If you have ever wished KFC’s iconic flavors could be transformed into a cozy, comforting family meal, then you are going to love this KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe. It takes that delicious popcorn chicken, layers it with creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, melted cheddar, and savory gravy, all baked to bubbly perfection. Each bite feels like a warm hug — familiar but elevated into something you can share with loved ones any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become a go-to for effortless dinners packed with flavor and fuss-free prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential; each one brings a unique texture and flavor that builds the comforting layers of this casserole. From the crispy popcorn chicken to the creamy mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese’s rich melt, every component plays a starring role in making this dish shine.
- Popcorn chicken (1 ½ lb): Use frozen or freshly made for that perfect crisp-tender bite.
- Instant mashed potatoes (2 envelopes): Convenient and creamy, they create the smooth base layer that balances the chicken.
- Whole kernel corn (31 oz can, drained): Adds sweetness and a pop of color, brightening every forkful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully on top, adding rich, savory flavor with every bite.
- Chicken gravy (12 oz): The warm, saucy finish that brings all the layers together and makes the dish irresistible.
How to Make KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Start by cooking your popcorn chicken according to the package directions so it’s hot and crispy. Meanwhile, prepare the instant mashed potatoes following the instructions on the envelope — these will become the creamy, buttery foundation for the casserole that holds all the flavors together.
Step 2: Build Your Layers
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a smooth bed. Next, layer the drained whole kernel corn evenly over the potatoes for a natural sweetness and texture contrast. Finally, evenly distribute the cooked popcorn chicken over the corn layer, setting up the hearty base for your cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Start Baking
Bake the layered casserole uncovered for 15 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld together and the chicken to stay crispy. The warmth will also prepare the casserole for the final cheesy stage.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Gravy Finish
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. While the cheese melts, heat the chicken gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave. Once out of the oven, pour the hot gravy evenly over the entire casserole for a luscious, savory finish that ties every layer together beautifully.
How to Serve KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe, try fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. These add a pop of color and a fresh crunch that complements the creamy layers and rich gravy perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed fresh vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, can lighten the meal and add a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or arrange it family-style in the baking dish accompanied by rustic bread or garlic biscuits to soak up every last drop of gravy. Adding small bowls of hot sauce or pickles on the side also provides fun options to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to make this casserole in advance, assemble but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding some extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving works too for smaller servings, just cover loosely to maintain moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with homemade mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade mashed potatoes will add a comforting creaminess that tastes amazing, though instant mashed potatoes keep the dish quick and convenient without sacrificing flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the popcorn chicken for a plant-based alternative or crispy tofu and use vegetarian gravy to suit your dietary preferences.
Can I use different cheeses?
Cheddar provides that classic sharpness, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Mixing cheeses can create a new flavor profile you’ll love.
What if I don’t have instant mashed potatoes?
Making mashed potatoes from scratch works great too. Boil and mash your potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. This will add a bit more hands-on time but enhances the freshness of the dish.
How spicy is the KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe?
This casserole is mild and family-friendly, but you can always add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like a little kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings together comfort and crowd-pleasing flavors with minimal effort, give the KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe a try. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy your favorite fried chicken flavors baked into a heartwarming casserole that everyone will ask for again and again. Once you make it, I promise it will become a cherished classic in your recipe collection!
Print
KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe is a comforting, layered dish that combines crispy popcorn chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with rich chicken gravy. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Popcorn Chicken
- 1 ½ lb popcorn chicken (frozen or freshly made)
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 envelopes instant mashed potatoes (prepared according to package instructions)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 31 oz can whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Gravy
- 12 oz chicken gravy
Instructions
- Prepare Popcorn Chicken and Mashed Potatoes: Cook the popcorn chicken according to the package directions until heated through and crispy. Prepare the instant mashed potatoes by following the instructions on the package, ensuring they are smooth and creamy.
- Layer Ingredients in Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Layer the drained corn evenly over the mashed potatoes, and then add a layer of cooked popcorn chicken on top of the corn.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to heat through.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the popcorn chicken layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted fully.
- Heat and Pour Gravy: While the casserole is baking, heat the chicken gravy either on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Once the cheese has melted, remove the casserole from the oven and pour the heated gravy evenly over the entire dish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute homemade mashed potatoes for instant if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or diced green onions as toppings.
- Use your favorite brand or homemade chicken gravy for best taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it spicier, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or hot sauce on the popcorn chicken layer before baking.
