If you’re craving a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal that channels all the best parts of comfort food, the KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe absolutely delivers. This dreamy casserole layers fluffy mashed potatoes, juicy chunks of popcorn chicken, sweet bursts of corn, rich brown gravy, and a glorious blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It captures all your favorite flavors in every bite and comes together in just around 40 minutes—it’s the perfect weeknight treat and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe calls for just a handful of humble ingredients, each playing a starring role. These pantry and freezer staples come together to create a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and deliciously family-friendly.
- Mashed potatoes (4 cups): The creamy, pillowy base that soaks up every bit of flavor—homemade or store-bought both work here.
- Cooked popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets (2 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces): Brings that crave-worthy, crispy chicken element—use your favorite brand or even leftovers!
- Frozen corn (1 1/2 cups, thawed): Adds sweetness and color, plus a pop of texture in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey perfection over top, tying all those classic flavors together.
- Brown gravy (1 cup, prepared): Brings savory depth and moisture, making each forkful even more decadent.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances every layer—a little goes a long way for that perfect balance.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle right before serving adds gorgeous color and a hint of freshness.
How to Make KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure your mashed potatoes are ready to go (warm them slightly if needed), thaw your corn, and cut any larger chicken nuggets into bite-sized pieces for the ultimate scoopable experience.
Step 2: Layer the Mashed Potatoes
Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of your spoon or a spatula to smooth the surface. If you like, season lightly with salt and pepper to bring out even more potato flavor—this is comfort food at its finest!
Step 3: Add the Corn Layer
Scatter your thawed corn in an even layer over the top of the mashed potatoes. This step adds cheerful color and little sweet pops that are so nostalgic in every KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Top with Chicken Pieces
Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the corn. Don’t worry about perfection here—just be sure you get chicken in every section so the casserole is hearty and meaty with every scoop.
Step 5: Smother with Gravy
Drizzle your prepared brown gravy all over the chicken layer, making sure to cover as much as possible. The gravy seeps down through the other layers, infusing them with rich, savory flavor and keeping everything moist.
Step 6: Sprinkle on the Cheese
Top everything with a generous, even sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese. As this bakes, the cheese melts into an irresistible golden topping that makes the KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe truly crave-worthy.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges, gooey cheese, and everything heated through to comforting perfection. If you like a crispier cheese top, feel free to broil for a couple extra minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once hot and bubbly, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you’d like a hit of fresh color, then serve it up while it’s still piping hot and cheesy!
How to Serve KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finishing touch to your KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe. For even more flair, try a little cracked black pepper, thinly sliced green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick!
Side Dishes
This casserole honestly stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of buttery dinner rolls—perfect for scooping up any extra gravy and cheese! For a touch of acidity, serve with a quick tomato-cucumber salad or pickles to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or smaller gatherings, serve the KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins, so each guest gets their own little bubbling portion. Or, try arranging your layers in a round dish for a fun spin, finishing with a decorative cheese swirl on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer individual slices to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe! Let it cool completely, then wrap well with plastic wrap and foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat individual portions in the microwave until piping hot. For the whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, removing the foil towards the end to refresh that cheesy top.
FAQs
Can I make this KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe with rotisserie chicken instead of popcorn chicken?
Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves even more prep time—just layer it in place of the popcorn chicken for a comforting twist.
What’s the best way to get creamy, smooth mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Using starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets leads to extra-fluffy results. Mash with a splash of cream and a pat of butter for the dreamiest base layer in your casserole.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for crispy breaded cauliflower or a plant-based chicken alternative, and use vegetarian brown gravy. The layers and comfort remain just as delicious.
What cheeses melt best for the topping?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy blend like pepper jack if you enjoy a little heat and extra creaminess on your KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the layers (except the cheese) a day ahead and store, covered, in the fridge. Add the cheese just before baking for best melt and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a big, bubbling pan of the KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family get-together. It’s the ultimate comfort food—simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a new favorite at your table!
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KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a KFC famous bowl in a convenient casserole form. Creamy mashed potatoes, savory chicken, sweet corn, gooey cheese, and flavorful gravy come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
4 cups prepared mashed potatoes,
Popcorn Chicken:
2 cups cooked popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets (cut into bite-sized pieces),
Corn:
1 1/2 cups thawed frozen corn,
Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese,
Brown Gravy:
1 cup prepared brown gravy,
Seasoning:
salt and black pepper to taste,
Garnish:
chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Add Corn and Chicken: Layer the corn over the potatoes, followed by the chicken pieces.
- Pour Gravy: Pour the brown gravy over the top, ensuring it covers the chicken.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over everything.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy.
- For a spicy twist, top with pepper jack cheese or add hot sauce before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
