Can I use homemade mashed potatoes or chicken instead?

Absolutely! Homemade mashed potatoes will add a rich, homemade touch, and if you have leftover fried or baked chicken, just slice it up and layer it in.

What can I do if I don’t have chicken gravy?

You can use turkey or beef gravy in a pinch, or even make a quick version using a gravy mix. The key is that rich, saucy element to tie it all together.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you need this dish to be gluten-free, look for gluten-free chicken strips and gravy, and double-check the mashed potatoes. There are plenty of brands available now to suit dietary needs.

How do I make these bowls ahead for busy nights?

You can fully assemble the layers ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Homemade KFC Bowls Recipe

Name: Homemade KFC Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 Tyson crispy chicken strips; 24 oz. tub prepared refrigerated mashed potatoes; 1 cup corn (canned, drained or thawed frozen); 1/2 cup prepared chicken gravy; 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sink your spoon into a comforting, cheesy Homemade KFC Bowl—a quick and satisfying twist on a fast-food classic that’s made right in your kitchen. Crispy chicken strips, fluffy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, savory gravy, and a blanket of gooey cheddar cheese—every bite delivers that nostalgic, crave-worthy flavor you know and love, but fresher and on your table in under an hour. Perfect for those evenings when you want a cozy meal without a mountain of dishes or a long ingredient list.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in Under an Hour: From prep to the dinner table in just about 45 minutes. No complicated steps, and barely any cleanup.
Family Favorite: This bowl is simply irresistible. The layers of warm mashed potatoes, juicy chicken, and melted cheese are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ultimate Comfort Food: These bowls deliver all the hearty, soul-soothing flavors that hit the spot after a long day.
So Simple: Uses convenient ingredients like refrigerated mashed potatoes and frozen chicken strips—because nobody has time for peeling potatoes or breading chicken on a weeknight.
Customizable: Add, swap, or leave out any toppings to suit your tastes or use up what’s in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crispy Chicken Strips: Store-bought frozen strips like Tyson are perfectly crunchy and save tons of time. You want that signature crunch!
Prepared Mashed Potatoes: Tub or refrigerated mashed potatoes are a lifesaver. Grab your favorite brand—or use homemade if you’ve got leftovers.
Corn: Sweet and juicy—frozen or canned both work well, just drain canned corn first.
Chicken Gravy: Prepared gravy gives instant rich, savory depth. Any preferred brand does the trick.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings that gooey, melty element. Pre-shredded is easy, but fresh shredded melts even better.

Tip: The ingredients here are all about ease. Don’t fuss—let convenience work for you!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these cozy bowls? Try these fun tweaks:

Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or mix some cayenne into the gravy for a kick.
Veggie Boost: Throw in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for breaded fish fillets for a new take, or use crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a three-cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Loaded Style: Top with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or crispy bacon crumbles before serving.

How to Make Homemade KFC Bowls

Step 1: Bake the Chicken Strips

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the frozen chicken strips on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden and crunchy. Nothing beats that oven-fresh crispness!

Step 2: Prep the Potato Layer

While the chicken bakes, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly along the bottom—this forms that signature creamy, fluffy base.

Step 3: Add the Corn

Layer the sweet corn evenly over the mashed potatoes. This little bit of sweetness balances all the savory goodness.

Step 4: Drizzle with Gravy

Generously spoon the chicken gravy all over that corn. It’s all about infusing every bite with extra moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Add Chicken & Cheese

Once your chicken strips are ready, line them up on top of your potato-corn-gravy layers. Immediately scatter a hearty handful of shredded cheddar cheese over everything. This step guarantees maximum meltiness!

Step 6: Bake to Finish

Slide the dish back in the oven for about 10–12 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and irresistible. Let it cool for a minute, then dig in while the cheese is extra gooey.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Super Crispy Chicken: For extra crunch, bake the chicken strips a couple extra minutes or broil briefly before adding to the bowl.
Smooth Mashed Potatoes: If using refrigerated potatoes, warm them slightly before spreading so they’re easy to layer.
Cheese Matters: Grate your own cheddar for supreme meltiness; pre-shredded is great for convenience.
Gravy Consistency: If your gravy’s thick, thin it with a tablespoon or two of milk before pouring for better coverage.

How to Serve

These bowls are the star of the show all by themselves, but if you want to make it a meal:

Pair with a Fresh Salad: Crisp green salad or coleslaw provides brightness and balance.
Bread on the Side: Warm dinner rolls or biscuits are perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy and cheese.
Top It Off: Add chopped parsley or green onions for a touch of color and freshness.
Family Style: Serve straight from the baking dish and let everyone scoop their own bowl—super fun for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the bowls (leave off the cheese), wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months. Add fresh cheese and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or pop the whole dish in a 350°F oven until everything is warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade mashed potatoes or chicken instead?

Absolutely! Homemade mashed potatoes will add a rich, homemade touch, and if you have leftover fried or baked chicken, just slice it up and layer it in.
What can I do if I don’t have chicken gravy?

You can use turkey or beef gravy in a pinch, or even make a quick version using a gravy mix. The key is that rich, saucy element to tie it all together.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you need this dish to be gluten-free, look for gluten-free chicken strips and gravy, and double-check the mashed potatoes. There are plenty of brands available now to suit dietary needs.
How do I make these bowls ahead for busy nights?

You can fully assemble the layers ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Final Thoughts

Comfort food doesn’t need to be fussy, and these Homemade KFC Bowls prove it. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish brings all the fast-food nostalgia into your own, cozy kitchen. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist—this recipe is forgiving and fun, and meant to be enjoyed your way. Dive in, share it with your hungry bunch, and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite.