Name: Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole - Easy Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: cooking spray; 1 (32 ounce) family-size container mashed potatoes, prepared according to package instructions; salt and ground black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided; 1 packet gravy, prepared according to package instructions; 1 (12 ounce) bag frozen corn; 1 pound chicken tenders, prepared and chopped into large pieces; fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, a deeply satisfying dish that brings the beloved flavors of your favorite fried chicken restaurant right into your own kitchen. There’s a reason why this particular combination of creamy mashed potatoes, tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, and rich gravy has captured so many hearts – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both familiar and incredibly indulgent. What truly makes this Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole special, beyond its nostalgic appeal, is the ability to customize it perfectly to your liking, ensuring every spoonful is an explosion of deliciousness. Imagin extrgin extracte digging into layers of fluffy mashed potatoes topped with perfectly seasoned chicken and that irresistible gravy; it’s a culinary hug in a dish. We’ve cracked the code to achieve that signature KFC-style flavor, so get ready to impress yourself and your family with this amazingly simple yet profoundly delicious casserole.

Ingredients:

Cooking spray
1 (32 ounce) family-size container mashed potatoes (such as Bob Evans® Origin extractal Mashed Potatoes), prepared according to package instructions
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 packet gravy, prepared according to package instructions
1 (12 ounce) bag frozen corn
1 pound chicken tenders, prepared and chopped into large pieces
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Casserole Base

Step 1: Preheating and Potato Layer

First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures everything cooks evenly and we don’t have any soggy bottoms. Now, take your prepared mashed potatoes. If you’ve made them from scratch, ensure they are seasoned nicely with salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re using store-bought, a little extra seasoning can often elevate the flavor. I like to add a touch more black pepper myself. Once seasoned, generously spray a 32-ounce family-size baking dish with cooking spray. This is crucial for preventing the potatoes from sticking and making cleanup a breeze. Evenly spread the prepared mashed potatoes across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a solid foundation for our Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole. You want a nice, even layer; don’t leave any thick or thin spots.

Step 2: Adding the Cheesy Goodness and Corn Layer

Now for the delicious layers! We’re going to add half of our shredded Cheddar cheese over the mashed potato base. Sprinkle it evenly across the surface. This cheesy layer will melt and create a wonderfully gooey texture as it bakes. Next, open up that bag of frozen corn. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand. Simply scatter the entire bag of frozen corn evenly over the cheese and potato layer. The frozen corn will cook perfectly in the oven, releasing its natural sweetness and adding a lovely pop of color and texture to the casserole.

Building the Savory Toppings

Step 3: Incorporating the Chicken and Gravy

This is where our Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole really starts to come together. Take your prepared chicken tenders and chop them into large, bite-sized pieces. You want pieces that are substantial enough to enjoy in each spoonful but not so large that they’re difficult to eat. Arrange these chopped chicken pieces evenly over the corn layer. Don’t be shy; distribute them well so every serving gets a good amount of chicken. Now, prepare your packet of gravy according to the package instructions. Once the gravy is ready, carefully pour it evenly over the chicken and corn. Make sure to cover the entire surface as much as possible. The gravy will moisten the chicken and corn, infusing everything with a rich, savory flavor.

Step 4: The Final Cheese Blanket and Baking

We’re nearing the finish line! Take the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the gravy-covered chicken and corn. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust as it bakes, melting into a delightful cheesy topping. Now, carefully place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Let it bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the edges of the casserole to be nice and hot. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely divine!

Finishing Touches and Serving

Step 5: Resting and Garnishing

Once the casserole has reached that perfect golden-brown and bubbly stage, carefully remove it from the oven. It’s incredibly tempting to dive right in, but patience is key here! Let the Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to settle and meld together, making it easier to scoop and serve without everything falling apart. If you’re feeling fancy and want to add a professional touch, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving. The vibrant green of the parsley adds a lovely visual appeal and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the casserole. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delightful and surprisingly easy recipe for Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole! We’ve walked through each step, from preparing the creamy mashed potatoes to layering the seasoned chicken and rich gravy, ensuring you can recreate that iconic flavor in your own kitchen. This Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole is a true comfort food cbeef hampion, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative with serving suggestions; it’s fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for mopping up that delicious gravy. Feel free to experiment with variations, perhaps adding a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top before baking or using leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker assembly. We encourage you to give this Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole a try – we’re confident you’ll love the results!

Frequently Asked Questions about Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole:

Can I make this Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through. You could also bake it, let it cool completely, and then reheat it in the oven or microwave.

What kind of chicken is best for this Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole?

While the origin extractal KFC recipe uses their signature fried chicken, for this casserole, cooked chicken is key. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic and convenient option. Alternatively, you can boil or bake chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred or dice them. Using leftover cooked chicken is also a great way to minimize waste and speed up the preparation time for your Copycat KFC Bowl Casserole.