DIY « KFC » Mashed Potato Bowls
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Homemade: About 2-3 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold) or use 2 boxes of instant mashed potatoes.
- Instant Potatoes: Follow package instructions for preparation.
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- Types: Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts (about 1 lb).
- Cooking Tip: If cooking raw chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 1 cup corn
- Options: Canned corn (drained), frozen corn (thawed), or fresh corn (cooked off the cob).
- Preparation: If using frozen, microwave or sauté in a pan until warm.
- 1 cup gravy
- Options: Store-bought chicken gravy or homemade gravy (see tips for a simple recipe).
- Heating Tip: Warm the gravy in a saucepan before layering.
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Types: Cheddar (sharp or mild), mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
- Preparation: Shred your cheese from a block for better melting.
- Optional seasonings:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Homemade Mashed Potatoes:
- Peel and Chop: Peel 2-3 medium potatoes and chop them into even-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches).
- Boil: Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Cook: Reduce heat to medium and cook until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash: Add 2-4 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup of milk (more for creaminess), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Tip: For a richer flavor, add cream cheese or sour cream.
- Instant Mashed Potatoes:
- Follow package instructions, typically mixing the instant potato flakes with boiling water and adding milk and butter.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Raw Chicken Preparation:
- Season Chicken: Cut 1 lb of chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Shred/Dice Chicken: Once cooled, shred or chop the chicken into smaller pieces.
- Rotisserie Chicken Preparation:
- Simply shred the meat off the rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin and bones.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Layering Steps:
- Mashed Potatoes: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Corn Layer: Evenly distribute the corn over the mashed potatoes.
- Chicken Layer: Place the cooked chicken on top of the corn.
- Gravy Layer: Pour the warm gravy evenly over the chicken. Use a spoon to spread it out if necessary.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake:
- Oven Baking:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a slightly browned cheese, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to avoid burning).
5. Serve:
- Plating:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Scoop out portions onto plates.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade “KFC” Mashed Potato Bowls!
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped Green Onions: For a fresh crunch, sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.
- Bacon Bits: Add cooked bacon pieces for extra flavor and crunch.
- Sour Cream: Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side or on top.
- Hot Sauce: Drizzle with hot sauce for those who enjoy some spice.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the mashed potatoes and cook the chicken in advance. Assemble the layers and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! You can make a double batch and freeze half for an easy future meal.
These DIY « KFC » Mashed Potato Bowls are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family. Enjoy your cooking!