Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowl

The only thing better than a KFC mashed potato bowl is an irresistible homemade version! Our copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken mashed potato bowl recipe—with mashed potatoes whipped to perfection, crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, rich cheddar cheese and a drizzle of savory chicken gravy—is the ultimate comfort food to cure almost any craving. The best part? You can customize it with all kinds of different toppings if you want.

For these KFC mashed potato bowls, the mashed potatoes are the only thing made from scratch, so give them some extra love—and by love, we mean butter, milk and whipping cream. Hot tip: To get a smooth consistency like KFC mashed potatoes, rice the cooked potatoes before adding the dairy. From there, use shortcut versions of the popcorn chicken (frozen), corn (canned) and gravy (store-bought) for this quick-fix weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowl

• Potatoes: The best types of potatoes for mashing include Yukon Golds, which have a creamy, buttery texture, and russets, which make fluffier mashed potatoes. Either can do the trick, but Yukon Golds are my favorite because they provide a richer flavor.
• Whole milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and moisture to the mashed potatoes. For extra richness, try half-and-half instead of whole milk.
• Heavy whipping cream: Heavy cream makes the mashed potatoes extra indulgent by providing a rich velvety texture, similar to KFC’s mashed potatoes.
• Butter: The best butter adds richness and flavor to the potatoes. We recommend unsalted butter to control the sodium level.
• Salt and pepper: Salt seasons the potatoes as they cook and again when mashed. Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild spiciness to contrast with all the rich dairy flavors.
• Popcorn chicken: This recipe calls for precooked frozen popcorn chicken that you can easily bake or air-fry. If you have time, make homemade popcorn chicken via this chicken strips recipe (just dice the chicken into smaller pieces).
• Corn: Canned corn provides sweet kernels on a moment’s notice, but it’s a snap to substitute frozen or fresh corn—just be sure the frozen stuff is thawed.
• Chicken gravy: You can use store-bought or from-scratch chicken gravy. Homemade gravy can be more decadent, but store-bought is a super convenient option and saves some time.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it adds a bold flavor that balances the creaminess of the potatoes and gravy. For convenience, you can use pre-shredded cheese, but grating it from a block will give you a fresher melt.
• Green onions: Green onions add a fresh pop of flavor and color. The slight onion taste contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the other ingredients.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt to the water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook the potatoes, uncovered, until they are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: For even cooking, start the potatoes in cold water, not boiling water. Also, cutting the peeled potatoes into equal-sized pieces ensures they cook uniformly.

Step 2: Drain and mash the potatoes

Drain, then press the potatoes through a potato ricer or strainer into a large bowl.

Editor’s Tip: A ricer produces the lightest, fluffiest mashed potatoes, but a cheese grater, food mill or hand masher will also work well. Just don’t overdo it or you’ll get gloopy mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Finish the mashed potatoes

In a small saucepan, heat the milk, cream, and butter until just warm and the butter is melted. Add the milk mixture to the potatoes and gently stir until combined. Season with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t boil the milk mixture. Heat it long enough until it’s warm, but don’t scorch it.

Step 4: Prep the toppings

While prepping the mashed potatoes, cook the popcorn chicken, corn and gravy according to the package directions. Keep everything warm.

Editor’s Tip: An air fryer is an excellent time-saver here and cooks the popcorn chicken with extra crispiness. For the corn, you can add a small knob of butter after cooking for additional flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the bowls

Spoon the mashed potatoes into bowls, topping each bowl with gravy, popcorn chicken, corn and cheese. If desired, sprinkle with green onion.

Editor’s Tip: Layer the toppings when everything is warm to ensure the cheese melts slightly over the dish.

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowl Variations

• Swap the potatoes: For added fiber and antioxidants, a pop of color and a sweeter flavor, mashed sweet potatoes add a fun twist to the original recipe.
• Try grilled chicken: If breading isn’t your favorite, try using Kentucky grilled chicken.
• Add extra veggies: Steamed asparagus tips, green beans and sauteed spinach are just a few vegetables you can add to these copycat KFC mashed potato bowls. A bonus: Little ones might not notice the green veggies as much when accompanied by popcorn chicken, cheese and potatoes!

How to Store Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowls

Leftover assembled mashed potato bowls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The gravy might make everything a bit soggy, but the bowls will still taste good when reheated. For unassembled bowls, store the components in separate airtight containers. Whether stored assembled or not, mashed potato bowls (or the components) will last up to four days in the fridge.

How do you reheat mashed potato bowls?

Warm the mashed potatoes and toppings separately in the microwave or oven to reheat the mashed potato bowls. If the potatoes are dry, add a little extra milk or cream. Reheat the gravy in a small saucepan or microwave, then pour it over the bowl just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Copycat KFC Mashed Potato Bowl Tips

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

What can you serve with mashed potato bowls?

Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken mashed potato bowls can be quite filling on their own, but a crisp side salad can balance the richness. You can also serve mashed potato bowls with other KFC copycat recipes, including creamy coleslaw  and biscuits to soak up extra gravy.

How else can you serve mashed potato bowls?

Make it a build-your-own-bowl meal! A mashed potato bar is an interactive and festive way to create a mashed potato party. The sky is the limit on toppings, so fill your table with bacon, veggies, cheese and herbs. Put your mashed spuds in a Crockpot (and your gravy in a mini slow cooker, if you have one!), and invite all your friends and family over for this affordable dinner party.