Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes
Homemade KFC Chicken Bowls with Mashed Potatoes offer the perfect comforting meal with crispy, seasoned chicken pieces layered over creamy mashed potatoes and topped with rich, savory gravy. Easy to prepare and customizable, this dish captures the iconic flavors of KFC in the comfort of your own kitchen, ideal for families and meal prep alike.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour alternative)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 lbs), patted dry
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup warm milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Gravy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped chives or parsley
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
- Green onions
- Roasted corn
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and chop potatoes into even pieces. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well, then mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Mix the Chicken Coating: In a large bowl, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the seasoned flour blend.
- Bread the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry. Dip each piece into buttermilk or beaten egg to help the coating adhere. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to form a thick crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry breaded chicken pieces in batches for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and let rest on a rack for a few minutes to keep crust crisp.
- Prepare the Gravy: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly until gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bowls: Spoon warm mashed potatoes into bowls. Layer crispy fried chicken pieces on top. Generously pour gravy over the chicken and potatoes. Add optional toppings such as chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use buttermilk to tenderize chicken and improve coating adhesion.
- Maintain a steady oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Fry chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Season all components well, from mashed potatoes to chicken coating.
- Rest fried chicken on a rack after frying to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximate)
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: KFC chicken bowl, fried chicken recipe, mashed potatoes, comfort food, homemade KFC, crispy chicken, gravy recipe, family dinner