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These Copycat KFC Famous Bowls are layered with creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, and melty cheese, the ultimate cozy comfort dinner made right at home.

There are certain meals that just make everyone happy at the table. No complaints. No negotiations. No “I don’t like that touching this.” Just clean plates and second helpings.

These Copycat KFC Famous Bowls are one of those meals in our house.

I can’t even count how many times one of the boys has said, “Can we get Famous Bowls?” Usually it’s Dean, he’s always loved that perfect layered bite of potatoes, gravy, chicken, corn, and cheese. Sam loves that it’s all in one bowl (less decisions, more eating). 

Daniel loves them because they’re hearty. And honestly, so do I. It’s comfort food in its purest form.  Plus they are so nostalgic, something everyone has always loved from KFC.

But as much as we all love them, running through a drive-thru every time the craving hits just isn’t practical. So I started making them at home. And once I did, there was no going back.

The homemade version is hotter, crispier, cheesier, and honestly just better (did I mention cheaper?) The popcorn chicken is fresh and seasoned just right. The mashed potatoes are creamy. The gravy is rich. And you can add as much cheese as your heart desires.

It’s one of those dinners that feels indulgent but still comes from your own kitchen. And when you’re feeding three growing boys, that’s exactly the kind of dinner you need sometimes.

What Are Copycat KFC Famous Bowls?

KFC Famous Bowls are layered comfort food bowls made with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, and shredded cheese. Everything is stacked together so you get a little bit of everything in each bite.

This homemade version recreates that signature layered bowl but with fresh ingredients and crispy-from-the-pan chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like the restaurant version

• Crispy homemade popcorn chicken

• Comfort food in one bowl

• Kid-approved and adult-approved

• Perfect for cozy nights

• Customizable

When to Serve This Recipe

• Friday night comfort dinner

• When the kids want takeout

• Game nights

• Family movie nights

• Cold weather dinners

Ingredients

Popcorn Chicken

¾ cup buttermilk
Tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor during marinating.

1½ teaspoons salt
Seasons the chicken while it marinates.

1 egg
Helps the coating stick and adds richness.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Cut evenly so they cook at the same rate.

1½ cups all-purpose flour
Base of the crispy coating.

½ cup cornstarch
Makes the coating extra crispy and light.

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon celery salt
Adds subtle savory depth.

1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoons garlic powder

½ teaspoon mustard powder

½ teaspoon ginger powder
All these spices combine to give that classic seasoned fried chicken flavor.

Oil for frying (about 1 inch deep)
Vegetable or canola oil works best.

Bowl Assembly

6 cups mashed potatoes
Creamy and smooth, homemade or store-bought.

2 cups corn, drained
Adds sweetness and texture.

1 (1-ounce) envelope brown gravy, prepared according to directions
Rich and savory layer.

2 cups shredded colby cheese
Melts beautifully and adds creamy finish.

How to Make Copycat KFC Famous Bowls

1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1½ teaspoons salt, and egg.

2. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, remaining seasonings, and spices.

4. Add ½ cup of the buttermilk marinade into the flour mixture and whisk to create small clumps, this helps create a craggier coating.

5. Remove chicken from marinade and toss in flour mixture until fully coated.

6. Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy skillet.

7. Fry chicken in batches for 2–4 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

8. Drain on a wire rack.

9. Divide warm mashed potatoes into 4 bowls.

10. Spoon prepared brown gravy over the potatoes.

11. Add corn evenly over gravy.

12. Top with crispy popcorn chicken.

13. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

14. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Substitutions

• Chicken breasts → chicken thighs

• Buttermilk → milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar

• Colby cheese → cheddar or Monterey Jack

• Homemade gravy → jarred gravy

• Corn → mixed vegetables

Variations

• Spicy Famous Bowls: Add cayenne to breading

• Buffalo Version: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce

• BBQ Version: Drizzle BBQ sauce instead of gravy

• Loaded Version: Add bacon and green onions

• Shortcut Version: Use frozen popcorn chicken

Tips & Tricks

• Marinate at least 1 hour for juicy chicken

• Don’t overcrowd oil

• Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F

• Drain on rack, not paper towels

• Assemble bowls just before serving

• Shred cheese fresh for best melt

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.

Can I air fry?
Air fry at 390°F for 12–15 minutes.

Can I prep ahead?
Yes, make chicken and reheat before assembling.

Is this freezer friendly?
Freeze chicken separately for best texture.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with biscuits

• Add coleslaw on the side

• Pair with mac and cheese

• Serve with sweet tea

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Store components separately in fridge up to 3 days

• Reheat chicken in oven or air fryer

• Reheat mashed potatoes with splash of milk

• Not ideal to freeze assembled bowls

Continue to Content

Copycat KFC Famous Bowls

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Marinade Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

These Copycat KFC Famous Bowls are the ultimate comfort food layered in one dish! Creamy mashed potatoes, rich brown gravy, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, and melty cheese come together for the perfect bite every time. They’re hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—just like the restaurant version, but even better homemade. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, game day, or when you’re craving takeout without leaving the house.

Print

Ingredients

• Popcorn Chicken
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 egg
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• Oil for frying
• 6 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 cups corn, drained
• 1 (1 ounce) envelope brown gravy made according to directions
• 2 cups shredded colby cheese

Instructions

1. In a large bowl whisk together the 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 egg.
2. Add your chicken to the mixture and let marinate for at least an hour.
3. To another bowl add the flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder and whisk until combined. 
4. Add in ½ cup of the buttermilk from the chicken into the flour mixture and whisk.
5. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and place into the flour mixture.
6. Toss together until all the pieces are coated. 
7. Heat 1 inch of your oil in a heavy skillet to 350 degrees. 
8. Fry the popcorn chicken in batches for 2-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
9. Set aside on a wire rack or paper towel lined tray to drain. 
10. To prepare the bowls divide your prepared mashed potatoes into 4 bowls.
11. Next prepare your brown gravy according to package directions and spoon on top of the potatoes. 
12. Next divide the corn between the bowls.
13. Top each bowl with an even amount of the popcorn chicken.
14. Top with cheese.
15. Serve!

Notes

• Marinate the chicken – At least an hour in buttermilk keeps it juicy and flavorful.
• Fry in batches – Don’t overcrowd the skillet; it keeps the chicken crispy.
• Use a wire rack – Drain fried chicken on a rack instead of paper towels for max crunch.
• Keep potatoes warm – Assemble bowls right before serving so everything is hot and melty.
• Shred cheese yourself – Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 1789Total Fat: 67gSaturated Fat: 31gUnsaturated Fat: 36gCholesterol: 267mgSodium: 4078mgCarbohydrates: 204gFiber: 14gSugar: 15gProtein: 92g

If your family loves easy comfort food that tastes just like their restaurant favorites, these copycat recipes are always a win. They bring all those craveable takeout and drive-thru flavors right into your own kitchen, but in a way that’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. Skip the line and make these fun homemade versions everyone gets excited about!

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken – Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet, sticky orange sauce that tastes just like the takeout favorite but even better homemade.

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sandwiches – Juicy chicken with that signature flavor and light breading you can make anytime the craving hits.

Copycat Meximelts – Melty cheese, seasoned beef, and pico wrapped in soft tortillas for an easy homemade fast-food favorite.

Copycat McRib – Saucy, smoky pork piled onto a soft bun for a nostalgic sandwich the whole family will love.

Copycat Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers – Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and smoky chipotle sauce just like the restaurant classic.

Mongolian Beef – PF Chang’s Copycat – Tender beef coated in a rich sweet-and-savory sauce that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version at home.

Copycat KFC Famous Bowls are one of those dinners that just works. It’s layered comfort food, crispy, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. And when everyone at the table is quiet because they’re too busy eating? That’s how you know you nailed it.