The Best KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe: Simple & Satisfying Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this KFC bowl casserole recipe that combines hearty flavors and satisfying textures.

Layers of crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and golden corn create a delightful culinary experience.

Busy home cooks adore this simple yet delicious meal that comes together quickly.

Each bite promises a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic southern-style ingredients.

The recipe brings restaurant-inspired comfort directly to your kitchen table.

Cheese melts perfectly over the top, adding a rich and indulgent touch.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this crowd-pleasing casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Storing Leftover KFC Casserole For Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to restore crispiness of chicken.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen mashed potatoes instead of homemade?

Yes, frozen mashed potatoes work perfectly and save time in this recipe. Just thaw and spread them evenly in the baking dish.

• What type of cheese works best for this casserole?

Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for extra flavor and melting quality.

• Do I need to pre-cook the corn?

No, you can use frozen or canned corn directly. If using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand – simply spread it over the mashed potatoes.

KFC Bowl Casserole: Comfort In Every Spoonful

• Whip up a delicious, hearty meal with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Combine classic KFC-inspired ingredients that everyone loves, creating a satisfying dish that will have family and friends asking for seconds.
• Swap ingredients or add personal touches to make this casserole uniquely yours, from different cheese varieties to adding extra seasonings.
• Enjoy a complete meal in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and making mealtime a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.

The Essential Ingredients For KFC Bowl Casserole

• Russet Potatoes: These classic potatoes create a creamy and fluffy foundation for the casserole.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and smoothness to the mashed potatoes.
• Milk: Helps achieve a smooth and creamy potato texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the potato base.

• Tyson Anytizers Popcorn Chicken: Provides a crispy and convenient protein element that mimics KFC's signature chicken.

• Corn: Adds a sweet and tender vegetable component to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a gooey, tangy layer of flavor.
• Brown Gravy: Introduces a savory and rich sauce that ties all the layers together.

All The Tools To Layer Up KFC Casserole Goodness

• Baking Dish: Large rectangular dish for layering ingredients.
• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking popcorn chicken to crispy perfection.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding cheese if using block cheese.
• Mixing Bowl: For preparing homemade mashed potatoes.
• Potato Masher: To create smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: For spreading layers evenly in the baking dish.

Easy Steps To Homemade KFC Bowl Casserole

Step 1: Whip Creamy Potato Base

Grab your potatoes and transform them into a silky smooth mashed potato layer.

Spread this dreamy base evenly across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a comforting foundation for your casserole.

• Russet potatoes
• Butter
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper

Create a fluffy texture that will make everyone’s taste buds dance with excitement.

Step 2: Sprinkle Golden Corn Layer

Shower the mashed potatoes with a vibrant layer of sweet corn.

The golden kernels will add a pop of color and burst of freshness to your dish.

• Frozen corn kernels

Distribute the corn evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Crisp Up Chicken Bites

Fire up your air fryer and transform those frozen popcorn chicken pieces into crunchy, golden treasures.

Cook until they’re perfectly crisp and irresistibly golden brown.

• Frozen popcorn chicken

Aim for that perfect crunch that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Step 4: Blanket With Melty Cheese

Unleash a waterfall of shredded cheese over the crispy chicken.

Choose a blend that promises maximum meltiness and flavor explosion.

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Watch as the cheese transforms into a gooey, mouth-watering blanket.

Step 5: Bake To Bubbly Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven and let the magic happen.

The cheese will bubble and brown, creating an irresistible golden top.

Bake until the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted to perfection.

Step 6: Drench In Savory Gravy

Pull out the casserole and drizzle a rich, brown gravy over the top.

Let it cascade down through the layers, adding an extra punch of flavor.

• Brown gravy

Ensure every inch gets a delicious gravy bath.

Step 7: Dive Into Deliciousness

Serve the casserole piping hot, straight from the oven.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and flavors that’ll make taste buds sing.

Gather your friends and family for an epic comfort food experience!

Tips For Crispy, Creamy Casserole Layers

• Use an air fryer for extra crunch and less oil, ensuring the popcorn chicken is golden brown and crispy before layering.
• Whip homemade mashed potatoes with sour cream or cream cheese for a richer, smoother texture that elevates the base layer.
• Combine two cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for deeper flavor and more complex melting.
• Warm the gravy before drizzling to prevent cooling down the casserole and ensure smooth, even distribution over the top.
• Prepare components separately and assemble just before baking to maintain maximum texture and prevent soggy layers.

KFC Bowl Remix: New Add-Ins To Try

• Vegetarian Deconstructed Bowl: Replace popcorn chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken nuggets for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap regular cheese for pepper jack, and use a chipotle-style gravy for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free popcorn chicken, verify corn is gluten-free, and substitute gravy with a gluten-free alternative for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Ideas For Hearty KFC Bowl Casserole

• Party Platter Paradise: Slice the casserole into perfect squares and arrange on a large wooden board for a stunning buffet-style presentation.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, hearty flavors of the casserole.
• Game Day Delight: Serve in individual ramekins for easy grab-and-go portions during sports watching parties or casual gatherings.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the entire casserole in the center of the table and let everyone scoop their own delicious portions for a communal dining experience.

KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Kentucky fried chicken bowl casserole brings comfort food to new heights with layers of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, and melted cheese. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound popcorn chicken (Tyson Anytizers recommended)
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Starch and Vegetables:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup corn

Sauce:

• 1 cup brown gravy

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish and spread freshly whipped mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom, creating a smooth foundation for the casserole.
2. Distribute a uniform layer of golden corn kernels directly over the potato base, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F and cook Tyson Anytizers popcorn chicken until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior, approximately 10-12 minutes.
4. Arrange the perfectly crisped popcorn chicken pieces strategically over the corn layer, creating a complete protein coverage.
5. Sprinkle a generous blend of shredded cheese across the chicken, allowing it to cascade between the pieces for maximum flavor distribution.
6. Transfer the assembled casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a slight golden bubbling.
7. Remove from oven and immediately drizzle warm brown gravy across the surface, ensuring each component receives a rich, savory coating.
8. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a multi-layered comfort dish that combines textures and temperatures for a satisfying meal experience.

Notes

• Customize mashed potatoes by adding roasted garlic or herbs for extra flavor depth in your base layer.
• Ensure popcorn chicken reaches maximum crispiness by patting dry before air frying and using high temperature setting.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by selecting gluten-free popcorn chicken and checking gravy ingredients carefully.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers or sautéed spinach between corn and chicken layers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg