Ingredients:
- For the mashed potatoes (if making homemade):
- 4 cups of mashed potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the casserole layers:
- 1 can of corn (or 1 ½ cups of frozen corn)
- 1 bag (about 24 oz) Tyson Any’tizers popcorn chicken (or any preferred breaded chicken bites)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice)
- For the gravy:
- 1 jar of brown gravy (or homemade gravy)
Construction:
- Prepare the mashed potatoes:
- If making homemade, peel and boil the potatoes until soft. Mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to your desired consistency. Set aside.
- Cook the popcorn chicken:
- Prepare the Tyson Any’tizers popcorn chicken in the air fryer according to the package instructions until crispy and golden.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the mashed potatoes evenly at the bottom.
- Add a layer of corn over the mashed potatoes.
- Then, evenly distribute the cooked popcorn chicken over the corn.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add the gravy:
- While the casserole is baking, heat the brown gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Once the casserole is out of the oven, pour the hot brown gravy over the top, and serve!
Variations:
- Mashed Potatoes: Use instant mashed potatoes for a quicker version or substitute with cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.
- Chicken: Swap the popcorn chicken for any other breaded chicken bites, grilled chicken, or even rotisserie chicken.
- Cheese: Add a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
- Gravy: You can experiment with different types of gravy such as white gravy or sausage gravy for a twist.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when ready.
- Extra Crispy Chicken: For extra crunch, coat the popcorn chicken in a layer of breadcrumbs before baking or air frying.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based chicken nuggets and vegan cheese for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.
- Texture: If you like a little extra crunch, top the casserole with crushed potato chips or French fried onions before baking.
Enjoy your comforting and customizable KFC Famous Bowl Casserole!