Introduction:
KFC’s Famous Bowl is a beloved classic, featuring layers of mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy chicken, and gravy, all topped with cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, but what if you could take it up a notch? Enter the KFC Famous Bowl Casserole. This hearty dish takes all the flavors of the original and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. In this article, we’ll show you how to recreate this tasty dish in your own kitchen.
Serving Tips:
- Serve the KFC Famous Bowl Casserole hot straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra freshness.
- Pair the casserole with your favorite side dishes such as a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- For a complete KFC experience, serve the casserole with a side of coleslaw and a biscuit.
Storage Tips:
- If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, you can either microwave individual portions for a quick meal or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 1-2 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as instructed above.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of KFC Famous Bowl Casserole whenever the craving strikes, whether it’s fresh out of the oven or from your freezer stash.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked mashed potatoes
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 1 cup sweet corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup KFC gravy (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked mashed potatoes evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer the cooked shredded chicken over the mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle the sweet corn evenly over the chicken layer.
- Pour the KFC gravy evenly over the entire dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the gravy layer.
- Finally, top the casserole with crispy fried onions for that extra crunch and flavor.
- Season the entire dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Once baked, remove the foil and broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot.
FAQs :
What is a KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
A KFC Famous Bowl Casserole is a delicious homemade dish inspired by KFC’s Famous Bowl, featuring layers of mashed potatoes, chicken, corn, gravy, cheese, and crispy fried onions baked into a comforting casserole.
What are the main ingredients in a KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
The main ingredients include mashed potatoes, shredded chicken, sweet corn, cheddar cheese, KFC gravy, and crispy fried onions.
How do I make a KFC Famous Bowl Casserole at home?
To make a KFC Famous Bowl Casserole, layer mashed potatoes, shredded chicken, sweet corn, gravy, cheese, and crispy fried onions in a baking dish, then bake until heated through and golden brown on top.
Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes for the casserole?
Yes, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes for convenience, but homemade mashed potatoes can provide a fresher flavor.
Can I use leftover chicken for the casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, is perfect for this recipe.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of the casserole?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable gravy instead of KFC gravy.
How long does it take to bake a KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
It typically takes about 20-25 minutes to bake the casserole until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
How many servings does the casserole recipe yield?
The recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on portion size.
Can I customize the toppings in the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. You can add extra cheese, bacon bits, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the casserole?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer or have on hand. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are great alternatives to cheddar.
How do I store leftovers of the KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze the casserole for later consumption?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 1-2 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
What sides go well with the KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
Side dishes like a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or coleslaw complement the casserole nicely.
Is the casserole recipe suitable for a potluck or large gathering?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
Can I make the casserole spicy by adding hot sauce or chili flakes?
Yes, you can add hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to the casserole for a spicy kick.
How do I ensure the chicken in the casserole stays moist and tender?
Be sure not to overcook the chicken when initially cooking it, and cover the casserole with foil while baking to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Can I substitute the KFC gravy with another type of gravy?
Yes, you can use any type of gravy you prefer, such as turkey gravy or homemade gravy.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for the casserole?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used, but homemade mashed potatoes will yield better flavor and texture.
Is the KFC Famous Bowl Casserole recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids tend to love the combination of flavors in this comforting casserole.
Conclusion:
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of KFC’s Famous Bowl in casserole form right in your own home. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try and elevate your comfort food game today?