Easy Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes

If you’re craving a comforting, crispy, and flavorful dinner that feels just like a treat from your favorite fast-food joint, then you’re in for a delight with this recipe for Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes. This dish perfectly blends golden, crunchy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy, delivering a soul-satisfying meal that you can easily make right in your own kitchen. Forget about waiting in line or searching for a takeout spot—this recipe brings that iconic flavor and cozy comfort straight to your table, perfect for any weeknight feast or casual weekend indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food made easy: All your favorite flavors in one bowl without the hassle or long wait times.
• Simple ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples that pack maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customizable and versatile: Easily adapted to suit your dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Perfect weeknight meal: Quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy evenings that still call for delicious home cooking.
• Kid-friendly and family approved: Crispy chicken and creamy mash is always a hit around the dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the crispy, flavorful chicken and the smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that make this dish so irresistible. The combination of spices, fresh produce, and creamy basics come together beautifully to mimic that beloved KFC experience at home.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for juicy, tender chicken that crisps up beautifully.
• Buttermilk: The secret to tenderizing chicken and adding a subtle tangy flavor to the breading.
• Flour and spices: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper gives the coating that signature golden crunch.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes with perfect texture.
• Butter and cream: These enrich the mashed potatoes, giving them a velvety richness that balances the crispy chicken.
• Chicken broth: The base for a savory homemade gravy that ties the whole bowl together.
• Oil for frying: Choose a high smoke-point oil like vegetable or canola for perfectly crispy chicken without greasiness.

Variations for Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes

This recipe is wonderfully flexible—feel free to tweak it to better suit your cravings, dietary goals, or the ingredients you have on hand. It’s all about making it your very own comfort dish, no matter the season or mood.

• Oven-baked option: Use the same seasoning blend and bake the chicken pieces for a healthier twist without sacrificing crunch.
• Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading mixture for an extra layer of heat.
• Dairy-free mashed potatoes: Swap butter and cream for olive oil and almond or oat milk to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Gravy varieties: Try mushroom gravy or spicy sausage gravy to enhance or change the flavor profile.
• Extra veggies: Toss in steamed corn, green beans, or sautéed spinach for a colorful, nutritious boost.

How to Make Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge. This tenderizes the chicken and helps the seasoning stick, giving you juicy results and a great foundation for crispy breading.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Flour Coating

Combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This mixture not only packs flavor but creates that beautiful golden crust that’s so signature to KFC-style chicken.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Remove chicken from the buttermilk, shake off excess, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Fry the chicken in hot oil, carefully flipping to cook evenly until it’s crispy and golden brown—about 6 to 8 minutes depending on thickness.

Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken cooks, boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper for a creamy consistency that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Use the pan drippings or a separate skillet to make a quick gravy by whisking in flour and chicken broth, cooking until thick and savory. This gravy adds the perfect finishing touch to your bowl.

Step 6: Assemble the Chicken Bowls

Layer a generous scoop of mashed potatoes in your bowl, top with crispy chicken pieces, and drizzle with warm gravy. Add any extras like green peas or corn for color and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes

• Marinate well: Let your chicken soak in buttermilk long enough—it makes all the difference in tenderness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches so the chicken crisps up nicely instead of steaming.
• Use a thermometer: Aim for oil at around 350°F to ensure even cooking and maximum crispness.
• Season the potatoes last: Taste as you go to get the right balance of salt and creaminess.
• Warm your bowls: Preheat bowls or plates to keep your dish hot from first bite to last.

How to Serve Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a subtle fresh brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and potatoes.

Side Dishes

Pair your chicken bowls with simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or classic coleslaw for complementary crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with layered ingredients showing, or make mini versions in ramekins for fun, individual servings perfect for parties or meal prep.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken and mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days; store the gravy separately to maintain its smooth texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken pieces, mashed potatoes, and gravy individually for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in the oven to keep the coating crispy, while mashed potatoes and gravy can be warmed gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender, especially with frying.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking the chicken with the same coating will work for a lighter version, although the texture won’t be quite as crispy as frying.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, plain yogurt or milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can be a great substitute.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and prep your mashed potatoes and gravy in advance; just combine and reheat when ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the coating and ensure your gravy thickener is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes offer a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and flavorful that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s a rewarding recipe you can customize and rely on for a comforting meal anytime. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and dive into creating this satisfying bowl of goodness—you’re going to love how simple it is to bring those classic KFC vibes right into your own kitchen.

Related Posts

• Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole With Broccoli & Cheese
• Why Heavenly Chicken Mushroom Pasta Steals Dinner
• Comfort in Every Bite: Vegan Pot Pie with Chickpeas

Print