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Step 2: Make the Crispy Chicken

1. In one bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. In a second bowl, beat eggs with milk.

3. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour, coating well.

4. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.

5. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side.

6. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

Healthier Option:
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through.

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Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly.

3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.

4. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened — about 5–7 minutes.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Start with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes as your base.

2. Add a handful of warm corn kernels.

3. Top with crispy chicken bites.

4. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese.

5. Drizzle with warm gravy.

6. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Serve immediately while hot and cheesy!

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The Perfect Layering Order

To get that perfect KFC-style presentation and flavor combination in every bite, layer your bowl in this order:

1. Mashed Potatoes

2. Corn

3. Crispy Chicken

4. Cheese

5. Gravy

This keeps the cheese slightly melted under the warm gravy while the crispy chicken retains some crunch.

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Flavor Variations

Once you master the classic bowl, try one of these fun variations to make it your own:

Spicy Southern Bowl:
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken coating for a kick.

BBQ Bowl:
Replace gravy with barbecue sauce and top with crispy onions.

Vegetarian Bowl:
Use crispy cauliflower bites or chick’n substitutes instead of chicken.

Loaded Bowl:
Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of green onions.

Breakfast Bowl:
Top with a fried egg and serve with sausage gravy instead of chicken gravy.

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Tips for Success

• Use freshly mashed potatoes: They give the bowl a homemade flavor and perfect texture.

• Don’t skip seasoning the chicken: The spice blend makes a huge difference.

• Warm the gravy before serving: It should melt the cheese and tie everything together.

• Serve immediately: The combination of hot mashed potatoes and crispy chicken is best enjoyed fresh.

• Customize each bowl: Let everyone add their own toppings at the table — fun for family nights!

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Make-Ahead and Storage

To Make Ahead:

• Cook the mashed potatoes and gravy up to 2 days ahead.

• Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

• Reheat before assembling.

To Store Leftovers:

• Keep in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

• Store each component (potatoes, chicken, gravy) separately for best texture.

To Reheat:

• Mashed Potatoes: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

• Chicken: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.

• Gravy: Reheat gently on the stove, whisking if needed to smooth out.

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Freezing Tips

• Mashed Potatoes: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Fried Chicken: Freeze after cooling completely. Reheat in oven or air fryer.

• Gravy: Freeze separately and thaw before use.

When ready to serve, assemble your bowl with all reheated components for a quick, satisfying meal.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 46g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 870mg

(Nutritional values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

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What Makes These Bowls So Good?

It’s all about contrast — the creamy mashed potatoes against the crispy chicken, the sweetness of corn paired with the richness of gravy, and that gooey melted cheese that ties it all together. Every bite is satisfying and layered with comfort.

Homemade versions are fresher, customizable, and use real ingredients — no soggy chicken or thin gravy here! You can also tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs, from lighter air-fried chicken to plant-based swaps.

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Serving Ideas

Family Dinner:
Serve in large bowls or mini ramekins so everyone can build their own.

Party Buffet:
Set up a “Mashed Potato Bowl Bar” with toppings like cheese, chicken, corn, gravy, green onions, and more.

Kid-Friendly Meal:
Kids love building their own bowls — and you can sneak in extra veggies like peas or carrots.

Comfort Night:
Perfect for those chilly nights when you want something cozy and satisfying without a ton of effort.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the mashed potatoes: Makes them gummy instead of fluffy.

• Skipping the seasoning: Potatoes and chicken both need salt to shine.

• Cold gravy: Always heat the gravy before drizzling over the bowl.

• Soggy chicken: Reheat in the oven or air fryer for maximum crispiness.

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How to Make It Lighter

If you love this meal but want to lighten it up:

• Use baked or air-fried chicken instead of deep-fried.

• Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk.

• Use reduced-fat cheese or skip it altogether.

• Swap white potatoes for cauliflower mash.

You’ll still get all the flavor and comfort, just with fewer calories and fat.

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Perfect for Holidays or Casual Dinners

While these bowls make the perfect quick dinner any night of the week, they’re also great for gatherings. Serve them buffet-style during football season, or prepare a “comfort food night” for family and friends.

They’re warm, filling, and universally loved — a true crowd-pleaser that feels homemade and nostalgic.

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Fun Add-Ons and Custom Toppings

Make your mashed potato bowl your own! Try these delicious add-ons:

• Sautéed mushrooms

• Caramelized onions

• Chopped green onions

• Steamed broccoli or peas

• Shredded mozzarella or pepper jack

• Crispy fried onions

• Dollop of sour cream

Mix and match to find your favorite flavor combo.

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FAQs About Mashed Potato Bowls

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can! For convenience, use instant mashed potatoes and prepare according to package directions, then follow the rest of the recipe.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely — this is one of the best ways to use up leftovers! Just reheat and top with the other components.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or air fry for 12–15 minutes for a lighter option.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Replace chicken with crispy tofu or breaded cauliflower bites and use vegetable gravy.

What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives that classic KFC flavor, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.

How can I keep the chicken crispy when serving?
Assemble just before eating and keep the chicken in a warm oven until ready to serve.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s creamy, cheesy, and easy for kids to eat — perfect for family meals.

Pro Tip for Hosting

If you’re serving a crowd, set up a Mashed Potato Bowl Bar:

• Keep mashed potatoes warm in a slow cooker.

• Line up toppings: corn, chicken, cheese, gravy, veggies, and sauces.

• Let everyone build their own custom comfort bowl.

It’s interactive, fun, and everyone gets exactly what they like.

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A Bite of Comfort

Homemade Mashed Potato Bowls (KFC Style) are everything you want in comfort food — warm, rich, creamy, and hearty. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, fork in hand, ready for seconds.

Once you try this homemade version, you’ll realize it’s not just a copycat — it’s better. You control the ingredients, the seasoning, and the texture. No takeout required, no shortcuts needed — just pure comfort made from scratch.

So, the next time that craving hits, skip the drive-thru and whip up these mashed potato bowls at home. They’re cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.