Name: KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mashed potatoes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups frozen corn, thawed; 2 cups cooked popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets; 1 (12-ounce) jar brown gravy or homemade gravy; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you crave the ultimate cozy comfort food, the KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This dish brings together creamy mashed potatoes, sweet golden corn, crispy popcorn chicken, gooey cheddar cheese, and savory brown gravy in every forkful. It’s an irresistible mash-up of all your favorite flavors from the famous fast-food bowl, but made fresh at home. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want an easy, satisfying meal, this casserole delivers hearty flavors and pure nostalgia in every bite.

KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of ingredients come together to create something so hearty and flavorful. Each component adds its own magic: creamy potatoes for the base, savory chicken for protein, and melty cheese to tie it all together. Here’s what you need:

Mashed Potatoes (4 cups): The creamy, fluffy foundation that soaks up all the flavors—use leftover or instant for convenience.
Frozen Corn, thawed (2 cups): Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color that perfectly contrasts the savory layers.
Cooked Popcorn Chicken or Chicken Nuggets (2 cups): Crispy, tender bites that make every forkful satisfying—store-bought or homemade both work great.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that makes this casserole irresistibly gooey.
Brown Gravy (1 12-ounce jar or homemade): The secret sauce that brings everything together with savory, comforting richness.
Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that let the fresh flavors shine—taste and adjust as needed.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures nothing sticks and makes serving a breeze. Get all your ingredients ready so that assembly is quick and easy—this is a great recipe for using up leftovers or prepping ahead!

Step 2: Layer the Mashed Potatoes

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the bottom of your prepared dish. If your potatoes are cold or a bit stiff, give them a quick stir or warm them slightly so they’re easy to spread. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and black pepper for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add the Corn

Evenly sprinkle the thawed corn over the mashed potatoes. The sweet, juicy kernels add a lovely contrast to the creamy potatoes and will hold up beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Layer the Chicken

Place the cooked popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets over the corn. Try to space them out evenly for the perfect bite every time! This is where you can swap in turkey or rotisserie chicken if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 5: Pour Over the Gravy

Slowly pour the brown gravy evenly over the entire casserole. The gravy seeps into every nook and cranny, tying all the flavors together and keeping the casserole moist and delicious.

Step 6: Top with Cheddar Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, covering all the layers. As it bakes, the cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden blanket—arguably the best part!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so everything sets up nicely and is easy to scoop.

How to Serve KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of herby brightness. If you like a little heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a drizzle of barbecue sauce to each serving. Even a dusting of paprika or cracked pepper can make your casserole look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is already hearty, keep your sides simple. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, garlic bread, or a side of steamed green beans all pair beautifully. These light sides balance out the richness of the KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe and make the meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions—perfect for dinner parties or picky eaters. You can also layer the ingredients in mason jars for a picnic-ready treat or pack leftovers into lunchboxes for a cozy midday meal. The KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe is just as crowd-pleasing in a casserole dish as it is dressed up for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making next-day leftovers just as delicious. Be sure to cover tightly to keep everything fresh and moist.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either whole or in individual portions. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results—the cheese and gravy will stay luscious and creamy.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works well—just heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between intervals. Add a splash of extra gravy if you want things extra saucy!

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes are a fantastic shortcut, especially on busy nights. Just make sure they’re creamy and well-seasoned for the best KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe experience.

What can I substitute for popcorn chicken?

Feel free to use chicken nuggets, rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even turkey if you have it on hand. The key is to use cooked, bite-sized pieces so every bite of the casserole is packed with protein and flavor.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Amp up the flavor by mixing a little hot sauce into the gravy, adding sliced jalapeños on top, or sprinkling with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. A smoky barbecue sauce drizzle also adds a delicious kick!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use gluten-free gravy and gluten-free popcorn chicken or nuggets. With those simple swaps, your KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe will be safe for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or just want to try something new for dinner, the KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s warm, filling, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for family meals or casual get-togethers. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed by how easy and delicious homemade comfort food can be!

KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that layers creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, savory brown gravy, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, it brings the flavors of a classic KFC chicken bowl into a warm, baked casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Layer

4 cups mashed potatoes
Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetable Layer

2 cups frozen corn, thawed

Chicken Layer

2 cups cooked popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets

Gravy and Cheese

1 (12-ounce) jar brown gravy or homemade gravy
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, if needed, to enhance flavor.
Add Corn Layer: Evenly distribute the thawed corn over the mashed potatoes, creating a sweet and crunchy layer.
Top with Chicken: Arrange the cooked popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets evenly over the corn layer.
Pour Gravy: Pour the brown gravy evenly over the entire dish, ensuring all ingredients get a savory coating.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the gravy-covered top.
Bake: Bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, signaling the dish is heated through.
Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.