Easy Weeknight Dinners: Nashville-Inspired

Welcome to another edition of our culinary adventures here at Chefsicon.com! Today, we’re diving into the heart of Nashville’s food scene to bring you some easy weeknight dinners that are sure to spice up your routine. As a marketing expert who relocated from the Bay Area to Nashville, I’ve fallen in love with the city’s vibrant flavors and cultural charm. So, let’s explore some Nashville-inspired dishes that you can whip up in no time!

Living in Nashville with my rescue cat Luna has been an eye-opener. The city’s food scene is a beautiful blend of Southern comfort and innovative twists. And trust me, after a long day of working remotely, there’s nothing better than a quick, delicious meal to unwind. So, let’s dive into some recipes that capture the essence of Nashville without breaking a sweat.

Nashville Hot Chicken: The Star of the Show

When you think of Nashville, hot chicken is probably the first thing that comes to mind. This spicy fried chicken is a staple, and while the traditional recipe can be a bit involved, we’ve got a weeknight-friendly version for you.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite sides.

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider the time factor. Marinating the chicken ahead of time can save you a step during the weeknight rush. Plus, you can always adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: A Crowd-Pleaser

Nashville’s BBQ scene is legendary, and pulled pork sliders are a classic. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Slider buns

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the pork.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on slider buns.

I’m torn between the convenience of the slow cooker and the temptation to try this in the oven. But ultimately, the slow cooker wins for its set-it-and-forget-it ease.

Shrimp and Grits: Comfort Food at Its Finest

Shrimp and grits is a Southern classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. This creamy, comforting dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped bacon
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink.
4. In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the grits and cook according to package instructions.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Combine the shrimp mixture with the grits and serve.

Maybe I should clarify that you can use any type of shrimp you prefer, but I find that medium-sized shrimp work best for this recipe.

Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern Delight

Fried green tomatoes are a quintessential Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. They’re crispy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Dip the tomato slices in buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Fry the tomato slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve.

These are so good, you might want to make extra. They disappear fast!

Nashville-Style Mac and Cheese: Creamy and Dreamy

Mac and cheese is a comfort food staple, and this Nashville-style version kicks it up a notch with a touch of heat and plenty of creamy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine the heavy cream, milk, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
6. Broil in the oven for a few minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

This one’s a hit with kids and adults alike. The hot sauce adds a nice kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Southern-Style Collard Greens: Nutritious and Delicious

Collard greens are a Southern staple that’s both nutritious and delicious. This slow-cooked version is perfect for a healthy weeknight side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches collard greens, chopped
• 1/2 lb smoked turkey or ham hock
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the collard greens, smoked turkey or ham hock, onion, garlic, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the greens are tender.
3. Remove the smoked turkey or ham hock and serve the greens.

These greens are so good, you’ll forget you’re eating something healthy. The smoked turkey adds a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.

Nashville-Style Biscuits: Fluffy and Flavorful

No Southern meal is complete without biscuits, and these Nashville-style biscuits are fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently a few times.
6. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut out biscuits using a biscuit cutter.
7. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

These biscuits are so versatile. You can serve them with jam, honey, or even use them to make mini sandwiches.

Nashville-Style Banana Pudding: A Sweet Finish

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and perfect for ending a meal on a high note.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafers
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk until thickened.
2. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk.
3. Fold in the whipped cream.
4. In a trifle dish, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture.
5. Repeat the layers until the dish is full.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

This dessert is a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, sweet, and the perfect way to end a meal.

Nashville-Style Fried Catfish: A Southern Classic

Fried catfish is a Southern classic that’s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is simple and delicious, with a touch of Nashville flair.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Dip the catfish fillets in buttermilk, then coat in the cornmeal mixture.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Fry the catfish fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve.

This catfish is so good, you’ll want to make it again and again. The cornmeal coating adds a nice crunch that’s hard to resist.

Nashville-Style Pecan Pie: A Sweet Tradition

Pecan pie is a Southern tradition that’s sweet, nutty, and perfect for any occasion. This Nashville-style version is easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Stir in the pecan halves.
4. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
5. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the pie is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Let cool before serving.

This pie is a classic for a reason. It’s sweet, nutty, and the perfect way to end a meal.

Conclusion: Embrace the Flavors of Nashville

Nashville’s food scene is a treasure trove of flavors and traditions, and these easy weeknight dinners are a great way to bring a taste of the city into your home. From hot chicken to banana pudding, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So, why not challenge yourself to try a new Nashville-inspired recipe this week? You might just discover a new favorite dish that becomes a staple in your meal rotation. And remember, the beauty of cooking is in the experimentation. Don’t be afraid to tweak these recipes to make them your own.

As we look to the future, I predict that Nashville’s culinary scene will continue to evolve and inspire. But who knows? Maybe the next big food trend will come from your kitchen. So, get cooking and let the flavors of Nashville inspire you!

FAQ

Q: Can I make Nashville hot chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk ahead of time to save a step during the weeknight rush. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Q: What can I serve with BBQ pulled pork sliders?
A: BBQ pulled pork sliders pair well with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or even a simple green salad. The key is to balance the richness of the pork with something fresh and crunchy.

Q: Can I make the banana pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes, banana pudding is actually better when made ahead of time. The flavors have a chance to meld together, and the pudding becomes even creamier. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat fried catfish?
A: To reheat fried catfish, place it on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps to maintain the crispiness of the coating.

@article{easy-weeknight-dinners-nashville-inspired,
    title   = {Easy Weeknight Dinners: Nashville-Inspired},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/easy-weeknight-dinners-nashville-inspired/}
}