Recreate the classic KFC Famous Bowl at home! This easy chicken bowl recipe layers mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, crispy chicken, and cheese .. perfect for fast weeknight dinners or using up Thanksgiving leftovers.

Homemade KFC Famous Bowl with layers of mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, crispy chicken, and melted cheddar cheese in a cozy bowl

KFC Famous Bowl Recipe (Fast, Cozy, No-Thinking Required)

Name: KFC Famous Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes; 2 tablespoons butter; 1½ cups gravy (Heinz original chicken gravy is best if not homemade leftovers); 1 ½ cups corn; 2 cups crispy breaded chicken like chicken tenders or popcorn chicken (chopped); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese; Salt and black pepper (to taste)

There’s a very specific kind of tired where you don’t want to decide what’s for dinner .. you just want something warm, filling, and guaranteed to work. No experiments. No new techniques. Just comfort food that understands the assignment.

That’s exactly where this homemade KFC Famous Bowl comes in.

Creamy mashed potatoes. Savory gravy. Sweet corn. Crispy chicken. Melty cheese. It’s the same cozy magic as the original, but made at home .. hotter, crunchier, and way more generous. This is the kind of meal that becomes an easy family comfort food dinner without anyone asking, “What is this?”

Whether you’re recreating the classic, leaning into a KFC popcorn chicken bowl craving, or using up Thanksgiving leftovers, this is comfort food at its most dependable.

Crispy popcorn chicken being added to a copycat KFC Famous Bowl recipe

What Is a KFC Famous Bowl?

A KFC Famous Bowl is a layered comfort dish made with mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, crispy chicken, and shredded cheese. These are the classic KFC Famous Bowl ingredients, and when you make them at home, you’re basically building the ultimate Kentucky Fried Chicken bowl .. minus the drive-thru line, the weird guy standing on the corner and soggy chicken.

This copycat KFC Famous Bowl recipe keeps everything simple, familiar, and weeknight-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Fast food nostalgia, homemade upgrade .. same flavors, better texture, which is exactly why this works so well as an easy family comfort food dinner.
No thinking required .. everything cooks fast and assembles even faster.
Leftover-friendly .. Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy were made for this.
Kid-approved .. nothing weird, nothing spicy unless you want it.
Flexible ingredients .. fresh, frozen, or convenience items all welcome here.

Choosing the Right Ingredients & Why They Matter

Mashed Potatoes (2 cups)
Smooth and creamy works best. Homemade or refrigerated tubs both deliver.
Gravy (1½ cups)
Turkey or chicken gravy adds richness and pulls the whole bowl together.
Corn (1.5 cups)
Sweet corn balances the savory layers and adds texture.
Crispy Chicken (2 cups, chopped)
Popcorn chicken, nuggets, or chopped tenders give you that classic KFC popcorn chicken bowl crunch everyone expects.
Shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack (1 cup)
Melts fast and adds cozy, familiar flavor.
Butter (2 tablespoons)
Essential for reviving leftover mashed potatoes.
Salt and Black Pepper
Season every layer — comfort food still needs flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Stovetop Assembly)

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 cups mashed potatoes with 2 tablespoons butter, stirring until smooth and heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Heather’s Note: If the potatoes are thick, add 1–2 tablespoons milk to loosen them.

Creamy mashed potatoes forming the base of a Kentucky Fried Chicken bowl with gravy and corn

Heat 1½ cups gravy over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Warm 1.5 cups corn until heated through.

Sweet corn topping a homemade KFC Famous Bowl, ready to assemble

Cook 2 cups crispy chicken using the air fryer or oven instructions below.
At this point, you’re minutes away from a copycat KFC Famous Bowl recipe that tastes just like the original .. only better.

Golden popcorn chicken cooking in an air fryer for a copycat KFC Famous Bowl recipe

Assemble bowls: mashed potatoes first, corn, some cheese, crispy chicken, then a little more cheese, then gravy and maybe some diced green onion on top, if you are feeling fancy. Let the heat do the rest.

Easy family comfort food dinner of homemade KFC Famous Bowls served on the table with layers of mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, chicken, and cheese

Tips & Tricks (Real Life Approved)

Frozen chicken fingers work great .. just cook and chop them.
Layer gravy lightly, then add more if needed.
Fine-shredded cheese melts faster than thick shreds.
Add sour cream to potatoes for extra richness.
Wide bowls make layering easier (and look better).
Convenience foods are encouraged.. Refrigerated mashed potatoes, frozen popcorn chicken, frozen chicken fingers .. all fair game. This is about dinner getting made, not proving anything fancy.

How to Cook Perfect Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Method

Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Add frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer.
Cook 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.
Rest 1 minute before using.

Oven Method

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Spread chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake 15–18 minutes, flipping once.
Broil 1–2 minutes if needed for extra crisp.

Leftover Remix: 2 Easy Meals Using KFC Famous Bowl Leftovers

These ideas are perfect if you made a big batch of this homemade KFC Famous Bowl and want fast second-day meals without repeating dinner.

Crispy KFC Famous Bowl Quesadillas

Spread mashed potatoes on a tortilla, top with chopped chicken, corn, and cheese. Fold and cook in a buttered skillet until golden. Serve with warm gravy for dipping.

KFC Bowl Breakfast Hash

Crisp mashed potatoes in a skillet, add chicken and corn, top with cheese and a fried egg. Drizzle with gravy or hot sauce.

Leftover Tip: Store components separately so they stay usable, not mushy.

Storage, Reheating & Freezing

Storage:
Store potatoes, gravy, corn, and chicken separately for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Potatoes, gravy, and corn freeze well up to 2 months. Chicken is best fresh.

Reheating:
Reheat gently and add freshly cooked chicken last.

FAQs (Real Questions, Real Answers)

Is this actually fast enough for busy nights?
Yes. Using convenience items, it’s on the table in under 20 minutes.

Can I make this kid-friendly?
Absolutely .. let kids build their own bowls.

Do I have to use popcorn chicken?
No. Nuggets, tenders, or leftover fried chicken all work.

Is this good for leftovers?
It’s one of the best leftover-repurposing meals out there.

Final Thoughts

This is comfort food that doesn’t ask questions. It shows up, does its job, and makes everyone happy — exactly what a Kentucky Fried Chicken bowl was always meant to do.

Cozy, flexible, dependable.
That’s dinner done right.

xoxo,
Heather🖤