Fried Chicken, Cornbread, and Mashed Potato & Gravy Cupcakes

Want to serve a show-stopping appetizer that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen? These savory cupcakes are your answer. They pack all the beloved flavors of a fried chicken dinner into an elegant, easy-to-serve format. 

They’re the perfect conversation starter for any party and can be prepped in advance. They’re a guaranteed way to wow your guests with a creative and delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes highlight comfort food with a fun and unique twist.

Creative spin: Turns a full Southern meal into handheld cupcakes.

Flavor-packed: Crispy chicken, moist cornbread, creamy potatoes, savory gravy.

Crowd pleaser: Great for kids, parties, and gatherings.

Flexible: Use homemade or store-bought shortcuts.

Comforting: Classic flavors in an easy-to-eat form.

Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or spices to fit your taste.

Here are my secrets: I like to season mashed potatoes with roasted garlic for extra depth, and I always sprinkle fresh chives on top before serving. A little shredded cheddar melted into the cornbread base also adds richness.

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Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken tenders or nuggets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying

For the Cornbread Base:

• 1 box cornbread mix (or homemade recipe)
• 2 eggs
• ⅔ cup milk
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chives
• Shredded cheddar
• Extra gravy for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Coat chicken in seasoned flour, fry until golden and crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

2. Bake the Cornbread

Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare cornbread batter according to the box or homemade recipe. Stir in cheese if using. Pour into lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly.

3. Make the Mashed Potatoes

Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a piping bag for easier assembly.

4. Cook the Gravy

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Assemble the Cupcakes

Top each cornbread muffin with a swirl of mashed potatoes, just like frosting. Place a piece of fried chicken on top and drizzle with warm gravy. Garnish with chives or cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Healthier Version: Bake the chicken instead of frying.
• Extra Flavor: Mix roasted garlic or sour cream into mashed potatoes.
• More Heat: Add cayenne to the flour mix or hot sauce to the buttermilk.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir shredded cheese into mashed potatoes for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

These savory cupcakes can be served as a fun dinner centerpiece or passed around as party appetizers. Pair them with a fresh green salad for balance, or serve with pickles and coleslaw for a full Southern spread. They also work well as creative game-day bites or a unique potluck dish.

Final Thoughts

Fried Chicken, Cornbread, and Mashed Potato & Gravy Cupcakes deliver classic comfort food in a fun, bite-sized package. Each element comes together for a full Southern-style meal that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you make them for a family dinner, holiday party, or just to surprise your guests, they’ll quickly become a crowd favorite with their cozy flavor and playful presentation.