Welcome aboard the ultimate culinary voyage where basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal brings his passion for delectable chicken to the high seas! Shaq’s Big Chicken Restaurant stands out as a vibrant, fast-service dining experience, delighting guests on Carnival Cruise Line’s most exciting ships, including the newly renovated Carnival Radiance. This isn’t just another quick bite; it’s an opportunity to savor big, bold flavors personally curated by the “Big Aristotle” himself, available for both breakfast and lunch. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey into the heart of comfort food, reimagined with a superstar touch.
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Shaq’s Big Chicken: A Culinary Slam Dunk on Carnival Radiance and Beyond
Shaquille O’Neal, known globally for his dominant presence on the basketball court, has seamlessly transitioned his larger-than-life persona into the culinary world with Big Chicken. This fast-casual restaurant concept delivers exactly what its name promises: big flavor, big portions, and a whole lot of fun. Aboard the Carnival Cruise Line, Big Chicken offers an accessible and incredibly satisfying dining option that quickly becomes a passenger favorite.
You can currently find Shaq’s Big Chicken on several of Carnival’s most popular vessels, including the spectacular Carnival Radiance, the innovative Carnival Mardi Gras, the celebratory Carnival Celebration, and soon to be featured on the highly anticipated Carnival Jubilee. For cruisers, this means a consistent, high-quality chicken experience is now a hallmark of their vacation.
Strategically located on Deck 9 Lido, Big Chicken is easily accessible to all passengers, making it a perfect spot for a casual breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a flavorful snack in between activities. Its central location ensures that whether you’re heading to the pool, returning from an excursion, or simply exploring the ship, a delicious meal is never far away.
The Big Chicken Experience on Carnival Radiance
Our recent 4-day Baja Mexico Cruise aboard the Carnival Radiance held many exciting prospects, but few generated as much anticipation as finally getting to try Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken. Having heard rave reviews, we made it our mission to experience this unique dining venue as soon as possible. The moment we completed our muster drill and were free to roam the ship, our path led directly to Deck 9, eager to sample the legendary offerings.
The buzz surrounding Big Chicken is palpable, and for good reason. My husband’s first bite of the MDE (Most Dominant Ever) chicken sandwich was met with an emphatic declaration: “This is damn good chicken!” Simultaneously, a table nearby erupted in similar exclamations of delight – a chorus of “yes,” “mmmmmm,” and “yummmmmmm,” all echoing the same sentiment: this chicken is truly exceptional. It’s rare to witness such universal approval, but Big Chicken consistently delivers an experience that unites diners in their appreciation for its bold and satisfying flavors. Every person seemed captivated by the epic quality of their chicken sandwiches, already planning their return visit.
When you step into Big Chicken, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re entering an atmosphere designed for big fun and even bigger taste. The restaurant embodies Shaq’s playful yet powerful persona, promising a culinary adventure filled with “big bold flavors, big food, and big fun.”
Exploring the Delicious Shaq’s Big Chicken Menu
The menu at Big Chicken is a testament to quality and flavor, meticulously crafted to ensure every bite is a memorable one. Guests have the option of choosing between dark or white meat, and for those who prefer a lighter touch, grilled chicken is readily available upon request. What truly sets their chicken apart is the preparation. The team dedicated countless hours to perfecting a unique blend of spices and a dual wet and dry battering process. This technique results in an incredibly crispy skin that maintains its crunch, even when paired with the most robust barbecue sauces.
Moreover, Big Chicken is committed to using only exclusive Naked Truth Premium Chicken. This dedication to quality means the chicken is preservative-free, humanely raised, and guaranteed to be free of cages, hormones, and antibiotics. This commitment to ethical sourcing and premium ingredients elevates the entire dining experience, ensuring a product that is not only delicious but also responsibly prepared.
Signature Crispy Chicken Sandwiches
- M.D.E. (The Most Dominant Ever): This is the sandwich that started it all, living up to its name. Featuring a perfectly crispy chicken fillet, it’s elevated by Shaq’s signature sauce – a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet concoction – and crisp pickles. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying combination that truly lets the quality of the chicken shine.
- Uncle Jerome: For those who crave a fiery kick, the Uncle Jerome is your go-to. This sandwich features Nashville Hot Chicken, delivering a spicy punch that’s perfectly balanced with cool, crisp lettuce, a generous slather of mayonnaise, and tangy pickles to cut through the heat.
- Shaq Attack: This sandwich is an explosion of flavor. It combines a juicy chicken fillet with melted pepper jack cheese, a vibrant jalapeño slaw for a fresh crunch and a hint of spice, and a zesty, spicy chipotle BBQ sauce that ties all the elements together into a harmonious, bold bite.
- The Big Aristotle: Named after Shaq’s legendary nickname, this sandwich is a masterpiece of savory indulgence. It features creamy Muenster cheese, delightfully crispy fried onions for texture, savory bacon, and a rich, sweet & smoky Memphis BBQ sauce that offers a comforting, deeply satisfying flavor profile.
- Chicken Strips: For a more classic and versatile option, the hand-breaded 2 oz chicken strips are served with a side of perfectly seasoned fries. These strips are ideal for sharing or for those who prefer a simpler chicken experience.
Delightful Sides
- Potato Salad: A creamy and comforting classic side, perfectly seasoned to complement the rich flavors of the chicken.
- House-made Sweet and Spicy Pickles: These aren’t just any pickles; they’re specially crafted to offer a tantalizing balance of sweetness and heat, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the fried chicken.
- Jalapeño Slaw: A crisp, vibrant slaw with a spicy kick from jalapeños, adding a fresh and zesty crunch to your meal.
Signature Sauces
Shaquille O’Neal’s deep affection for barbecue, inspired by various regional styles from around the globe, is reflected in the diverse and delicious range of sauces available to enhance your Big Chicken experience.
- Shaq Sauce: The signature sauce, a creamy and tangy blend that perfectly complements all chicken offerings.
- Buffalo Hot: For the spice enthusiasts, a classic hot buffalo sauce that delivers a satisfying fiery punch.
- BBQ Ranch: A creamy fusion of smoky barbecue and zesty ranch, offering a familiar yet elevated flavor.
- Memphis BBQ: A sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, embodying the rich culinary traditions of Memphis.
All-Day Breakfast Delights
Big Chicken understands that the craving for a hearty breakfast can strike at any time. That’s why their breakfast menu is served from 7 am to 3 pm, offering a range of comforting options to start your day or satisfy a late-morning craving.
- Chicken & Biscuit: A golden, flaky biscuit paired with crispy chicken and drizzled with a sweet and savory chili honey glaze syrup. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and heat.
- Biscuit & Egg: A classic breakfast staple featuring a warm biscuit, your choice of sausage or bacon, a perfectly cooked egg, and melty cheese. A simple yet satisfying way to fuel your day.
- Three Cheese Omelet: A fluffy omelet packed with a delicious blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Swiss cheeses, offering a cheesy, savory start to your morning.
It’s worth noting that the “Shaq Daddy” sandwich, which once featured Swiss cheese, country ham, and Carolina honey mustard BBQ sauce, is no longer served on the Carnival Radiance. While you might encounter it mentioned on older menus, the staff confirmed its removal. This illustrates how Big Chicken continuously refines its menu to offer the best and most current selections.
Beyond the delicious food, the Big Chicken restaurant area offers a charming, dedicated seating space. This area is not just for eating; it’s an extension of the Shaq experience, adorned with fantastic photos and even impressions of Shaq’s legendary hands. Attempting to fit my hand into Shaq’s imprint was a humbling reminder of his immense stature, showcasing just how much fun and larger-than-life presence the “Chief Fun Officer” brings to the entire Carnival Cruise Line experience.
Indeed, a visit to Shaq’s Big Chicken on Carnival Cruise Ships is an essential part of the vacation experience. It’s an opportunity to indulge in a hot, perfectly crafted chicken sandwich that truly stands out among cruise dining options.
Big Chicken Beyond the Ship: Where to Find Shaq’s Signature Flavors
For those not planning a Carnival Cruise anytime soon, the good news is that Shaq’s Big Chicken has expanded its footprint significantly across the United States. Shaquille O’Neal’s vision for his restaurant brand extends far beyond the cruise deck, making his signature flavors accessible to a broader audience. You can find Big Chicken in various land-based locations, each bringing the same commitment to quality and bold taste.
Prominent locations include the vibrant city of Las Vegas, known for its diverse culinary scene. Sports fans can also catch Big Chicken at major arenas, such as Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, home of the New York Islanders, offering a delicious upgrade to typical concession fare. In California, Glendale, near Los Angeles, hosts another popular outpost.
The brand continues its rapid expansion, with additional locations spanning numerous states:
- Arizona: Tempe and Gilbert
- Arkansas: Fayetteville
- California: Glendale, Valencia, and North Hollywood
- Florida: Orlando and Doral
- Illinois: Rosemont
- Louisiana: North Baton Rouge
- Maryland: Baltimore
- Missouri: Kansas City International Airport (making travel delicious!)
- New York: UBS Arena and a ghost kitchen location in Rochester, allowing convenient delivery through your favorite food apps.
- Nevada: Las Vegas, Carson City, Minden
- Ohio: Miamisburg
- Pennsylvania: Philadelphia and Tannersville
- Tennessee: Chattanooga
- Texas: Austin, Houston, Richmond, Lubbock
- Washington: Climate Pledge Arena, Renton, Mukilteo, Shoreline
This widespread availability is a testament to the brand’s success and the universal appeal of its menu. Shaquille O’Neal collaborated closely with Chef Matt Silverman to meticulously craft the epic menu that diners enjoy today. Their creative partnership even led to a limited-edition chicken sandwich once named in honor of NBA legend Charles Barkley, highlighting the fun and camaraderie embedded in the Big Chicken ethos.
And for those truly dedicated fans who can’t reach a physical location, there’s still a way to enjoy the goodness: head over to GoldBelly! This fantastic service allows you to have some Big Chicken’s renowned offerings shipped directly to your doorstep, ensuring you never miss out on Shaq’s delicious creations.
Our Personal Review: Hits, Misses, and Must-Try Items
As avid food enthusiasts and cruise lovers, we approached Big Chicken with high expectations, hoping to fall in love with every item on the menu. While the experience was largely positive, particularly in some key areas, there were a few aspects that didn’t quite hit the mark for us.
The clear winners were the lunch sandwiches. Each one we sampled was genuinely delicious, offering distinct flavor profiles and satisfying portions. My husband, in particular, thoroughly enjoyed every bite of his various chicken sandwich choices, praising their crispiness and well-balanced ingredients. The quality of the chicken itself, combined with the expertly crafted sauces and fresh toppings, made for an outstanding lunchtime meal.
Where the experience took a slight dip was with the breakfast offerings. Our first attempt at a Big Chicken breakfast was around 10 am. Unfortunately, the biscuits by that time had become notably hard and crunchy, losing their desirable flaky texture. Furthermore, the staff seemed to struggle with separating cheese pieces from a large block, resulting in haphazardly placed chunks rather than evenly melted slices. This minor detail impacted the overall presentation and consistency of the breakfast sandwiches.
On our second breakfast visit, we made sure to arrive within an hour of opening, hoping for fresher biscuits. While they were indeed softer and more palatable, the breakfast sandwiches still didn’t quite capture our hearts. In comparison to other excellent breakfast options available on the Carnival Radiance, we found ourselves preferring alternatives. For instance, the savory breakfast burritos at Blue Iguana Cantina or the more traditional offerings in the main dining room provided a more consistently enjoyable breakfast experience for our tastes.
A practical tip for future diners: Big Chicken serves everything in convenient plastic bowls. While functional, if you plan on indulging in multiple sandwiches or piling on those truly epic French fries, it can be a little challenging to manage everything. We recommend grabbing a larger plate from the Lido Buffet, which is typically just a short walk away towards the back of the ship. This simple trick will make it much easier to balance your delicious feast and enjoy your meal without any spills or juggling acts.
Without a doubt, my absolute favorite item on the entire Big Chicken menu was the French fries. They were perfectly crispy, well-seasoned, and utterly addictive. Given the opportunity, I would happily enjoy them every single day of the cruise! My husband, on the other hand, remained a staunch advocate for the MDE chicken sandwich, consistently returning to this “Most Dominant Ever” creation.
More Carnival Cruise Culinary Adventures
The culinary landscape on a Carnival Cruise is vast and varied, offering something for every palate. If you enjoyed this dive into Big Chicken, you might be interested in exploring other fantastic dining venues and experiences aboard Carnival ships:
- Cucina Del Capitano: Savor authentic Italian flavors in a family-style setting.
- Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse: Indulge in an upscale dining experience with premium cuts and elegant ambiance.
- Blue Iguana Cantina: Enjoy fresh, customizable Mexican favorites like tacos and burritos.
- Guy’s Burger Joint: Experience the legendary, flavorful burgers crafted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
- The Chef’s Table: A truly exclusive, intimate, and elaborate dining experience for discerning foodies.
- Bonsai Sushi: Delight in fresh, expertly prepared sushi and sashimi.
For a comprehensive guide to all things Carnival dining and more, be sure to check out all of our dedicated Carnival Cruise Articles. Happy cruising and bon appétit!