If you love the comforting flavors of your favorite fast-food indulgence but crave the warmth and heartiness of a homemade meal, the KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It takes all the goodness of that iconic chicken bowl — creamy mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, sweet corn, melty cheese, and savory gravy — and transforms it into a layered, oven-baked casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for days. Whether you’re new to casseroles or an old pro, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and downright delicious, promising a cozy dish that everyone at the table will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this casserole is refreshingly simple, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the final flavor and texture we all crave. From the creamy mashed potatoes to the crispy chicken topping and the luscious gravy that ties it all together, every element is thoughtfully chosen to bring that KFC Chicken Bowl experience right to your home kitchen.
- 8 ounces instant mashed potatoes: Convenient and quick, these create a smooth and creamy base for your casserole; leftover mashed potatoes work beautifully, too.
- 16 ounces frozen corn: Adds a burst of natural sweetness and pop of color that brightens up the dish.
- 24 ounces frozen chicken tenders or nuggets: The star protein, crispy and flavorful, giving that authentic chicken bowl vibe.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): Melts into glorious gooeyness, complementing all the other layers perfectly.
- 1 cup gravy (premade or homemade): The rich sauce that brings everything together, infusing warmth and savoriness into every bite.
How to Make KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Mashed Potatoes
Start by making the mashed potatoes according to the package instructions or simply warm up your leftover mashed potatoes until smooth and creamy. This layer acts as the comforting, hearty foundation of the casserole, providing that classic mashed texture every KFC chicken bowl is known for.
Step 2: Cook Chicken Tenders
Next, bake or cook your frozen chicken tenders or nuggets following the package directions until they’re golden, crispy, and thoroughly heated. This step ensures your chicken stays tender and juicy inside while contributing a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the potatoes.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13 casserole dish and start layering your ingredients thoughtfully: spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom, then sprinkle the sweet frozen corn atop the potatoes, followed by arranging the cooked chicken tenders evenly. Next, shower the entire dish with shredded cheese, and pour the savory gravy over everything, letting it gently seep into all the layers — this part melds all those wonderful flavors together.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese has melted into irresistible gooeyness and the entire casserole is hot and bubbly. This final step brings a lovely golden finish that beckons you to dig in.
How to Serve KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of freshness and color. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little extra kick to brighten the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or buttery dinner rolls can add wonderful texture contrasts and round out your dinner beautifully. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans provide a nice, light balance to this hearty dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, making each portion feel special and personalized. You could also add a layer of crushed buttery crackers or French fried onions on top before baking for an extra crunchy crust that adds another dimension of deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to meld, making reheated portions just as enjoyable (if not better) than the original serving.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. To save portions for later, assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet; cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a bit more time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through and the cheese is melty again. This makes it easy to enjoy this crave-worthy casserole any time you need a comforting meal in a flash.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen tenders or nuggets?
Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs, shred or chop them, and use that in place of frozen tenders. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before assembling your casserole for the best flavor and safety.
Is it okay to substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses?
Definitely. Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses are fantastic for melting and flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack if you want a little spice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with cooked and seasoned plant-based chicken alternatives or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable gravy to keep the flavors rich without meat.
What can I use if I don’t have instant mashed potatoes?
If you don’t have instant mashed potatoes handy, homemade mashed potatoes are perfect. Just boil and mash some potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy to create the base layer.
How spicy is this casserole?
The KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe is mild and kid-friendly by default. If you enjoy more heat, you can easily add spices, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese to spice it up to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There is something so deeply satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole that echoes the flavors of a beloved fast-food favorite while feeling truly homemade. The KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner when you want dinner to be easy, tasty, and crowd-pleasing. I hope you give it a try soon and make it your own with little custom touches — it’s comfort food magic done right!
Print
KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This KFC Chicken Bowl Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make layered dish that mimics the flavors of the popular KFC Chicken Bowl. It features creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy chicken tenders, melted cheese, and savory gravy baked together into a hearty casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 8 ounces instant mashed potatoes (or leftover mashed potatoes)
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen corn
- 24 ounces frozen chicken tenders or nuggets
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup gravy (premade or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Make the mashed potatoes according to the package instructions or use leftover mashed potatoes if available. Ensure they are smooth and creamy for an even base in the casserole.
- Cook Chicken Tenders: Bake or cook the chicken tenders or nuggets as per the package directions until they are crispy and heated through.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer the ingredients in order: spread the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom, then add the frozen corn, followed by the cooked chicken tenders, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top, and finally, pour the gravy evenly across the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey and the dish is heated through evenly.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh corn for frozen if desired, but cooking times may vary.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time and add creaminess.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to the mashed potatoes before layering.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture, or microwave until warmed through.
