If you’re craving that nostalgic comfort food flavor with a fun, shareable twist, you’re going to adore this KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe. It captures all the magic of a classic KFC bowl—fluffy mashed potatoes, crispy popcorn chicken, sweet corn, melty cheddar cheese, and savory gravy—all baked together into one irresistible, cozy casserole. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want an easy yet crowd-pleasing dinner, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish full of both comfort and color. Each plays a vital role in layering textures and flavors—from creamy mashed potatoes to that perfect pop of cheesy, crunchy goodness.
- 6 Cups Mashed Potatoes: Whether boxed, homemade, or store-bought, they form the luscious, creamy base that holds the casserole together.
- 8 oz Corn: Frozen and heated corn adds a sweet crunch and vibrant yellow hue that brightens up the dish.
- 26 oz Popcorn Chicken: Frozen and cooked according to package instructions, this provides the iconic crispy chicken bite that makes the casserole special.
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Melts beautifully on top to bring a gooey, savory finish that everyone will love.
- 1 12 oz Jar Chicken Gravy: Prepared gravy, like Heinz, adds rich, comforting moisture and flavor to tie all the layers together.
How to Make KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Meanwhile, prepare your baking dish by spraying it with a nonstick cooking spray—this makes clean-up easier and keeps your casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Magic
Begin by spreading the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This creates a creamy foundation. Next, sprinkle the heated corn over the potatoes, infusing elements of sweetness and texture. Add the popcorn chicken in an even layer on top of the corn, giving it that signature crispy bite. Finally, shower the entire dish with shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into a golden, irresistible topping.
Step 3: Bake and Add Gravy
Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes, giving the cheese plenty of time to melt and the ingredients a chance to meld. Afterward, pour the jarred chicken gravy evenly over the top. Then, bake it uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to let the gravy soak in and to develop a slightly bubbly, savory finish. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese before the final bake.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, this KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe should be served hot. The layers of creamy potatoes, sweet corn, crunchy chicken, melty cheese, and rich gravy come together to make a truly comforting dish that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day.
How to Serve KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and add a fresh contrast, consider garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or chives. A light sprinkle of black pepper can also enhance flavor without overpowering the comforting tone of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs brilliantly with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance its richness. For something heartier, classic dinner rolls or buttery biscuits complement the dish perfectly and help mop up any extra gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or potluck, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for single servings that everyone can enjoy with ease. Alternatively, try layering the components in a clear glass dish to showcase the colorful layers—plus, it’s a visual treat that’ll make the recipe even more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover KFC Bowl Casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap for maximum freshness. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then proceed with baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. To maintain that melty cheese and crispy chicken texture, avoid microwaving when possible, but if in a rush, microwave in short intervals and finish under a broiler to revive the top layer.
FAQs
Can I use homemade mashed potatoes for this casserole?
Absolutely! Homemade mashed potatoes work beautifully and add a homemade touch, but boxed or store-bought mashed potatoes will also give you great results for convenience.
Is it okay to substitute the popcorn chicken?
If popcorn chicken isn’t available, you can substitute with regular bite-sized fried chicken pieces or even shredded rotisserie chicken, though it may change the texture slightly.
Can I prepare this casserole for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. You can easily double the ingredients for a larger group.
What if I want it less cheesy?
No problem. You can reduce the cheddar cheese amount or use a milder cheese like mozzarella. It will still be delicious but slightly less rich on the cheesy finish.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap the popcorn chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives and use vegetable gravy instead of chicken gravy. The other ingredients can remain the same.
Final Thoughts
This KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It brings together the best flavors of a beloved comfort food classic in an easy, fuss-free casserole form that’s perfect for any day of the week. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to recipe to share with your friends and family. So grab those ingredients, fire up your oven, and dive into this deliciously cozy dish!
Print
KFC Bowl Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This KFC Bowl Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish combining layers of creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and savory chicken gravy. Perfect for a family meal, this casserole offers the beloved flavors of a KFC bowl in a baked, hearty casserole form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 Cups Mashed Potatoes (prepared, boxed, homemade, or store-bought)
- 8 oz Corn (frozen, heated)
- 26 oz Popcorn Chicken (frozen, prepared according to package instructions)
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 (12 oz) Jar Chicken Gravy (prepared, I used Heinz)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle the heated corn evenly over the mashed potatoes. Arrange the cooked popcorn chicken evenly on top of the corn. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the popcorn chicken layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and ingredients are heated through.
- Add Gravy and Finish Baking: Remove the cover, pour the chicken gravy evenly over the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to heat the gravy and allow flavors to meld. Optionally, you can add more shredded cheese before this step for extra cheesiness.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy this comforting layered dish reminiscent of the classic KFC bowl.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes depending on your preference and time availability.
- Ensure popcorn chicken is fully cooked following package instructions before layering.
- For a crispier top, add extra cheese and broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated covered in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with a cheese of your choice for varied flavors.
