Lunch Bowls
Posted
Sun, 07/30/06
Ever since I saw them advertised on television, I've wanted to sample the new KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) Famous Bowls. They are merely "layered mashed potatoes, kernel corn and bite-sized pieces of popcorn chicken, with gravy drizzled over it and topped with a three-cheese blend." The meal-in-a-bowl is priced at $3.99.
For the most part I like food from KFC, although their prices are ridiculous. We rarely eat there for that reason alone. I'm inherently on my toes about being overcharged for food, whether it be marginal or excellent, and typically don't go back after being burned once.
That being said, I decided to try my hand at assembling the bowls on my own rather than going to the nearest KFC for lunch. The dish reminds me of Shepherd's Pie, or a variation thereof.
Here's my result:
Chicken-Tater Bowls
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use chicken thighs)
Preheat oven to 375-degrees F. In a bowl, combine the Jiffy Baking Mix and corn meal. Wash the chicken breasts or thighs; cut into bite-sized pieces or strips. Sprinkle with Lawry's Seasoned Salt. Dredge the chicken pieces through the Jiffy-corn meal mixture to coat; arrange chicken in one layer on a baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Place in oven and bake for thirty minutes (turning once mid-way through cooking time), or until the insides of the chicken pieces are no longer pink.
Scrub potatoes clean. Using a sharp knife, make two or three slash marks in potatoes; place in a microwave-safe dish and cook for eight to ten minutes on high setting, or until potatoes are tender. Peel skins off potatoes and mash in a bowl, adding margarine, liquid Coffee Mate and salt and black pepper to taste. Prepare the gravy mix according to package directions to make one cup. (If using canned gravy, heat in a small pot on the stove or in the microwave).
In individual serving bowls, layer cooked ingredients as follows: mashed potatoes, kernel corn (cold), chicken pieces, gravy and grated or thinly-sliced cheddar cheese. Heat each bowl in the microwave for approximately one minute, or until cheese melts. Serve.
Variation: For a quicker version of Chicken-Tater Bowls, try using instant mashed potatoes and pre-cooked and pre-packaged chicken tenders instead.
I prepared enough to make three bowls, with leftover bits of mashed potatoes, gravy and chicken pieces.
The meal was quite satisfying: filling, flavorful and well-rounded. It was also one of the few times Wilbert remained quiet over lunch as he was thoroughly enjoying himself.
My dogs Foofer and Rainee anxiously awaited bites of chicken as well, especially Foofer as he also loves mashed potatoes. I made sure some of the spuds clung to Foofer's pieces, and he took them from me so fast I thought my fingers would disappear.
Lunging tactics are quite unlike my little gentleman, but it revealed his high regard for chicken.
Tags: Food Photos;
New Recipes;
Potatoes; Poultry
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