Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes
Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that pairs crispy, flavorful fried chicken pieces with creamy mashed potatoes and rich savory gravy. Perfect for family dinners or casual meals, this recipe brings the iconic KFC bowl experience to your home with customizable flavors and budget-friendly ingredients.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour and gravy are used)
Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- All-purpose flour, seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Mashed Potatoes
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Butter
- Warm milk
- Salt, for boiling water and to taste
Gravy
- Store-bought gravy mix or homemade gravy made from pan drippings and chicken broth
- Optional fresh thyme or rosemary for herb-infused gravy
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to create a crispy, golden crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for 6 to 8 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Make the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Gravy: Use store-bought gravy mix or make homemade gravy from pan drippings and chicken broth. Warm until slightly thickened and flavorful.
- Assemble the Bowls: Layer creamy mashed potatoes in serving bowls. Top generously with crispy fried chicken pieces. Drizzle warm gravy over the entire bowl and garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, dip the chicken in buttermilk before double coating with flour.
- Maintain oil temperature between 340°F and 360°F for even cooking.
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the fluffiest mashed potatoes.
- Make gravy from scratch using pan drippings and broth for the richest flavor.
- Let fried chicken rest a few minutes to retain juiciness.
- Drain chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep it crispy.
- To make vegan mashed potatoes, use plant-based milk and vegan butter or olive oil.
- Chicken breasts can be used but avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- You can bake chicken at 400°F with a light spray of oil for a crispier, healthier alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: KFC chicken bowl, homemade chicken bowl, mashed potatoes with chicken, comfort food, crispy fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy