Step into Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Nashville, and you’ll discover a menu filled with time-honored Southern recipes that have been crafted with love and tradition. From crispy fried chicken to decadent desserts, each dish tells a story of Southern culinary heritage. Let’s explore the signature dishes that make this Nashville dining destination a must-visit for authentic Southern cuisine.

Key Takeaways

• Famous Southern fried chicken leads an extensive menu of traditional Down Home Dishes
• All meals include unlimited servings of both main dishes and sides
• Each dining experience concludes with a choice of three classic Southern desserts
• Dishes are prepared using Paula Deen’s personal recipes and cooking techniques
• Side dishes feature fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared in traditional Southern style
• Every meal is served family-style, allowing guests to sample multiple signature dishes

Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken

The crown jewel of Paula’s menu is undoubtedly the Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken. This iconic dish features:

• Hand-breaded chicken with special seasoning
• Golden, crispy exterior
• Juicy, tender meat inside
• Prepared fresh and served hot
• Available for both lunch and dinner service

Hearty Southern Main Dishes

Beyond the famous fried chicken, Paula’s kitchen serves up a variety of Southern classics:

Beef Pot Roast

Slow-roasted until fork-tender, this comfort food classic is served over buttered white rice and practically melts in your mouth. The meat is lovingly shredded and ladled with its own rich gravy.

Country Fried Steak

A Southern staple featuring seasoned, tenderized steak fried to crispy perfection and smothered in rich white gravy. This dish exemplifies Southern comfort food at its finest.

Chicken & Dumplings

Hand-rolled dumplings and tender pulled chicken are simmered in savory chicken gravy, creating a dish that’s been a family table favorite for generations.

Paula’s Famous Sides

No Southern meal is complete without an array of spectacular sides. Some standout options include:

• Creamed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery, and rich
• Collard Greens: Slow-cooked to perfection
• Baked Mac and Cheese: Creamy and indulgent
• Fresh Candied Yams: Sweet and satisfying
• Fried Okra: Crispy Southern classic
• Creamed Corn: Sweet and creamy comfort

Southern-Style Catfish

The Georgia Fried Catfish represents a signature Southern dish at its best, featuring:

• Light flour and cornmeal coating
• Perfectly fried until golden
• Served with Paula’s special tartar sauce
• Crispy exterior with flaky, tender fish inside

Signature Desserts

Every meal concludes with a choice of three legendary desserts:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Paula’s signature dessert lives up to its name with:

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Rich, buttery flavor
• Unique consistency that’s both cake and custard-like

Banana Pudding

A classic Southern dessert featuring:

• Fresh bananas
• Sweet vanilla wafers
• Rich, creamy custard
• Topped with whipped cream

Seasonal Cobbler

A bubbling Southern favorite that changes with the seasons, always served warm and comforting.

The Family-Style Advantage

The family-style serving approach at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen transforms a simple meal into an interactive dining celebration. Unlike traditional restaurants where each person orders their own entrée, this Southern dining experience encourages exploration and sharing, much like Sunday dinner at grandmother’s house.

When your party selects their Down Home Dishes and Famous Sides, each item arrives at the table in generous, shareable portions on platters and in serving bowls. Picture steaming dishes of crispy fried chicken next to bowls of creamy mac and cheese being passed around the table, creating a natural flow of conversation and connection. This serving style encourages guests to step out of their comfort zones and try dishes they might not ordinarily order for themselves.

The beauty of family-style dining truly shines when you discover a new favorite dish. Perhaps you’ve never tried collard greens before, but after a small sampling, you find yourself reaching for seconds. With unlimited refills, there’s no need to be shy about requesting more of any dish that captures your heart. The atmosphere becomes jubilant as guests exchange recommendations, share their favorites, and create their perfect plate combinations.

This approach also solves the common dining dilemma of food envy – that feeling when someone else’s order looks better than yours. At Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, everything on the table is yours to enjoy. Whether you’re craving another helping of that melt-in-your-mouth pot roast or want to try a different combination of sides, the family-style service ensures everyone leaves satisfied, having experienced the full breadth of Southern cuisine.

The shared dining experience creates natural conversation starters and memorable moments, turning an ordinary meal into a celebration of Southern hospitality and family togetherness. It’s not just about the food – it’s about the joy of sharing, discovering, and connecting over a bountiful Southern feast.

Beverages and Accompaniments

Complete your meal with traditional Southern beverages:

• Flavored Tea & Lemonade
• Georgia Peach Tea – $4.50
• Strawberry Lemonade – $4.50
• Blueberry Lemonade – $4.50

Portion Sizes and Value

At Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, the commitment to generous hospitality is reflected in both portion sizes and overall value. Each serving platter arrives at the table loaded with enough food to ensure everyone can take a hearty portion, while the unlimited refills policy means popular dishes can be replenished throughout the meal at no additional charge.

The value extends beyond just quantity, as each dining package (ranging from $19.99 to $29.99 per person) includes your choice of multiple Down Home Dishes, four Famous Sides, and a Southern dessert for every guest. Whether you’re a party of two or a larger group celebration, the flexible dining options ensure everyone experiences the abundance of a traditional Southern family meal without worrying about running short on their favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions