Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “I don’t like that”? I hear you. We’ve all been there, staring into the fridge, hoping for a dinner miracle. If you’re looking for another comforting, crowd-pleasing option, you must try this Outback-Style Chicken Bacon Potato Soup.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our Nashville Hot Style Panko Chicken. It sounds fancy, but I promise it’s a total weeknight win. It takes the fun, crispy joy of chicken nuggets and gives it a delicious, grown-up twist that everyone can enjoy.
This recipe is my secret weapon for turning a regular fried chicken dinner into something special. It’s got that perfect crunch, a hint of sweet heat, and it’s way easier than you think. Let’s make a meal that might just get everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I was nervous the first time I served a “spicy” chicken. But this recipe is a game-changer. The magic is all in the panko breadcrumbs.
They create an incredibly crispy, crunchy coating that kids adore. It’s like the best chicken tender they’ve ever had. The spicy Nashville hot sauce is brushed on after frying.
This means you can control the heat for each piece. I often make a few plain ones and drizzle the sauce lightly on others. The flavor is a fun mix of spicy, sweet, and savory that’s hard to resist.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep things simple. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now. No fancy, hard-to-find items here!
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Oil for frying (like canola or vegetable oil)
For the Nashville Hot Glaze:
Nashville Hot Style Panko Chicken Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Nashville Hot Style Panko Chicken Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your taste!)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved makes them so much more excited to eat. My kids love having a job to do.
Task 1: The Dredging Station. Set up three shallow bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and panko. Let them be in charge of coating each piece of chicken. It’s a fun, messy, perfect job.
Task 2: Mix the Glaze. Older kids can help measure and whisk together the hot glaze ingredients. They feel like real chefs creating the secret sauce!
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the steps fool you. This comes together quickly once you get going. I like to get everything set up before I start.
- Prep the chicken. If using breasts, cut them into 1-inch thick strips or chunks. Pat them very dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick.
- Set up your station. Get three bowls. In the first, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. Put the panko in the third.
- Bread the chicken. Dredge each piece in flour, then egg, then press it firmly into the panko. Make sure it’s fully coated. Place on a clean plate.
- Heat the oil. Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into a large, heavy skillet. Heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F). A little panko dropped in should sizzle.
- Fry the chicken. Carefully add chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan! Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain. Move the cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This keeps it crispy on all sides.
- Make the glaze. While the chicken fries, whisk all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and serve! Once all chicken is fried, brush each piece generously with the hot glaze. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
The best part of this recipe is how easily you can adjust it. Here’s how we mix it up at my table.
The Safe Zone: For sensitive kids, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Or, set aside a few plain fried pieces before you brush on the glaze.
Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of onion powder to the flour mix. For the adults, a pinch of extra cayenne in the glaze really kicks it up.
Bake It! Want a lighter version? Arrange breaded chicken on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Spray lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway. Then brush with glaze. If you love baked chicken recipes, this technique is similar to our popular Loaded Outback Chicken Bacon Potato Soup, which is another fantastic make-ahead meal.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This makes fantastic leftovers for lunches or a super-quick second dinner. The key is keeping that crunch.
Let leftovers cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, skip the microwave! Use a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F. Place chicken on a rack and heat for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Nutrition Notes
While this is a treat, it’s good to know what you’re serving. Here’s a simple breakdown per serving (approximate).
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: ~35g (Great for growing kids!)
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~24g
Pair it with a big green salad or roasted veggies to make a balanced plate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this less spicy for my kids?
Absolutely! The beauty is in the glaze. You can simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. The smoked paprika and brown sugar still give a yummy, smoky-sweet flavor without the heat.
What’s the best oil for frying?
I use a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are all great choices. They let the chicken flavor shine through without burning.
My panko isn’t sticking! What did I do wrong?
The most common culprit is not patting the chicken dry first. Moisture is the enemy of a good crust. Also, make sure you press the chicken firmly into the panko crumbs to help them adhere.
I really hope this recipe brings some fun and flavor to your family table. It’s a guaranteed way to shake up your usual dinner routine.
It turns a simple fried chicken dinner into a Southern-style experience everyone can get behind. The crunch, the customizable spice, the happy faces—it’s what family cooking is all about. For another deliciously crispy chicken dinner that’s always a hit, be sure to try our easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eaters go for it? Please leave a comment and rating below!
