Crispy Chicken Mashed Potato Casserole

Skip the fast-food lane and hefty price tag with this homemade meal, made with just 5 ingredients: crispy popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, and cheddar cheese. This hearty casserole is essentially a copycat KFC Famous Bowl recipe transformed into a one-pan meal that feeds a big family and is ready in just 35 minutes!

This 5-ingredient recipe is a great go-to dinner when you've got a hungry family and very little time!

Inspired by the KFC Famous Bowl, this hearty dish is easy to make at home, saving you a bundle!

★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★

This comforting, one-pan meal combines crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet corn, and cheesy goodness in every bite, making it a recipe the whole family will love.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend meal, it’s quick to prepare using just 5 basic ingredients and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to maximize flavor.

The crispy chicken adds a nice crunchiness that works well with the smooth and savory layers beneath — a satisfying texture contrast!

Inspired by KFC's Famous bowls, this homemade version is every bit as tasty and will save you a trip through the drive-through as well as some cash. And truly, takes almost no time to prepare so this is kind of like your own "fast food."

★ Ingredients You'll Need ★

You only need 5 ingredients making this such an easy casserole to throw together.

Here's a look at everything you'll need:

• Mashed potatoes. You can use up leftovers, or buy mashed potatoes ready-made.
• Corn. You can use leftover corn scraped off the cob, canned corn, or frozen corn.
• Popcorn chicken. Choose your favorite brand. The small pieces work better but you can slice up crispy chicken strips too.
• Cheddar cheese. Buy it shredded for convenience or shred your own.
• Chicken gravy. I like to make my own, buy you can buy this jarred, canned or use a powdered mix. Beef gravy can also be used if you prefer that.

To make your own gravy you'll need: butter, flour, and chicken brother. Plus any seasoning you want to add.

★ How to Make this Recipe ★

Here are the steps to prepping this dish:

• Crisp the chicken in the oven.
• While chicken heats, layer mashed potatoes in a casserole dish.
• Add a layer of corn.
• When done, remove chicken from oven and layer on top.
• Sprinkle with cheese.
• Pour gravy on top.
• Bake.
• Serve hot!

So easy. Very satisfying!

★ Tips & FAQs ★

Tips

• Shortcut with Instant Mashed Potatoes: If you’re short on time, instant mashed potatoes work. Or, you can find pre-made mashed potatoes in the refrigerated section of most stores.
• Choose quality chicken: Frozen breaded popcorn chicken works perfectly but taste and texture can vary greatly by brand. Opt for a brand of chicken you've tried and like. Don't skip baking them to get extra crispiness before layering.
• Vegetable boost: To in additional veggies with the corn, go with a mixed blend of green beans, carrots, peas and corn for added nutrition and flavor.
• Season for more flavor: Season the mashed potatoes and vegetables with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices or herbs as desired for a boost of flavor. Paprika, garlic powder, or parsley work great.

FAQs

How can I make my own gravy?

First make a roux by melting ¼ cup of butter (½ stick) in a small pot over medium-high heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of flour and let bubble for 1 minute. Then add 2-3 cups of chicken broth. More or less depending on how thick you liek your gravy.

That's it! Super easy. Much better than store-bought, in my opinion.

Optional gravy seasonings: onion, garlic, paprika, celery salt, sant and/or pepper to taste.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I do not recommend this. Since this casserole is so easy to assemble, it's best assembled right before baking. The reason being, you want to crisp the chicken first then layer it in. If you assemble everything ahead of time, the chicken will get soggy.

Can I freeze the casserole?

I do not recommend assembling then freezing or freezing leftovers. However, many of the ingredients can be stored frozen and quickly assembled right before baking.

What can I use instead of chicken tenders?

You can use rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken, or even leftover fried chicken (bones removed). Yon can add a crispy topping if you skip the breaded chicken like fried onions, corn flakes, or ritz crackers.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

• Use mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.
• Choose rotisserie or grilled chicken instead of breaded.
• Reduce or eliminate the cheese or use low-fat cheese.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Absolutely! Sweet potato mash adds a slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.

What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

Serve with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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