The story of a budget-conscious foodie recreating KFC’s Famous Bowl using Dollar Tree ingredients for less than half the price is both inspiring and practical. The influencer, known as Dollar Tree Dinners on TikTok, has managed to garner over a million followers with her affordable meal-prepping ideas and at-home fast-food recreations.
Here’s How She Did It:
Ingredients Needed:
- A bag of shredded cheddar cheese
- A bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
- A packet of brown gravy mix
- Four cups of water
- Two packets of buttery homestyle instant mashed potatoes
- Two bags of chicken nuggets or chicken fries
- A can of corn
Instructions:
- Prep Cheese and Gravy: She starts by mixing a bag of shredded cheddar and a bag of shredded mozzarella. Then, she prepares the gravy by mixing a packet of brown gravy with two cups of cold water.
- Make Mashed Potatoes: She brings four cups of water to a boil and stirs in two packets of buttery homestyle instant mashed potatoes.
- Cook Gravy: While the potatoes are being made, she heats up the gravy on the stovetop to thicken it. This step can also be done in the microwave.
- Cook Chicken: The chicken nuggets or chicken fries are cooked using an air fryer, oven, or microwave. Once cooked, she cuts them into quarters for even distribution.
- Heat Corn: If eating immediately, she heats up a can of corn. This step is skipped if the bowls are to be reheated later.
- Assemble the Bowls: She takes four plastic takeout containers and begins assembling:
- One cup of mashed potatoes at the bottom
- Half a cup of corn
- A generous drizzle of brown gravy
- A portion of the quartered chicken nuggets
- Topped with a mixture of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
- Storage: She seals the containers and stores them in the fridge for future meals or eats them immediately.
- Taste Test: Finally, she tastes her creation, vouching for its satisfying nature and its cost-effectiveness compared to the original KFC bowl.
Public Reaction:
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers expressing interest in trying the recipe themselves. Comments range from people who’ve successfully recreated the dish to those who appreciate the budget-friendly meal options she provides.
Why This Is Popular:
- Budget-Friendly: In an era of rising food prices, finding ways to make affordable meals is crucial.
- Convenience: Using readily available and easy-to-use ingredients make the cooking process much faster and more convenient.
- Nostalgia and Comfort: Fast food items like the KFC Famous Bowl have a comfort food appeal that many people find irresistible. Being able to recreate that at home is a big draw.
This TikToker shows that with a bit of creativity and planning, you can enjoy your favorite fast-food treats without breaking the bank.
About The Author
