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Crispy Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

crispy copycat kfc famous bowl - featured image

A homemade version of the iconic KFC Famous Bowl featuring crispy fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, cheddar cheese, and corn. This recipe delivers comfort food with authentic flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
  • 2 large russet potatoes (about 1 lb)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces. Place in a bowl and pour buttermilk over. Mix gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Peel and cube russet potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
  3. Add butter and warm cream to potatoes and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  4. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge pieces in flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place coated chicken on a wire rack.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
  8. For gravy, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until golden.
  9. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring continuously. Simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Assemble bowls by placing mashed potatoes in each bowl, topping with crispy chicken, spooning gravy over, then sprinkling cheddar cheese and corn kernels.
  11. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for crispy chicken. Let coated chicken rest on wire rack before frying to set crust. Warm cream before adding to mashed potatoes for silky texture. Whisk gravy constantly to avoid lumps. Reheat leftovers gently and crisp chicken in oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: KFC Famous Bowl, crispy chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, comfort food, copycat recipe