If you crave bold flavors and comforting textures all in one dish, you are going to absolutely adore this Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering fusion of crunchy, golden fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and rich brown gravy, topped with melty cheddar cheese that ties every bite together. Whether you’re simmering away a cozy weekend or looking to wow your loved ones with a classic Southern-inspired meal, this recipe delivers every time with layers of irresistible soul food goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to bringing you authentic Southern comfort food vibes. Each one plays a key role in creating the delicious crispy coating, creamy base, or savory toppings that make this bowl an all-around winner.
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Perfectly sized for quick frying and easy eating.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken to juicy perfection.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for that irresistible crispy coating.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Gives a smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory undertone that pairs well with the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle depth and fragrant sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat contrast for balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Kicks up the spice to Southern-style levels.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring all flavors into harmony.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Chosen for a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- 4 cups mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery base that soaks up savory goodness.
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen): Adds bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot ingredients for richness.
- 2 cups brown gravy: The crowning glory that brings everything together with silky sauce.
How to Make Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken pieces in the cool tang of buttermilk. This step is crucial because the acidity tenderizes the meat, making every bite tender and juicy. Let it sit chilled for at least two hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
While the chicken marinates, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. This blend creates that signature Southern crunch with a perfect kick of spices.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or cast-iron skillet, then heat it over medium-high. You want the oil hot enough to immediately sizzle the chicken for a crisp crust without soaking in excess oil.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the spiced flour mixture. Coating well ensures every bite delivers that satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully lay the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Cook until golden and crispy—usually about 6 to 8 minutes—and completely cooked through. Drain on paper towels to keep that irresistible crunch crisp.
Step 6: Prepare the Comforting Sides
While the chicken crisps up, whip up your creamy mashed potatoes and warm the corn kernels on the stove. These classic sides bring creamy softness and sweet pops of freshness to balance the crunchy chicken.
Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls
Start your bowl with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, then layer on the crispy fried chicken. Add the warm corn and scatter shredded cheddar over the top to melt with the heat. Finally, drizzle hearty brown gravy generously, creating that mouthwatering Southern finish.
How to Serve Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly complements the rich flavors in these hearty bowls.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, or some buttery dinner rolls to soak up any leftover gravy on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal or casual gathering, serve the bowls buffet-style so everyone can customize with extra cheese, gravy, or hot sauce. Or, try layering ingredients in clear mason jars for an eye-catching presentation perfect for picnic-style dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked fried chicken and mashed potatoes separately in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure they reheat evenly.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to revive the crispiness. Warm the mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and add extra flavor, making your Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls even more decadent.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, or leave it out for a gentler flavor.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the signature crispy texture, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat as usual, place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (205°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! Prepare the components ahead, then assemble bowls when ready to eat. Just keep sauces and crispy chicken separate until serving for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any table. From the tender marinated chicken to the creamy potatoes and hearty gravy, each element is a loving nod to Southern comfort food. I can’t wait for you to try this delicious recipe and make it a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 2h 0m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 2h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowl recipe combines tender, marinated, and perfectly fried chicken pieces with creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, sharp cheddar cheese, and rich brown gravy for a comforting and satisfying meal inspired by classic Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Additional Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups brown gravy
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a large bowl with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or cast-iron skillet to a depth suitable for frying and heat over medium-high until hot but not smoking.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure they are fully coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 6-8 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the chicken fries, cook or heat your mashed potatoes by your preferred method until creamy and smooth.
- Warm the Corn: In a separate pan, heat the corn kernels over medium heat until they are warmed through and slightly tender.
- Assemble the Bowls – First Layer: Spoon a generous scoop of mashed potatoes into each serving bowl as the base.
- Assemble the Bowls – Second and Third Layers: Top the mashed potatoes with crispy fried chicken pieces followed by a layer of warm corn kernels and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the brown gravy generously over the assembled ingredients. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to maximize tenderness and flavor.
- Use a deep frying pan or cast-iron skillet to maintain consistent oil temperature for even frying.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to reduce excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Brown gravy can be homemade or store-bought depending on your preference and time.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level in the chicken coating.
- Make sure all components are hot before assembling for the best eating experience.
