Big Chicken at the Carnival Radiance
Big Chicken on Carnival Radiance, helmed by Shaquille O’Neal, serves crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and fries, perfect for a quick bite. Shaq’s Big Chicken on Carnival Radiance is where crispy dreams come true! From spicy sandwiches to unique fries, every bite’s a win! #BigChicken #CarnivalRadiance #CruiseEats
As part of my food journey on the Carnival Radiance, I had to stop by Big Chicken, the brainchild of Carnival’s “Chief Fun Officer” himself, Shaquille O’Neal. Think of it as a chicken-focused version of Guy’s Burgers, with all the charm and crispy deliciousness you’d expect from Shaq. This spot serves breakfast and lunch counter-style, all included in your cruise fare, making it the ideal stop for a quick bite throughout the day. With a menu that’s straightforward yet surprisingly good, Big Chicken turned out to be one of my go-tos for a quick but satisfying meal.
Classic Menu with a Shaq Twist
The menu at Big Chicken keeps things simple and direct – primarily chicken sandwiches and tenders, with a unique morning twist: three breakfast items, including a chicken-and-biscuit sandwich, a bacon (or sausage) egg-and-cheese biscuit, and a classic cheese omelette. This morning service runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is a game-changer because it allows you to grab breakfast late into lunch hours. It’s a level of flexibility that I wish was more common on other cruise lines.
Lunch service starts from 7 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m., so you can even grab fries with your morning coffee if that’s your thing. And these aren’t just any fries – they’re wide-cut yet thin enough to stay perfectly crispy. They might look like steak fries but have a unique texture that’s golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Even if you’re not a fan of steak fries (like me), you’ll probably enjoy these! They’re so good that it’s worth a stop at Big Chicken just to enjoy these fries with some of Shaq’s signature sauces.
Must-try Sandwiches and Sides
Big Chicken offers four sandwiches to choose from, plus chicken tenders and, of course, those addictive fries. We managed to try all four sandwiches, and each had a distinct personality. My favourite was the Shaq Attack, loaded with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slaw, and spicy chipotle BBQ sauce – a bold mix of spicy and tangy flavours that works beautifully. The Shaq Daddy adds Swiss cheese, country ham, and Carolina honey mustard BBQ sauce, while the M.D.E. (Most Dominant Ever) kept things straightforward with Shaq sauce and pickles. Then there’s the Big Aristotle, a sweeter option with Muenster cheese, crispy onions, bacon, and Memphis BBQ sauce.
While the sandwiches were good, the chicken fingers stole the show for me. Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavour, they were addictive and perfect for snacking. I recommend asking for a double portion, as a regular order only includes two tenders – and trust me, you’ll want more. The self-serve condiments bar is also a nice touch, with options like pickles, jalapeño slaw, and potato salad, plus four dipping sauces: Memphis BBQ, Shaq sauce, Buffalo hot, and BBQ ranch. The jalapeño slaw adds a nice, fresh crunch to the sandwiches, while the sauces provide a range of options for dipping or spicing up your meal.
Flexible Dining Hours Make It Convenient
One of the best parts of Big Chicken is its extended hours compared to other food spots on the Radiance. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick breakfast before a shore excursion or a late lunch after lounging by the pool, Big Chicken is open and ready to serve. It’s not meant for a full sit-down lunch or dinner experience, but it’s perfect for quick and tasty meals or snacks. After all, this is a spot where you can stop by for a quick chicken finger or fries every time you pass by – almost like grabbing a swirl from the soft-serve machine.
Final Verdict
Big Chicken was a delightful surprise and is perfect for those times when you want something quick but full of flavour. Shaq’s sandwiches are hearty and creative, but if you’re like me, you’ll keep coming back for the fries and tenders. The fries’ unique texture and the variety of sauces make every bite a bit of a mini celebration. So, if you’re cruising on Carnival Radiance, be sure to check out Big Chicken – Shaq’s got you covered for a satisfying snack or quick meal any time of the day!
