Popcorn Chicken Mashed Potato Bowl Recipe

When it comes to a quick and easy comfort food meal this Popcorn Chicken Mashed Potato Bowl is one of my favorites! Buttery mashed potatoes that are placed in individual bowls.

Then they are topped with popcorn chicken, sweet corn kernels, gravy and shredded cheese. All of your favorite comfort foods together in a single dish!

This combination is a hugely popular in school cafeterias across the United States. Not to mention that is now a popular menu item at local fast food chicken restaurants.

However, as much as I would like to head to the restaurant every time I had a craving for this meal I know that it isn’t always possible. Instead, I head to the kitchen to make it myself.

And I have to admit, it is much better tasting than what I remember getting at the school cafeteria and it is even more delicious than the bowl at the restaurant.

Not to mention that by making it yourself, you are going to save a lot of money! Especially when you plan ahead and have everything on hand to make it at a moment’s notice.

Ingredients Required

1. Mashed Potatoes

Cooked mashed potatoes make up the base of the recipe. They are the holding ground for all of the remaining ingredients.

However, there are several methods of getting those smooth and creamy mashed potatoes in the bowl.

Real Potatoes

Use your favorite type of starchy potato to make your own mashed potatoes. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes make the lightest and fluffiest potatoes.

Use your favorite cooking method and then smash the potatoes with a little milk until they are nice and creamy. Or you could take a more hands off approach and make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.

Instant Potatoes

Turn those flakes of instant potatoes into a creamy bowl of mashed potatoes. The instant varieties have come a long way in terms of taste and texture.

It is a quick and easy way to prepare mashed potatoes and they have great texture that will hold up when piled with popcorn chicken and the other ingredients placed in the bowl.

Frozen or Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes

The easiest and quickest method of getting a homemade dinner on the table is to purchase a tray of frozen or refrigerator potatoes.

All you have to do is remove the lid and pop them in the microwave. Within minutes the potatoes are ready to be scooped into your bowls!

While the potatoes are cooking you can be preparing the other ingredients and dinner will be on the table in less than 15 minutes!

Store Bought Ready To Eat Potatoes

Yes, you can purchase cooked and ready to eat mashed potatoes in the hot food section at many large grocery stores.

One serving of mashed potatoes is approximately 1/2 cup and weighs close to 1/2 pound. So depending on your appetite, you can order however much that you would like.

2. Popcorn Chicken

Frozen popcorn chicken has become hugely popular for those who are cooking for two. The chicken pieces are individually frozen and can easily be removed from the freezer bag in whatever amount that you need.

You can eat them as the main protein for your meal, serve them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, or add them to casserole dishes.

Although, my absolute favorite way to make popcorn chicken is in some of my Asian inspired meals. For instance, instead of using pork to make Sweet and Sour Pork, I will use cooked pieces of popcorn chicken.

General Tso’s, Sesame Chicken, and Orange Chicken are some other recipes that you can make with the remaining pieces of chicken in the bag. Just be sure to keep enough popcorn chicken on hand so that when you want to make this mashed potato bowl recipe again you don’t have to run to the store.

3. Sweet Corn Kernels

You can use fresh, frozen or canned sweet corn in this recipe. The only key here is that you must cook it before adding it to your bowls.

To add more flavor you can Grill Corn on the Cob and cut the kernels off the cob. However, most of us will choose to boil or microwave the corn.

Just be sure to drain it well before adding it over the potatoes. Otherwise the potatoes will absorb too much liquid.

4. Gravy

When it comes to drizzling the gravy over top of your popcorn chicken mashed potato bowl, you have three options.

Homemade Gravy – Although you could make your own gravy with stock, I highly doubt that most of us will choose this option. But if you do have the time, go for it!

Jar of Gravy – I prefer to use store bought gravy that comes in a glass jar. Then I heat what I need and save the remaining to serve over Air Fryer Meatballs.

Packet of Dry Gravy Mix – Take a packet of dry gravy mix and make it into a pourable gravy. Then drizzle as much of it that you want over the potatoes and other ingredients to add more flavor.

5. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

The standard cheese of choice is shredded Cheddar cheese. You can use the thick or thin shredded cheese, either one will work.

However, if you want to change up the flavor of your bowl, use whatever cheese you prefer. If you like things spicy, add shredded hot pepper cheese.

Like things little on the milder side, add shredded provolone or mozzarella. The choice is up to you!

Popcorn Chicken Mashed Potato Bowl Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 servings of Instant or Homemade mashed potatoes
• 8 ounces popcorn chicken, cooked (approximately 10 pieces)
• 5 oz sweet corn kernels, cooked
• 1/4 cup beef or chicken gravy, cooked
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Make 2 servings of instant mashed potatoes, homemade mashed potatoes or cook pre-made refrigerator mashed potatoes.

While the mashed potatoes are cooking, cook the popcorn chicken according to package directions. I used my Air Fryer to cook them in a fraction of the time that it takes in the oven.

While the popcorn chicken and the mashed potatoes are cooking, heat the corn in a microwave safe bowl per package directions.

Then make or heat the jarred gravy until warm. Set aside.

When everything is ready, assemble the bowls by dividing the potatoes into two bowls. Then top it with the corn, chicken and gravy.

Sprinkle the top of each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately.

Enjoy! Mary

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