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There is something irresistibly comforting about the Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Imagine crispy, golden fried chicken nestled atop creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese – all drenched in rich, savory brown gravy that hits every nostalgic note of Southern home cooking. This dish brings together simple ingredients and classic flavors with a crispy twist that makes each bite a celebration of texture and taste you will want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While the ingredient list for this Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe is straightforward, each item plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish shine.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Choose fresh pieces cut into bite-size chunks to ensure quick and even cooking with a crispy crust.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizing marinade for juicy chicken and adds a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
- All-purpose flour: The essential base for the flavorful fried coating that achieves that iconic crispiness.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the coating mix.
- Garlic powder: Brings a deep aromatic hint to the crust without overpowering the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Onion powder: Enhances the seasoning mix with mild sweetness and depth.
- Black pepper: Provides balanced heat, elevating the savory profile.
- Cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle kick that wakes up the palate without being too spicy.
- Salt: The seasoning backbone that ties all flavors together perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying due to its high heat tolerance and neutral flavor.
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy, buttery foundation for this comforting bowl.
- Corn kernels: Sweet and slightly crunchy, they add a fresh contrast.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to provide rich, sharp notes and gooey texture.
- Brown gravy: The luscious, savory sauce that ties the entire bowl together with warmth and depth.
How to Make Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken pieces in buttermilk. This step is crucial—it tenderizes the chicken and infuses a subtle tang that complements the crispy coating. For best results, let it rest in the fridge for at least two hours or even overnight if you can plan ahead.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
While the chicken is marinating, mix the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. This aromatic blend is the secret to that signature crispy and flavorful crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Set a deep frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and pour in vegetable oil. You want it hot enough to create an instant sizzle but not smoking—around 350°F is ideal for frying perfectly crispy chicken that’s cooked through without absorbing excess oil.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Lift the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Take your time here—this ensures every bite gets that crunchy, flavorful coating. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches to your hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them crispy.
Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes and Corn
While frying the chicken, get your mashed potatoes ready so they’re creamy and smooth. Heat the corn kernels in a separate pan until they’re warm and tender, adding a fresh-sweet burst that balances the indulgence of the fried chicken and gravy.
Step 6: Assemble Your Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe
Now comes the fun part. Spoon a generous helping of mashed potatoes into each serving bowl, top with a hearty portion of the crispy chicken, layer on the juicy corn, and sprinkle on shredded cheddar cheese. Finish by drizzling that warm, rich brown gravy over the top, ensuring every bite is as comforting as it is delicious.
How to Serve Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the hearty layers, fresh chopped parsley or chives make excellent garnishes. They add a pop of color and a mild herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, rich flavors of the dish.
Side Dishes
This bowl is already a full meal, but if you want to round out the spread, consider light and crisp sides like a tangy coleslaw or a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. These fresh sides break up the richness and bring balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe in individual mason jars for casual gatherings or layer it beautifully in clear glass bowls to show off all the vibrant layers. You can also top the bowls with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an added flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crispy chicken is best stored separately from the mashed potatoes and gravy to keep the textures intact. Use airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking for optimal freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken pieces alone by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. The mashed potatoes and gravy generally do not freeze as well due to changes in texture, but if you must, freeze them in separate airtight containers and consume within one month.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the mashed potatoes and gravy gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Re-crisp the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes rather than microwaving to maintain the crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Definitely! While boneless chicken breasts are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking, you can swap them for thighs or even chicken tenders if you prefer more juiciness. Just adjust frying time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?
Buttermilk is highly recommended because it tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang, which elevates the overall flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick substitute.
Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken the same way and bake on a wire rack at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy and cooked through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What kind of gravy works best?
A rich brown gravy made from pan drippings or a good-quality store-bought classic brown gravy works perfectly. The savory flavor complements the fried chicken and creamy mashed potatoes beautifully.
How spicy is this recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat, so it’s suitable for most palates. You can always adjust the cayenne up or down based on how much spice you enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe is an absolute winner when you’re craving that soul-satisfying, home-cooked indulgence. With each layer bringing its own character and the crispy, flavorful chicken as the star, this recipe invites you to slow down and enjoy every comforting bite. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite dish to share with loved ones on those cozy nights in.
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Hearty Southern-Style Crispy KFC Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 2 hours marinating
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Enjoy a comforting and hearty Southern-style crispy KFC bowl featuring perfectly fried bite-sized chicken pieces, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, shredded cheddar cheese, and rich brown gravy. This classic layered dish combines crispy textures with smooth, savory flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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
Bowls Assembly
- 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: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with buttermilk, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor, preferably overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Coating Mix: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt to create a flavorful seasoned dredge for the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying, about 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture ensuring full coverage for a crispy crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While frying the chicken, prepare creamy mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until tender, then mashing with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
- Heat the Corn: In a separate pan over medium heat, warm the corn kernels until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Bowls: Begin by spooning a generous serving of mashed potatoes into each bowl. Layer the crispy fried chicken pieces on top of the potatoes.
- Add Corn and Cheese: Sprinkle warmed corn kernels over the chicken layer, then evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese on top to melt slightly from the warmth of the ingredients below.
- Drizzle Gravy and Serve: Pour warm brown gravy generously over the assembled layers in each bowl. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full contrast of crispy chicken with creamy and savory sides.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will yield the most tender and flavorful results.
- Use a thermometer to ensure oil temperature remains consistent for perfectly crispy chicken.
- You can substitute brown gravy with white gravy or country gravy for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter option, try baking the chicken pieces instead of frying, though crispiness will differ.
- This recipe makes about 4 hearty servings, ideal for a family meal.
