KFC Famous Bowl Casserole
This KFC Famous Bowl Casserole has become a huge hit in our house. It’s super easy to make and delicious. While you can use instant potatoes, we prefer homemade mashed potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (more if needed)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn Layer:
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chicken Layer:
- 1 bag (25.5 oz) Tyson Any’tizers Popcorn Chicken
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
- Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Gravy:
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- Water as directed on gravy packet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk if needed for desired consistency.
- Prepare the Corn:
- In a medium saucepan, add the frozen corn and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes or until tender.
- Drain the corn and stir in the butter, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Popcorn Chicken:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the popcorn chicken in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large casserole dish, spread the mashed potatoes evenly as the bottom layer.
- Add the corn on top of the mashed potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the cooked popcorn chicken on top of the corn layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- While the casserole is baking, prepare the brown gravy according to the packet instructions.
- Serve:
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the casserole from the oven.
- Drizzle the prepared brown gravy over the top just before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the KFC Famous Bowl Casserole hot and enjoy the comfort of this delicious dish!
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preference and the size of your casserole dish. Enjoy your meal!
Benefits of KFC Famous Bowl Casserole
- Comfort Food Classic:
- This casserole captures the essence of a beloved fast-food favorite, providing comfort and familiarity with every bite.
- Customizable:
- The recipe is highly adaptable. You can customize each layer to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand. For example, you can swap out popcorn chicken for grilled chicken or use different types of cheese.
- Homemade Goodness:
- Using homemade mashed potatoes instead of instant potatoes adds a fresh, homemade touch to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
- Easy to Prepare:
- Despite its multiple layers, this casserole is straightforward to assemble, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Using pre-cooked ingredients like Tyson Any’tizers popcorn chicken and canned corn saves time and effort.
- Family-Friendly:
- This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The familiar flavors of mashed potatoes, chicken, cheese, and gravy appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a family favorite.
- Balanced Meal:
- The casserole includes protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the mashed potatoes and corn, and calcium from the cheese, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Convenient:
- By using the air fryer for the popcorn chicken, you achieve a crispy texture without the need for deep frying, making the preparation quicker and cleaner.
- Great for Leftovers:
- This casserole reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day, and it often tastes even better after the flavors have melded together.
- Affordable:
- The ingredients used are generally budget-friendly and can be found in most grocery stores, making this a cost-effective meal option.
- Versatile Serving Options:
- This casserole can be served as a main dish or a hearty side dish. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Comforting and Filling:
- The hearty combination of mashed potatoes, chicken, corn, cheese, and gravy makes this casserole incredibly comforting and filling, perfect for colder weather or when you need a comforting meal.
- Minimal Clean-Up:
- With everything cooked in one dish, clean-up is minimal, making this an ideal choice for busy families or anyone looking to simplify their kitchen routine.
- Crowd-Pleaser:
- This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or casual gathering. It’s easy to scale up the recipe to accommodate more servings.
Q&A for KFC Famous Bowl Casserole
Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of homemade?
A: Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes for convenience. However, homemade mashed potatoes tend to offer a better texture and flavor.
Q: What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
A: Tyson Any’tizers popcorn chicken works great because it’s pre-cooked and just needs to be heated. You can also use homemade breaded chicken bites, grilled chicken, or rotisserie chicken.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
Q: How do I make the homemade mashed potatoes?
A: Peel and cut potatoes into chunks, boil them until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add garlic or cheese for extra flavor.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, green beans, or carrots. Just make sure they are cooked before layering them in the casserole.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning in the oven?
A: Bake the casserole until heated through and the cheese is melted, but not too long to avoid burning. You can also cover the dish with foil for part of the baking time and remove it towards the end.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or dinner rolls for a more balanced meal.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: Use grilled chicken instead of fried popcorn chicken, reduce the amount of cheese, and use a lighter gravy. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
Q: Can I use a different type of gravy?
A: Yes, you can use any type of gravy you prefer, such as chicken gravy or even a homemade gravy. Just make sure it complements the other flavors in the dish.
Q: How long should I bake the casserole?
A: Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
Q: Do I need to cook the corn before adding it to the casserole?
A: If you are using canned corn, simply drain it and add it to the casserole. If using fresh or frozen corn, cook it according to the package instructions before adding.