The KFC Famous Bowl is a beloved dish that combines the comfort of mashed potatoes, the crunch of crispy chicken, and the savory goodness of gravy, all in one satisfying bowl. While it’s easy to pick up a Famous Bowl from your local KFC, making one at home can be just as delicious and rewarding. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a KFC Famous Bowl in the oven, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
Introduction to the KFC Famous Bowl
The KFC Famous Bowl is a popular menu item that has been a staple of the KFC brand for many years. It typically consists of a layer of mashed potatoes, topped with crispy chicken, gravy, and a variety of vegetables such as corn and peas. The dish is known for its rich, comforting flavors and satisfying texture. By making a KFC Famous Bowl in the oven, you can enjoy this delicious meal from the comfort of your own home, using fresh ingredients and a few simple cooking techniques.
Benefits of Making a KFC Famous Bowl at Home
There are several benefits to making a KFC Famous Bowl at home, rather than buying one from a restaurant. For one, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes, making it a healthier and more affordable option. Additionally, making a Famous Bowl at home allows you to customize the dish to your tastes, adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings. This can be especially beneficial for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free or vegetarian diets. By making a KFC Famous Bowl in the oven, you can also enjoy the convenience of a home-cooked meal, without the hassle of fast food.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make a KFC Famous Bowl in the oven, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking equipment. Here are the essentials:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of mashed potatoes
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as corn, peas, and carrots)
- 1 cup of gravy
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: additional seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs
In terms of equipment, you’ll need a large oven-safe bowl or casserole dish, as well as a few basic kitchen tools such as a chef’s knife, cutting board, and spoon.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s a good idea to prepare your ingredients. This includes washing and chopping the vegetables, seasoning the chicken, and heating up the gravy. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken, to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness. You should also make sure that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature, which is usually around 400°F (200°C).
Cooking the Chicken
To cook the chicken, you’ll need to season it with your favorite herbs and spices, then bake it in the oven until it’s crispy and golden brown. Here’s a simple recipe for oven-baked chicken:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil. Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Assembling the KFC Famous Bowl
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble the KFC Famous Bowl. This involves layering the ingredients in a large oven-safe bowl or casserole dish, in the following order:
First, add a layer of mashed potatoes to the bottom of the bowl. You can use instant mashed potatoes or make your own from scratch, using boiled potatoes, butter, and milk. Next, add a layer of mixed vegetables, such as corn, peas, and carrots. You can use frozen or canned vegetables, or cook your own from scratch. After that, add a layer of crispy chicken, which you’ve cooked in the oven according to the recipe above. Finally, pour a layer of hot gravy over the top of the chicken, and sprinkle with a little bit of salt and pepper to taste.
Baking the KFC Famous Bowl in the Oven
To bake the KFC Famous Bowl in the oven, simply place the bowl or casserole dish in the oven and heat it up for 10-15 minutes, or until the ingredients are hot and the gravy is bubbly. You can also add some additional toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced onions, to give the dish a little extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to check the temperature of the bowl regularly, to prevent it from getting too hot or burning.
Serving and Enjoying Your KFC Famous Bowl
Once the KFC Famous Bowl is hot and ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy. You can eat it straight out of the bowl, or transfer it to a plate and add some additional sides, such as coleslaw or biscuits. The KFC Famous Bowl is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich, comforting flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about making a KFC Famous Bowl at home is that you can customize it to your tastes. You can add your favorite ingredients, such as diced onions or shredded cheese, or try out new seasonings and spices. You can also experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken strips or chicken nuggets, or add some extra vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or chopped kale. The possibilities are endless, and the KFC Famous Bowl is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary preference.
In conclusion, making a KFC Famous Bowl in the oven is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal from the comfort of your own home. With its rich, comforting flavors and satisfying texture, the KFC Famous Bowl is a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. By following the simple recipe and instructions outlined in this article, you can create a mouthwatering KFC Famous Bowl that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So why not give it a try, and see what all the fuss is about?
What are the ingredients needed to make a KFC Famous Bowl in the oven?
To make a KFC Famous Bowl in the oven, you will need several ingredients, including cooked chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, and shredded cheese. The chicken can be substituted with oven-baked chicken tenders or chicken breast, marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs to give it a similar flavor to KFC’s original recipe. You will also need frozen corn kernels, which can be thawed and cooked in the oven along with the chicken.
The mashed potatoes can be made from scratch using Russet or Idaho potatoes, or you can use instant mashed potatoes as a shortcut. The gravy is a crucial component of the KFC Famous Bowl, and you can make it from scratch using chicken broth, flour, and butter, or use store-bought gravy mix. Finally, shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, is used to top the dish, adding a creamy and melty texture. By using these ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying KFC Famous Bowl in the comfort of your own home.
How do I prepare the chicken for the KFC Famous Bowl?
To prepare the chicken for the KFC Famous Bowl, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, season the chicken tenders or breast with a mixture of spices and herbs, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs to give the chicken a more authentic KFC flavor. Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. You can then add the sliced chicken to the KFC Famous Bowl, along with the mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy. To make the dish even more authentic, you can try to replicate the KFC original recipe seasoning by mixing together ingredients like thyme, basil, and celery salt. By preparing the chicken in this way, you can create a delicious and finger-lickin’ good KFC Famous Bowl that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Can I use leftover chicken to make a KFC Famous Bowl?
Yes, you can definitely use leftover chicken to make a KFC Famous Bowl. In fact, using leftover chicken is a great way to reduce food waste and make the dish even more convenient. If you have leftover roasted or baked chicken, you can shred or chop it and use it in place of the oven-baked chicken tenders or breast. Simply season the leftover chicken with a mixture of spices and herbs to give it a similar flavor to KFC’s original recipe, and then add it to the KFC Famous Bowl along with the other ingredients.
Using leftover chicken can also help to reduce the cooking time for the KFC Famous Bowl, as the chicken is already cooked and can be simply reheated in the oven or microwave. To reheat the chicken, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until it is warmed through. You can then add the reheated chicken to the KFC Famous Bowl and top it with mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, and shredded cheese. By using leftover chicken, you can create a delicious and satisfying KFC Famous Bowl in no time.
How do I make the gravy for the KFC Famous Bowl?
To make the gravy for the KFC Famous Bowl, start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Next, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
You can also add other ingredients to the gravy to give it a more authentic KFC flavor. For example, you can add a teaspoon of poultry seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more flour or reduce the amount of chicken broth. On the other hand, if you prefer a thinner gravy, you can add more chicken broth or a little bit of water. By making the gravy from scratch, you can create a delicious and flavorful KFC Famous Bowl that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Can I customize the KFC Famous Bowl to suit my dietary preferences?
Yes, you can definitely customize the KFC Famous Bowl to suit your dietary preferences. For example, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the chicken with roasted or baked tofu, tempeh, or seitan. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the gravy, and add other vegetables such as diced bell peppers or chopped broccoli to the dish. If you are gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour to make the gravy, or substitute the traditional gravy with a gluten-free alternative.
Additionally, you can customize the KFC Famous Bowl to suit your personal taste preferences. For example, you can add diced onions, chopped scallions, or sliced jalapeños to give the dish a bit of extra flavor and heat. You can also use different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or feta, to give the dish a unique flavor. By customizing the KFC Famous Bowl to suit your dietary preferences and personal taste, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
How do I assemble the KFC Famous Bowl?
To assemble the KFC Famous Bowl, start by placing a layer of mashed potatoes at the bottom of a bowl or container. Next, add a layer of corn kernels on top of the mashed potatoes, followed by a layer of sliced or chopped chicken. You can then spoon the homemade gravy over the top of the chicken, making sure to cover the entire surface. Finally, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the gravy and add any other desired toppings, such as diced onions or chopped scallions.
To take the KFC Famous Bowl to the next level, you can also add other toppings or ingredients to the dish. For example, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped chives to give the dish a bit of extra flavor and texture. You can also use different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon golds, to give the dish a unique flavor and texture. By assembling the KFC Famous Bowl in this way, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Can I make the KFC Famous Bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the KFC Famous Bowl ahead of time. In fact, making the dish ahead of time can be a great way to save time and reduce stress during the week. To make the KFC Famous Bowl ahead of time, simply prepare the individual components of the dish, such as the chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. You can then assemble the dish just before serving, spooning the gravy over the top of the chicken and sprinkling shredded cheese over the top.
To reheat the KFC Famous Bowl, simply place the assembled dish in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, cooking on high for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the dish is hot and steaming. By making the KFC Famous Bowl ahead of time, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.