Copycat Better-For-You KFC Famous Bowls: A Family Favorite Made Lighter

If your family is anything like mine, you know how tempting those quick drive-thru comfort meals can be, especially the classic KFC Famous Bowls. Creamy mashed potatoes, corn, crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and warm gravy… what’s not to love? But as a mom trying to feed my kids (and myself) a little more mindfully, I wanted a way to recreate this fast-food favorite in a “better-for-you” way, without losing the taste we all crave.

Copycat Better-For-You KFC Famous Bowls: A Family Favorite Made Lighter


Enter this Copycat Better-For-You KFC Famous Bowl recipe! It’s everything you love about the original, made with simple, wholesome ingredients, and air-fried instead of deep-fried. Plus, it’s so easy to put together, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Why You'll Love This Copycat KFC Bowl Recipe

✅ Kid-Approved Comfort Food

✅ Healthier Swap with Air-Fried Chicken & Optional Cauliflower Mash

✅ Simple Ingredients: most of them store-bought and budget-friendly

✅ Customizable for picky eaters

✅ Ready in Under 30 Minutes

Whether you're a mom on the go, a working parent juggling multiple hats, or just someone who wants a cozy dinner without the drive-thru guilt, this bowl hits the spot every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This version sticks to the basic KFC Famous Bowl flavors, but with some clever swaps to make it a little lighter:

2 cups chopped chicken breast

1 packet Shake 'n Bake coating (or any breadcrumb mix you prefer)

1 bag prepared mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option)

1 can corn, drained

1 jar brown gravy (low sodium if desired)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)

Optional add-ins:

Green onions for garnish

Paprika or garlic powder in the mash for extra flavor

Hot sauce drizzle for a spicy kick

How to Make Better-For-You KFC Famous Bowls

Step 1: Prep and Air Fry the Chicken
Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in Shake 'n Bake coating until well covered. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Mom Tip: The air fryer makes this recipe so much faster and healthier than deep-frying. No oil splatters, no waiting for a pot to heat up!

Step 2: Heat Your Sides
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your base:

Heat the mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower according to the package directions.

Warm the corn in a small saucepan or microwave.

Heat the gravy until hot and pourable.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowls
In each bowl, layer the ingredients:

1. Start with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash.

2. Add a layer of corn on top.

3. Sprinkle your crispy air-fried chicken bites over the top.

4. Pour warm gravy over everything.

5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese while it’s hot so it melts perfectly.

Garnish with green onions, extra cheese, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce if desired.

How to Customize for Picky Eaters

One of the best parts about this dish is how easy it is to customize. My daughter loves extra corn, while my son asks for double gravy and skips the cheese. Letting your kids build their own bowls gives them some control and makes dinner more fun!

Make It Even Better for You

Want to lighten things up even more? Here are a few easy swaps:

🥦 Mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes

🧀 Low-fat cheese or just a light sprinkle

🌽 No-salt-added corn or fresh corn off the cob

🍗 Air fry chicken without breading for a low-carb protein boost

🥣 Homemade or reduced-sodium gravy

These little changes make a big difference, especially if you’re watching sodium, carbs, or calories but still want the cozy feel of comfort food.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

Between school drop-offs, homework, after-school activities, and trying to catch a breath somewhere in between, dinner has to be simple, satisfying, and something everyone will eat. This Better-for-You KFC Famous Bowl checks all those boxes.

You can prep everything ahead of time: air fry the chicken, store all the toppings in containers, and assemble in under 5 minutes. Perfect for reheating leftovers too!

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Meal Prep Friendly: Cook and store ingredients separately, then assemble bowls throughout the week.

Freezer Tip: You can freeze cooked chicken pieces and mashed potatoes separately. Just reheat in the microwave or air fryer.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Give It a Try Tonight!

This Copycat Better-For-You KFC Famous Bowl is now a regular on our weekly menu. It’s nostalgic, it’s comforting, and best of all, it’s made with ingredients I feel good about feeding my kids. You get that fast-food flavor without the fast-food regret.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @diana_chastain_ or share it on Pinterest @diananchastain. I love connecting with my readers!

📌 PIN IT FOR LATER

Save this Copycat Better-For-You KFC Famous Bowl to your “Weeknight Dinner Ideas” board so you can come back to it again and again.

 



Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy

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♥,
Diana