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Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole

 

 

Here’s a recipe inspired by the homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole:

Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Frozen (raw) breaded chicken tenders
  • 2 cups Instant mashed potatoes
  • 1-2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
  • 2 packets brown gravy mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
  • Butter spray

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the frozen breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, just enough to thaw them slightly. Then chop them into bite-sized chunks.
  3. Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions.
  4. In a separate saucepan, prepare the brown gravy mix according to the package instructions.
  5. Lightly spray a baking dish with butter spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  7. Layer the drained whole kernel corn over the mashed potatoes.
  8. Scatter the chopped chicken tender chunks over the corn layer.
  9. Drizzle the prepared brown gravy evenly over the chicken layer.
  10. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
  11. After 40 minutes of baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  12. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
  14. Serve the Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole hot, and if desired, drizzle each serving with extra brown gravy.
  15. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious and easy-to-make casserole!

Feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole even more delightful:

  1. Season the Chicken: Before baking, season the chicken tenders with your favorite spices or seasoning blend to add extra flavor. Consider using a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper for a tasty twist.
  2. Add Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the casserole by adding additional vegetables such as diced bell peppers, onions, or peas. Sauté them lightly before layering them in the casserole for extra flavor.
  3. Make Homemade Gravy: Instead of using store-bought gravy mix, consider making homemade gravy from scratch using chicken broth, flour, butter, and seasonings. This will add a richer and more flavorful sauce to the casserole.
  4. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor complexity.
  5. Layering Technique: Experiment with the order of layers to create different textures and flavors. For example, you can alternate layers of mashed potatoes, chicken, corn, and cheese for a more balanced casserole.
  6. Top with Crispy Toppings: Add a crunchy texture to the casserole by topping it with crispy bacon bits, fried onions, or crushed potato chips before baking. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to each bite.
  7. Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, or green onions just before serving to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
  8. Customize Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences by adding herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or cayenne pepper for a flavor boost.
  9. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Accompany the casserole with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce for added flavor and variety.
  10. Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the casserole before baking. This adds a spicy twist to the classic dish.

By incorporating these tips, you can elevate your Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole and create a truly delightful and flavorful dish that everyone will love!

Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole:

  1. Golden and Crispy Chicken: For perfectly golden and crispy chicken tenders, consider shallow frying them instead of baking or simply following the package instructions for optimal crispiness.
  2. Flavorful Mashed Potatoes: Elevate your mashed potatoes by using real potatoes instead of instant, or if you’re using instant, add butter, garlic powder, and a splash of cream for extra richness and flavor.
  3. Creamy Gravy: Make a rich and flavorful gravy by using chicken broth instead of water when preparing the gravy mix. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
  4. Layering Technique: Layer the ingredients strategically to ensure each bite is bursting with flavor. Start with a base of mashed potatoes, followed by a layer of corn, then the crispy chicken, and finally, the savory gravy.
  5. Cheese Melting Trick: To ensure that the cheese melts evenly and becomes gooey and bubbly, sprinkle it over the casserole during the last few minutes of baking, or broil it for a couple of minutes until golden brown.
  6. Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust the seasoning of each component of the casserole – the chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy – to ensure a harmonious balance of flavors.
  7. Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients such as real potatoes, fresh corn, and homemade gravy to enhance the overall taste and quality of the casserole.
  8. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to the finished casserole by garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions. Not only does it look appealing, but it also adds a burst of flavor.
  9. Preheating the Oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the casserole. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish on top.
  10. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the casserole from falling apart when serving.

By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole that’s flavorful, comforting, and absolutely delicious!

Here are some popular questions and answers related to Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole:

  1. What is a Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
    • A Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole is a delicious dish inspired by the KFC Famous Bowl. It typically consists of layers of mashed potatoes, corn, fried chicken, gravy, and cheese, all baked together in a casserole dish.
  2. How do you make Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
    • To make Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole, start by layering mashed potatoes at the bottom of a casserole dish. Then add a layer of corn, followed by pieces of fried chicken. Pour gravy over the chicken, and then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Can I use store-bought ingredients for Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
    • Yes, you can use store-bought ingredients to make Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole to save time. For example, you can use pre-made mashed potatoes, canned corn, rotisserie chicken, jarred gravy, and shredded cheese.
  4. How long does it take to bake Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
    • Typically, Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole bakes in the oven for about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Can I customize Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole?
    • Yes, you can customize Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add extra toppings like bacon bits, green onions, or jalapeños. You can also use different types of cheese or substitute ingredients to make it vegetarian or gluten-free.
  6. Is Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole a kid-friendly dish?
    • Yes, Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole is often enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. It combines familiar flavors in a comforting and hearty dish that many people find irresistible.
  7. Can I prepare Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare Homemade KFC Famous Bowl Casserole ahead of time by assembling all the layers in the casserole dish and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply cover it with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.