Quick Weeknight Dinner Ideas: Nashville Style

Living in Nashville has been a culinary adventure, and I’ve loved every minute of it. The city’s vibrant food scene has inspired me to create some quick and delicious weeknight dinner ideas that capture the essence of Nashville. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent juggling multiple tasks, these recipes will help you bring a taste of Nashville to your table in no time.

In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite Nashville-style dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights. From hot chicken to BBQ-inspired dishes, these recipes are sure to become family favorites. So, let’s dive in and explore the flavors of Nashville!

Nashville Hot Chicken

When you think of Nashville, hot chicken is probably the first thing that comes to mind. This spicy fried chicken is a staple in the city, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The key to a great hot chicken is the spicy paste that’s brushed on after frying. I like to serve it with pickles and white bread to balance the heat.

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 onion powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (I prefer something with a bit of sweetness, like Sriracha)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated.
4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. While the chicken is frying, mix together the hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
7. Once the chicken is done, brush the hot sauce mixture onto the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
8. Serve with pickles and white bread.

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider… Some might argue that using a deep fryer is more authentic, but I find that a large skillet works just fine and is easier to clean. Plus, it’s a bit safer if you’re not used to deep frying.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Nashville is known for its BBQ, and these pulled pork sliders are a great way to bring that flavor home. The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can set it and forget it. I like to serve these sliders with a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (I prefer a sweet and tangy variety)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Slider buns
• Coleslaw, for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork shoulder.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the pork and mix it back into the sauce.
6. Serve on slider buns with a side of coleslaw.

I’m torn between using a slow cooker and an Instant Pot for this recipe, but ultimately, the slow cooker wins out for convenience. You can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner.

Nashville-Style Catfish

Catfish is a Southern staple, and this Nashville-style version is a great way to enjoy it. The crispy cornmeal crust and tangy remoulade sauce make this dish a winner. I like to serve it with a side of hush puppies for a complete meal.

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 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Dredge the catfish fillets in the cornmeal mixture, making sure they’re well coated.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the catfish for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. While the catfish is frying, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, pickle juice, and Worcestershire sauce to make the remoulade sauce.
6. Serve the catfish with the remoulade sauce and a side of hush puppies.

Maybe I should clarify… Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish made from cornmeal batter that’s deep-fried until crispy. They’re the perfect accompaniment to this catfish dish.

Music City Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, and this Music City version adds a Nashville twist with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s a great way to use up leftover BBQ sauce and adds a unique flavor to a familiar dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Mix well and shape into a loaf.
4. Place the meatloaf in a baking dish and spread the remaining 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce over the top.
5. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

This meatloaf is a great way to use up leftover BBQ sauce, and it adds a unique flavor to a familiar dish. I like to serve it with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.

Nashville-Style Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a comfort food classic, and this Nashville-style version kicks it up a notch with a spicy kick. It’s the perfect side dish for any of these weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
8. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
10. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

This mac and cheese has a spicy kick that sets it apart from other recipes. I like to serve it as a side dish with any of these weeknight dinners, or even as a main course on its own.

Spicy Nashville-Style Shrimp

Shrimp is a versatile protein that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This Nashville-style version has a spicy kick that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
5. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat.
6. Serve hot.

This shrimp dish is quick and easy to make, and it has a spicy kick that’s sure to please. I like to serve it over rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nashville-Style Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic, and this Nashville-style version is the perfect side dish for any of these weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Dredge the tomato slices in the cornmeal mixture, making sure they’re well coated.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

These fried green tomatoes are crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside. They’re the perfect side dish for any of these weeknight dinners, and they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Nashville-Style Collard Greens

Collard greens are a Southern staple, and this Nashville-style version is the perfect side dish for any of these weeknight dinners. The smoky bacon and tangy vinegar give these greens a unique flavor that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, washed and chopped
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Add the collard greens, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
5. Serve hot.

These collard greens have a smoky, tangy flavor that’s perfect for any of these weeknight dinners. I like to serve them as a side dish with any of these recipes, or even as a main course on their own.

Cheesy Nashville-Style Grits

Grits are a Southern staple, and this cheesy Nashville-style version is the perfect side dish for any of these weeknight dinners. The creamy, cheesy grits are a great way to soak up all the delicious sauces and flavors of these dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil.
2. Stir in the grits, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the grits are thick and creamy.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese and butter until melted and smooth.
5. Serve hot.

These cheesy grits are creamy and delicious, and they’re the perfect side dish for any of these weeknight dinners. I like to serve them with any of these recipes, or even as a main course on their own.

Nashville-Style Banana Pudding

No Southern meal is complete without a delicious dessert, and this Nashville-style banana pudding is the perfect way to end any of these weeknight dinners. The creamy pudding and crispy meringue are a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

• 1 box vanilla wafers
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk, 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in the hot milk mixture until smooth.
3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
5. In a large bowl, layer the vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
7. Spread the meringue over the top of the pudding and broil for a few minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

This banana pudding is the perfect way to end any of these weeknight dinners. The creamy pudding and crispy meringue are a match made in heaven, and they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Closing Thoughts: Embrace the Flavors of Nashville

Nashville’s vibrant food scene offers a wealth of inspiration for quick and delicious weeknight dinners. From hot chicken to BBQ-inspired dishes, these recipes capture the essence of Nashville and are sure to become family favorites.

I challenge you to try out these recipes and see how they fit into your busy schedule. You might be surprised at how easy it is to bring a taste of Nashville to your table, even on the busiest of nights. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! What’s your favorite Nashville-inspired dish? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

FAQ

Q: Can I make Nashville hot chicken ahead of time?
A: While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to fry the chicken and apply the hot sauce mixture just before serving to ensure the crispiest and most flavorful results. If you do need to make it ahead of time, you can fry the chicken and then reheat it in the oven before brushing on the hot sauce mixture.

Q: Can I use a different type of pork for the BBQ pulled pork sliders?
A: Yes, you can use pork butt or pork loin for this recipe. Pork butt will result in a more tender and juicy pulled pork, while pork loin will be leaner and slightly drier. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as pork loin may cook faster than pork shoulder.

Q: Can I make the Nashville-style mac and cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I use a different type of fish for the Nashville-style catfish?
A: While catfish is traditional, you can use other types of white fish like tilapia or cod for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different types of fish may cook faster or slower than catfish.

@article{quick-weeknight-dinner-ideas-nashville-style,
    title   = {Quick Weeknight Dinner Ideas: Nashville Style},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/quick-weeknight-dinner-ideas-nashville-style/}
}