If you’ve ever craved the warm, comforting flavors of a certain fast-food favorite, you’re in for a homemade treat with these Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls. Imagine a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes piled high with golden crispy chicken, sweet corn, a hefty drizzle of savory brown gravy, and a final blanket of ooey-gooey cheddar cheese. Every spoonful is the perfect balance of soft, crunchy, salty, and sweet — all the different textures and flavors you love in one easy-to-make bowl. Whether you’re feeding a family, or simply looking for the ultimate comfort meal, this recipe will easily become your new weeknight staple!

Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls lies in just how simple and accessible the ingredients are, yet each component brings something essential. From the rich potatoes to the crispy chicken, every layer makes these bowls irresistible.

Baking Potatoes (8-10, peeled & cubed): Sturdy and starchy, they’re perfect for fluffy mashed potatoes that can handle all your tasty toppings.
Half & Half (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and a touch of richness to the potatoes, making them velvety smooth.
Cream Cheese (1 8 oz block, softened): The secret to next-level mashed potatoes — it makes them lusciously creamy and subtly tangy.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors in your bowl.
Crispy Chicken Strips (12-14, cooked): The ultimate protein — crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these make the bowls so satisfying.
Golden Corn Kernels (1 can, warmed): For little pops of sweetness and color that brighten up the dish.
Brown Gravy (1 cup): The savory glue that ties everything together; opt for your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Melty, sharp, and delicious — the finishing touch that no Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls should go without!

How to Make Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While you wait, peel and cube your potatoes — you want them to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Once the water is ready, carefully add the potatoes, reduce the heat to medium-high, and let them bubble away for about 30 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Step 2: Mash and Cream the Potatoes

When the potatoes are done, drain them well and return them to the still-hot pot. Mash them thoroughly with a potato masher, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Now, the magic happens: add the half & half and the softened cream cheese. Mash and stir one more time until everything is silky smooth — the cream cheese makes all the difference in creaminess!

Step 3: Prepare Your Toppings

While the potatoes are doing their thing, get your toppings ready. Warm the corn kernels (a quick zap in the microwave works great), cook or reheat the chicken strips until they’re perfectly crisp, and have your brown gravy hot and ready to pour. Shred your cheddar cheese, or buy pre-shredded for extra convenience.

Step 4: Assemble the Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls

Spoon a generous helping of mashed potatoes into each soup bowl. Next, add a scoop or two of warm corn, lay over a couple of crispy chicken strips, and drizzle with that luscious brown gravy. Let’s not forget the cheese — sprinkle a hearty handful on top, letting it get nice and melty from the heat below. Repeat until you’ve used up all your ingredients and every bowl looks like edible happiness.

Step 5: Serve Fresh and Enjoy

Your homemade Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls are best served hot, fresh, and with a big grin. Gather around the table, hand out the bowls, and watch as everyone digs into the layers of cozy goodness. They’re just as fun to customize as they are to eat!

How to Serve Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls

Garnishes

While these bowls have all the essentials, you can easily dress them up even more! Try a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of green, freshly cracked black pepper, or even a dusting of smoked paprika for a little extra color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or some thinly sliced green onions never hurt either and add a fresh finish.

Side Dishes

Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls are a meal in themselves, but if you want to fill out the table, add a fresh green salad, a side of buttery biscuits, or classic coleslaw. For something fun, serve with extra crispy chicken on the side, or a basket of fries for the ultimate comfort food spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your bowls in oversized mugs for a cozy, hand-held meal, or arrange an assembly bar at a family gathering where everyone can layer their own bowl just how they like it. For kids, mini bowls or ramekins let them join the fun and keep portions just right.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store the mashed potatoes, chicken strips, corn, gravy, and cheddar cheese separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps everything tasting fresh and prevents the textures from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for future cravings, mashed potatoes and chicken strips freeze best. Corn can also be frozen, but wait to add gravy and cheese until after reheating for best results. Store in airtight, freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and they’ll keep for about a month.

Reheating

For a delicious encore, warm the potatoes and gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring until heated through. Re-crisp chicken strips in a hot oven or air fryer, assemble your Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls, and add fresh cheese just before serving. Everything should taste just as delightful as day one!

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you’re pressed for time, high-quality instant mashed potatoes will work in a pinch. While homemade gives you that fluffy, creamy foundation, instant potatoes can save the day for busy weeknights. Just make sure to season them well and mix in a bit of cream cheese if you can.

What kind of chicken strips work best?

Frozen, breaded chicken strips make for quick assembly, but you can also use homemade fried chicken tenders or even leftover rotisserie chicken in a pinch. The goal is to have something crispy and flavorful to balance the creamy mashed potatoes.

Is there a way to make Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls vegetarian?

You bet! Substitute veggie gravy for brown gravy and use crispy plant-based chicken tenders. Every other ingredient is already vegetarian-friendly, so you can easily adapt this dish for everyone at the table.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a crowd?

Definitely. Make all the components in advance, then reheat and set up a DIY bowl assembly line. This makes it perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings — guests will love building their own bowls just the way they like them.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese melty?

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar on while the gravy is still piping hot, then cover the bowls with a plate or foil for a minute or two to trap the heat. This will ensure you get ultra-melty, stretchy cheese in every bite!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try making these Copy Cat KFC Famous Bowls at home and see just how simple and satisfying they are. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or the perfect way to feed a hungry crowd, this recipe is sure to win hearts, one cheesy bite at a time!