Shaq’s Big Chicken on Carnival Mardi Gras: Honest Review, Tips & What to Order
I finally tried Shaq’s Big Chicken on the Carnival Mardi Gras, and it was worth the hype — juicy, peppery fried chicken that totally hit the spot. The sandwiches are massive, the tenders look great, and the fries are more like crispy chips. The potato salad was a miss, but with a quick run to Guy’s Burger Joint for lettuce and pickles, I built my own “deluxe” sandwich that was cruise-food perfection.
“The sandwiches are massive”
Shaquille O’Neal’s “Big Chicken” on the Carnival Mardi Gras is a complementary fast-casual restaurant located on deck 16 (Lido deck) in the aft of the ship
No matter if you prefer strips or a full sandwich, Shaq’s Big Chicken has something for everyone.
They’ve got “Big Food, big flavor, big fun!”
My Honest Review of Shaq’s Big Chicken on the Carnival Mardi Gras
If you’re sailing on the Carnival Mardi Gras and love fried chicken, you’ll definitely want to check out Shaq’s Big Chicken. It’s one of the most popular free dining spots on the ship — and for good reason. This was my first time trying it, and I walked away with plenty of thoughts, both good and not-so-good
Before my cruise, I’d seen tons of people online hyping it up, calling it a “must-try.” So naturally, I made it one of my first stops after boarding. Here’s my honest, first-hand take on the food, the flavors, and a little hack that made my sandwich even better.
Bun
Toasted to perfection, the brioche bun offers a faint sweet, buttery hint and a delightful light crispness that supports, rather than overwhelms, the main event: your juicy, Southern fried chicken.
Chicken Breast
A massive, hand-breaded fillet, fried golden for a maximum, shatteringly crisp crunch that seals in the unbelievably juicy, Southern-spiced meat or Nashville-Hot.
Toppings
- Pepperjack Cheese
-
Muenster Cheese
-
Shaq Sauce
-
Mayonnaise (Mayo)
-
Spicy BBQ Sauce
-
Jalapeño Slaw
-
Pickles
NAKED TRUTH® Premium Chicken
First Impressions: Big Flavor and Big Portions
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Let’s start with the good stuff: the chicken sandwiches are huge. We’re talking thick, juicy chicken breasts that completely cover the bun. The first bite sealed the deal for me — it was tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Also available in Nashville Hot or Grilled. Each heavenly piece of chicken i Shaq’s exclusive:
Our exclusive NAKED TRUTH® Premium Chicken is preservative free
and humanely raised with no cages, no hormones and no antibiotics
EVER for Shaq-sized flavor that’s oh so good.
Southern Style Breading
The breading was what really won me over. It has that Southern-style seasoning, full of black pepper and just the right amount of spice. You can tell they’ve nailed the recipe because it doesn’t taste overly greasy or heavy. It’s comfort food that hits the sweet spot between crunchy and juicy.
If you’re expecting a small, cruise-ship-style sandwich, think again. These things could easily compete with some of the top chicken chains on land.
A Bit Sparse on the Toppings
Now, here’s where things could improve — the topping options. The sandwiches come pretty plain, and if you’re like me and enjoy your sandwich loaded with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, you might feel a little underwhelmed.
Want a Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich?
That’s where my pro tip comes in:
👉 Head over to Guy’s Burger Joint, which is nearby, and grab lettuce, tomato, and their crunchy pickles from the self-serve toppings bar. Bring them back to Big Chicken and build your own “deluxe” chicken sandwich. Trust me, it takes things to another level.
Once I added those extras, my sandwich went from simple to seriously amazing — juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a perfect balance of textures.
The Chicken Tenders Looked Tempting Too
Even though I focused on the sandwiches, I couldn’t help noticing the chicken tenders coming out of the kitchen. They looked golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned — a great option for kids or anyone who prefers smaller bites.
Next time I’m on board, those tenders are on my list. They looked like the kind of snack you could easily enjoy poolside with a drink in hand.
Fries That Are More Like Potato Chips
Here’s a fun twist — the fries at Big Chicken aren’t your standard thick-cut fries. They’re actually thin and crispy, almost like potato chips. At first, I was surprised, but after a few bites, I appreciated the crunch.
They’re light, salty, and a nice contrast to the juicy chicken. If you’re expecting big, soft fries like you get at Guy’s, this might catch you off guard. But if you like that crispy, kettle-chip texture, you’ll be a fan.
My prefered fries are the one you get from the Carnival Deli on the Conquest Class Ships. Unfortunatley, Carnival Mardi Gras doesn’t have Carnival Deli, they have The deli on the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship is called Piazza Panini. It is located on deck 8 in the La Piazza neighborhood.
The Sides & Toppings: Some Hits, Some Misses
Unfortunately, the sides didn’t impress me as much as the main items.
- The potato salad looked creamy, but it turned out to be soupy and lacked that hearty, chunky texture I like in a good potato salad.
- The coleslaw had a jalapeño flavor, which gave it a kick of spice. I can see this being a hit for people who love heat, but since I’m not a big fan of spicy food, it wasn’t really my thing.
If I were to order again, I’d skip the sides altogether and stick to the main attractions — the chicken sandwiches or tenders.
Service and Atmosphere
Service was quick and friendly, which I really appreciated. The line moved fast, and the staff kept things upbeat and efficient even during busy lunch hours. The casual, grab-and-go setup fits perfectly with Carnival’s fun, relaxed vibe.
There’s plenty of seating nearby, so it’s easy to enjoy your meal by the pool or take it to another deck if you want a quieter spot.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Hype?
So, is Shaq’s Big Chicken worth the buzz? Yes — especially for the chicken itself. The flavor, portion size, and crispiness are all top-notch. The sides and toppings could use some improvement, but the main course more than makes up for it.
Would I eat there again? Absolutely. In fact, I’d probably go back multiple times during the cruise. Next time, I’ll know to bring my own “deluxe” toppings and skip the sides.
It’s not perfect, but for a free dining option at sea, it’s one of the best you’ll find — and definitely a fun way to enjoy a little bit of Shaq’s personality and flavor onboard.
You might also like my guide on Cucina Del Capitano. Free at lunch, and free your first visit on Carnival Mardi Gras.
Cruise Dining Scorecard: Shaq’s Big Chicken on Carnival Mardi Gras
| Category | Rating (out of 10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taste & Quality | 9/10 | Juicy chicken, well-seasoned breading |
| Variety & Menu Options | 6/10 | Limited toppings and sides |
| Service Speed & Staff | 9/10 | Friendly and fast service |
| Atmosphere & Convenience | 8/10 | Casual and fun; poolside location |
| Overall Value | 9/10 | Free dining and generous portions |
⭐ Overall Score: 8.2 / 10