Mama's Chicken Kitchen Dining Room
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Mama's Chicken Kitchen

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A Gatlinburg favorite serving up award-winning, crispy fried chicken and comforting homemade Southern sides in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Mama's Chicken Kitchen Dining Room

Mama's Chicken Kitchen

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Gatlinburg favorite serving up award-winning, crispy fried chicken and comforting homemade Southern sides in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

"The BEST fried chicken! Generous portions with incredible flavor. Some of the best fried chicken we've ever had!"

TIP

Try the Wings

Explore fan-favorite wings in flavors like Buffalo, Honey-Glazed, or Kickin' Bourbon.

Consider a Bucket

Order a bucket of fried chicken for a family meal or picnic in the National Park.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

American (Southern)

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(865) 412-1333

Address

1244 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Fried Chicken

Award-Winning Fried Chicken

Juicy and crispy fried chicken is the star, praised for incredible flavor and generous portions.

Top 7 Places to Get Lunch in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg - Smoky Mountain NavigatorTop 7 Quick Places to Eat in GatlinburgThings to do in Gatlinburg, TN+2
Comforting Homemade Sides

Comforting Homemade Sides

Creamy mashed potatoes, flavorful biscuits with peach jam, and mac & cheese are highly recommended.

Top 7 Quick Places to Eat in GatlinburgGoogle Review+2
Flavorful Chicken Wings

Flavorful Chicken Wings

Wings offered in a variety of sauces, from classic Buffalo to Kickin' Bourbon, are a fan favorite.

Top 7 Places to Get Lunch in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg - Smoky Mountain NavigatorThings to do in Gatlinburg, TNGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Try the Wings

Explore fan-favorite wings in flavors like Buffalo, Honey-Glazed, or Kickin' Bourbon.

Consider a Bucket

Order a bucket of fried chicken for a family meal or picnic in the National Park.

Visit Off-Peak Hours

Dine during off-peak times for quicker service, as the restaurant can get busy.

Pet-Friendly Patio

Enjoy outdoor seating with your pet if that's important for your dining experience.

Tips

from all over the internet

Try the Wings

Explore fan-favorite wings in flavors like Buffalo, Honey-Glazed, or Kickin' Bourbon.

Consider a Bucket

Order a bucket of fried chicken for a family meal or picnic in the National Park.

Visit Off-Peak Hours

Dine during off-peak times for quicker service, as the restaurant can get busy.

Pet-Friendly Patio

Enjoy outdoor seating with your pet if that's important for your dining experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mama's Chicken Kitchen is celebrated for its exceptionally flavorful and juicy fried chicken, generous portions, and delicious homemade sides like mac & cheese and biscuits. While many praise the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, some diners have noted issues with inconsistency in chicken crispiness and occasional long waits during peak times, with a few experiencing specific dish disappointments.

"The BEST fried chicken! Generous portions with incredible flavor. Some of the best fried chicken we've ever had! The chicken and dumplins was delicious, hand-mashed potatoes with homemade gravy to die for, and the cinnamon apples rounded it all out with a sweet treat. Also, the homemade jams for the biscuits is amazing! The staff was incredibly friendly. It felt like being home!"

Whitney Breweur

"This is my first visit to Gatlinburg, I was given a recommendation to come and try the local eateries in town, and Mama's was definitely suggested. The chicken didn't disappoint. The chicken was flavorful, the biscuits were delicious, and the mac and cheese was just like it was suggested for me to try it out. I like to find the local spots and show love to the mom and pop spots. This restaurant is definitely a must stop when or if you're in the area."

Mr. B.A.

"Portions were huge! Loved the Mac n cheese - wow! Biscuit was buttery and came with jam. Chicken and dumplings were great - doughy and tasted like biscuit gravy. I ordered the chicken tenders but they were dry. :/ Otherwise, this would’ve been a 5/5!!"

Stephanie Turner

What People Like

Juicy and crispy fried chicken
Homemade comfort food sides
Generous portion sizes

What People Dislike

Inconsistent chicken crispiness
Occasional long waits
Certain dishes can be bland

Frequently Asked Questions

Mama's Chicken Kitchen is most famous for its award-winning, juicy, and crispy fried chicken, as well as its delicious homemade Southern sides.

Top 7 Places to Get Lunch in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg - Smoky Mountain NavigatorTop 7 Quick Places to Eat in GatlinburgThings to do in Gatlinburg, TN+1

Popular sides include creamy mashed potatoes with gravy, flavorful biscuits with peach jam, macaroni and cheese, French fries, and green beans.

Top 7 Quick Places to Eat in GatlinburgGoogle Review+2

Yes, you can order a bucket of fried chicken and sides to go, which is perfect for picnics.

5 of the Best Kid-Friendly Smoky Mountain Restaurants27 Tasty Gatlinburg Restaurants To Satisfy Your Appetite

While not explicitly listed, their menu focuses on fried items and traditional sides, so gluten-free options may be limited. It's best to inquire directly.

Yes, Mama's Chicken Kitchen is considered kid-friendly and offers a welcoming atmosphere for families to enjoy comfort food.

5 of the Best Kid-Friendly Smoky Mountain Restaurants6 Kid Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg, TN That You’ll Love5 of the Best Places to Eat in Gatlinburg TN for Families

Fan-favorite wing flavors include Buffalo, Salt and Vinegar, Honey-Glazed, Mountain Style, Parmesan and Garlic, Teriyaki, and Kickin' Bourbon.

Top 7 Places to Get Lunch in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg - Smoky Mountain Navigator

The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, so visiting during off-peak times is recommended for quicker service.

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You haven’t vacationed to the South until you’ve enjoyed some fried chicken from Mama’s Chicken Kitchen, so make sure to pick up a bucket of it when you’re at Mama’s!. Their fan-favorite wings come in a variety of flavors, including Buffalo, Salt and Vinegar, Honey-Glazed, Mountain Style, Parmesan and Garlic, Teriyaki or Kickin’ Bourbon. Now that you know the best places to get lunch in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you can begin planning where you want to visit on your trip to the Smokies!

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Located at 1244 East Parkway, Mama’s Chicken Kitchen is about a five-minute drive from the heart of the Gatlinburg strip. Even though my love for fried chicken is not as great as it once was (a coronary bypass can and should change one’s dietary habits), if you’re a fan of the fried bird, you’ll love Mama’s Chicken. To be honest, I’m more partial to the Colonel’s recipe, but there’s a lot to love about the way the folks at Mama’s do it.

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Enjoy delicious Southern-style comfort food at Mama's Chicken Kitchen, a beloved eatery in Gatlinburg known for its mouthwatering fried chicken. This family-friendly restaurant offers hearty, home-cooked meals in a warm atmosphere, making it the perfect stop for locals and visitors alike. Whether for lunch or dinner, Mama's Chicken Kitchen is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.

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For comfort food lovers visiting Gatlinburg, Mama’s Chicken Kitchen is a must-visit while you’re in town. Offering classic fried chicken, brined and fried until juicy and crispy, with a wide variety of handmade sides, it’s easy to create your ideal meal at Mama’s. They also offer fried chicken buckets with homemade biscuits, big enough to feed a group, and bone-in or boneless fried chicken wings.

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If you’re looking for award-winning fried chicken, this kid-friendly Smoky Mountain restaurant is the place to go!. In addition to some delicious plated options, Mama’s Chicken Kitchen also offers 8, 12, and 20 piece chicken bucket meals to go. You and your family can take your bucket back to your cabin or drive a few miles to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy your lunch there.

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This kid friendly restaurant in Gatlinburg is sure to give you a taste of southern comfort. Mama’s Chicken Kitchen serves classic dishes such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and buttery biscuits. If you are tired after a long day at the pool or hiking and want a more laid back meal, consider eating family style at home with Mama’s Chicken Kitchen’s “Cluck It To Go” meal.

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Mama’s Chicken Kitchen is the sister restaurant to Mama’s Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge, a family-style restaurant. A member of the Johnson Family of Restaurants, Mama’s Chicken Kitchen does things a little differently than its Pigeon Forge counterpart. At Chicken Kitchen in Gatlinburg, the chicken and sides are served by the plate or by the bucket if you order to go.

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For a classic southern meal, Mama’s Chicken Kitchen is one of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN for families. You can order a bucket of chicken that includes drums, thighs, breasts, and wings to share with the whole family. You’ll also find meals on the menu, including chicken tenders, leg and thigh, fried chicken livers, chicken and dumplings, and more.

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If you’re in the South, you’ve got to stop somewhere for delicious Southern fried chicken. At Mama’s, you can get chicken and sides by the plate if you’re dining in and by the bucket if you’re getting carryout. The dine-in menu includes wings, salads, and scrumptious sides, but it’s also the perfect meal for a picnic in the Smokies.

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