Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

This Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe is a delightful way to bring the flavors of the fast-food favorite right into your home kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you’re craving comfort food, this dish combines crispy chicken nuggets with creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, and cheesy goodness. It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 25 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
• Comfort Food Classic: This dish brings all your favorite flavors together in one hearty bowl.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this tasty combination of ingredients.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to tweak the recipe with your favorite veggies or seasonings for a personal touch.
• Easy Cleanup: Using an air fryer minimizes mess while still delivering crispy results.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the cooking process seamless.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Air fryer
• Small saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Microwave

Why These Tools Matter

• Air fryer: This tool ensures your chicken nuggets are crispy without deep frying, making it a healthier option.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for heating gravy quickly and efficiently without taking up too much space on your stovetop.
• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing mashed potatoes and combining ingredients easily.
• Microwave: Quick steaming of vegetables is a breeze with this handy appliance.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Nuggets

• 20 chicken nuggets or tenders (divided)

For the Corn

• 12 ounce bag frozen corn (divided)

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 8 ounce bag Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potatoes (prepared and divided)

For the Gravy

• 18 ounce jar Heinz chicken gravy (divided)

For the Cheese

• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)

How to Make Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your chicken nuggets cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Cook The Nuggets

1. Place 10 chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
2. Cook for 7-10 minutes or until they are crispy and fully cooked.
3. Remove these nuggets and place them on a plate. Repeat with another batch of 10 nuggets.

Step 3: Heat The Gravy

While the second batch of nuggets cooks:
1. Pour the gravy into a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-low heat until it starts bubbling, about 5-7 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
3. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and cover it to keep warm.

Step 4: Steam The Corn

In the meantime:
1. Steam the corn in the microwave according to package instructions.
2. Allow it to sit in the microwave once finished to keep warm.

Step 5: Prepare The Mashed Potatoes

1. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the mashed potatoes following package directions.
2. Once prepared, cover them to keep warm until ready to assemble bowls.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

To create each bowl:
1. Start with 1 cup of mashed potatoes at the bottom of each large bowl.
2. Sprinkle with ½ cup of cooked corn.
3. Add ⅓ cup hot gravy over the corn.
4. Top with ¼ cup shredded cheese and finish with 5 crispy chicken nuggets on top.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Enjoy this deliciously comforting meal while it’s hot!

How to Serve Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

Serving your Copycat KFC Famous Bowl is all about enhancing the experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious dish.

Classic Comfort

• Family Style: Serve each bowl individually for a cozy family dinner.
• Sharing Platter: Create a larger serving tray with bowls to let everyone assemble their own.

Flavor Additions

• Hot Sauce: Offer a selection of hot sauces for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Extra Cheese: Provide additional shredded cheese on the side for cheese lovers.

Garnish Ideas

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for added flavor and color.
• Parsley or Cilantro: Use herbs as a garnish to brighten up the bowls visually and taste-wise.

How to Perfect Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

Perfecting your Copycat KFC Famous Bowl requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce and quality chicken make a big difference in flavor.
• Customize Your Gravy: Enhance store-bought gravy with spices like garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.
• Crispy Nuggets: Ensure your chicken nuggets are cooked until crispy for the best texture contrast.
• Layering Matters: Layer ingredients properly in the bowl to keep flavors distinct and enhance presentation.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with various cheeses like pepper jack or colby jack for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat KFC Famous Bowl can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements the savory flavors of the bowl perfectly.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch that adds a nice contrast to the warm, hearty main dish.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac adds another layer of comfort to your dinner table.
4. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy option that provides color and balances out the richness of the bowl.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread pairs well with savory dishes and is easy to make ahead of time.
6. Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy salad can refresh your palate between bites of the rich famous bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them:

• Ignoring Cooking Times – Each cooking method has specific times. Follow these closely for perfectly cooked chicken nuggets.
• Overcooking Gravy – Heating gravy too long can make it thick and unappetizing. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently.
• Using Cold Ingredients – Starting with cold ingredients like mashed potatoes can affect the dish’s warmth and flavor. Ensure everything is heated properly before assembly.
• Skipping Seasoning – While the recipe is flavorful, a pinch of salt and pepper can enhance the taste significantly. Don’t forget to season your layers!
• Not Dividing Ingredients Properly – Ensure you’re using the correct portions for each bowl. Misjudging can lead to uneven servings.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F. Place in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm throughout.
• Stovetop – Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in the Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe?

The recipe features chicken nuggets, corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cheddar cheese layered together for a hearty meal.

Can I customize my Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or carrots, or even switch up the cheese variety according to your preference.

How do I ensure my chicken nuggets are crispy?

Make sure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook them until they reach a golden-brown color for maximum crispiness.

Can I use homemade gravy instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade gravy will add a personal touch and unique flavor to your bowls.

Conclusion

This Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe is not only quick to prepare but also allows for endless customization options. Whether you stick closely to the original or add your twist, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try tonight!

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