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Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes

Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes
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A comforting and flavorful homemade version of KFC Chicken Bowls with creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy. This recipe features crispy, golden fried chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk and coated with a signature spiced flour blend, served atop buttery mashed potatoes and drizzled with rich gravy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family meals, customizable for dietary preferences including gluten-free and dairy-free options.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt/milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar as substitute)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about 2 cups)

Mashed Potatoes

  • 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tbsp butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Gravy

  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: mushroom gravy or spicy sausage gravy for variation

Garnishes and Extras (Optional)

  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives
  • Steamed corn, green beans, or sautéed spinach

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator. This step tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading adhere, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.
  2. Make the Seasoned Flour Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper or hot sauce if desired. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Coat and Fry the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Heat oil in a large skillet to approximately 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each piece for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning carefully to cook evenly. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While frying the chicken, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. Make the Gravy: Using pan drippings or a separate skillet, whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking continuously until the gravy thickens and becomes savory. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Assemble the Chicken Bowls: In each serving bowl, layer a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, top with crispy chicken pieces, and drizzle with warm gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and add any optional veggies such as steamed corn or green beans.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken long enough to maximize tenderness and flavor.
  • Fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Use a thermometer to keep oil at around 350°F for even cooking.
  • Season mashed potatoes after mashing to achieve perfect salt and cream balance.
  • Warm serving bowls before plating to keep food hot longer.
  • For a healthier option, try baking the chicken coating at 400°F (204°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • For dairy-free mashed potatoes, substitute butter and cream with olive oil and plant-based milk.
  • To make gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check your gravy thickener is also gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: KFC chicken bowl, crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade KFC, comfort food, fried chicken, gravy, easy dinner, family meal, gluten-free fried chicken, dairy-free mashed potatoes

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/homemade-kfc-chicken-bowls-with-mashed-potatoes/