Hey y'all! If you're searching for a meal that's comforting, packed with flavor, and as good as your favorite restaurant but made right at home, look no further than these Loaded Chicken and Gravy Mashed Potato Bowls. With crispy chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, rich savory gravy, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings, this recipe is a surefire hit on busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you're craving ultimate cozy comfort. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

It’s a one-bowl wonder, packing protein, veggies, and creamy carbs in every spoonful.
Ready in under an hour – perfect for hectic weeknights or weekend cravings.
Crowd-pleasing flavors with customizable toppings for everyone at the table.
Budget-friendly homemade twist on a popular restaurant classic.
Hearty, cheesy, and extra satisfying—just what comfort food should be!

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
Vegetable oil (for frying)
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
½ cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt (for potatoes)
1 ½ cups chicken gravy (homemade or store-bought)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups frozen corn, thawed and warmed
¼ cup sliced green onions
¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 4 slices)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Add potatoes to a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain well, then mash with 4 tablespoons butter, ½ cup milk, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until fluffy and smooth. Cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Bread and Cook the Chicken

Set up three bowls: seasoned flour (flour, salt, pepper, paprika), beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat fully with breadcrumbs.
Heat ½-inch oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F). Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Warm the Gravy & Corn

Heat the chicken gravy in a small saucepan until hot. Warm corn in the microwave or a saucepan until heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

To serve, scoop mashed potatoes into bowls. Top evenly with chicken pieces, warm corn, a generous ladle of gravy, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions.
Serve hot and dig in!

Notes

You can prep the mashed potatoes and gravy in advance to speed things up during busy nights.
If you prefer baked chicken, bake breaded pieces at 400°F for 20-24 minutes, flipping halfway.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F) without overcooking.

Variations

Buffalo Style: Toss cooked chicken pieces in buffalo sauce for a spicy twist before adding to bowls.
Vegetarian: Swap chicken with crispy tofu bites or plant-based chicken nuggets.
Loaded Veggie: Add sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.

Required Equipment

Large pot (for boiling potatoes)
Large skillet (for frying chicken)
Mixing bowls
Colander
Potato masher or hand mixer
Papertowels (for draining chicken)
Slotted spoon or tongs

Storage Instructions

Store leftover components (chicken, potatoes, gravy, and toppings) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness, and warm mashed potatoes and gravy in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations

Serve bowls with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Pair with a cold iced tea, lemonade, or a light lager for extra refreshment.
Finish off with a simple fruit dessert like apple crisp.

Pro Tips

For ultra-creamy potatoes, use warm milk and don’t overmix or they may become gluey.
Let breaded chicken rest for a couple minutes before frying for extra crunch.
Layer hot ingredients directly onto the potatoes so the cheese melts perfectly in the bowl.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Shred the rotisserie chicken and warm it just before assembling. Skip the breading and frying steps for a quicker meal.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the chicken, and verify the gravy and other ingredients are GF-certified.

Can I freeze mashed potato bowls?

It's best to freeze mashed potatoes and cooked chicken separately. Thaw overnight and reheat before assembling fresh bowls.