Copycat KFC Famous Bowl Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Chicken:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500g boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5cm chunks</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml buttermilk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g plain flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried mixed herbs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp cayenne pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml vegetable oil for oven-baking</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Mashed Potatoes:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">800g potatoes (Maris Piper or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml warm milk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Gravy:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30g butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30g plain flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">350ml chicken stock</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp soy sauce</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp dried thyme</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For Assembly:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g sweet corn kernels, drained if canned</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g mature cheddar cheese, grated</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Baking tray with wire rack</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Potato masher or ricer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Medium saucepan</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">4 individual serving bowls</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Begin by marinating your chicken pieces. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, pour over the buttermilk, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results). The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while adding tanginess that mimics the KFC flavor profile. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, cayenne, black pepper, and salt, mixing thoroughly. This seasoned flour mixture is crucial for achieving that signature KFC flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Transfer to a plate and let sit for 5 minutes - this resting time helps the coating bind to the chicken for maximum crispiness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Pour vegetable oil onto a baking tray, then place in oven for 5 minutes until oil is hot. Carefully place chicken pieces on the hot tray, ensuring they don't touch. Bake for 15 minutes, turn pieces over, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 74°C. Using hot oil in the oven helps mimic the effect of frying while being healthier. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> While chicken bakes, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place peeled, cubed potatoes in a large pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Starting with cold water ensures even cooking throughout. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the hot pot for 30 seconds, shaking gently to evaporate excess moisture - this step ensures your mash won't be watery. Add butter and mash until smooth. Gradually incorporate warm milk (warming prevents the potatoes from cooling too quickly), garlic powder, salt and pepper, mixing until creamy and smooth. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> For the gravy, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling but not browning - this roux is the thickener for your gravy. Gradually whisk in chicken stock, ensuring no lumps form. Add onion powder, garlic powder, soy sauce (for umami depth), and thyme. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Simmer the gravy for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until it reaches a smooth, slightly thick consistency that coats the back of a spoon. If too thick, add a splash more stock; if too thin, continue simmering to reduce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> If using frozen corn, cook according to package instructions. If using canned corn, simply drain well. Fresh corn can be quickly blanched in boiling water for 1 minute. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Preheat your grill/broiler to high. To assemble each bowl, layer: 1/4 of mashed potatoes on the bottom, 1/4 of the corn kernels, 1/4 of the gravy, 1/4 of the chicken pieces, and finally top with 1/4 of the grated cheese. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Place bowls under the hot grill/broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling with slight browning on top. Watch carefully to prevent burning. The quick blast of heat melts the cheese perfectly while warming all components. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4> Serve immediately while hot, allowing diners to dig deep with their spoons to get all layers in each mouthful. The contrast between the crispy chicken, creamy potatoes, sweet corn, rich gravy and melted cheese is what makes this copycat KFC Famous Bowl so satisfying. </li> </ol>