A trip to the South wouldn’t be complete without a warm, mouth-watering fried chicken meal! Tennessee is famous for many things, from country music to the Smoky Mountains, but we’re also known nationwide for our ability to fry our chicken perfectly, every time. If you’re hoping to try some for yourself on your next trip to the Smokies, we have a few recommendations. Here are the 5 best restaurants in Pigeon Forge to get Southern fried chicken:
1. Mama’s Farmhouse
When you hear someone say “Just like Mama made it,” they were probably talking about Mama’s Farmhouse! Mama’s Farmhouse is known for producing some of the best Southern country cooking in the Smokies and has even won awards for their buttermilk biscuits. When it comes to their fried chicken, Mama’s never disappoints! After spending years crafting their recipe, Mama’s cooks their chicken to perfection every time and uses their special blend of spices to give it an unbelievable flavor.
2. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
You can’t talk fried chicken without talking about the queen of country cooking herself! Paula Deen has been serving up amazing fried chicken ever since her start on The Food Network, and her Pigeon Forge restaurant, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen has implemented that recipe in its family style meals. Whether you’re ordering The Albany with 2 meats or The Savannah with 3 meats, make sure you get at least one order of the Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken. If you want to learn Paula’s recipe for yourself, stop by the gift shop on your way out and pick up one of her cookbooks.
3. Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant
At Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, you can have fried chicken for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! If you’re an early riser, try the Fried Chicken and Apple Jacks from their breakfast menu. This filling meal consists of two Apple Jack pancakes topped with Tennessee whiskey-fried apples and crispy fried chicken, smothered in whiskey syrup. On their lunch and dinner menu, check out their Music City Hot Chicken Sandwich or the classic Southern Fried Chicken with your favorite sides. Since the 1950s, Puckett’s has been perfecting their fried chicken so you can count on a good meal!
4. Miss Lillian’s Smokehouse in Dollywood
Believe it or not, Dollywood is known for more than just their thrilling roller coasters and award-winning shows. If you head to Craftsman’s Valley inside the park you’ll come across Miss Lillian’s Smokehouse. Here you’ll find all kids of amazing Southern dishes in an All-You-Care-To-Eat buffet! Try their smoked roast beef and carved ham, but make sure you save room on your plate for Miss Lillian’s fried chicken. This crunchy, perfectly seasoned dish will leave you returning for seconds! While it may be located in a theme park, Miss Lillian’s is easily one of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge to get authentic Southern fried chicken.
5. The Old Mill Restaurant
The Old Mill Restaurant has a whole menu dedicated to Southern Fried Specialties, so you know their fried chicken is going to be delicious! From Southern Fried Chicken, Country Fried Chicken, Chicken Tenders and more, people love the plethora of chicken dishes the Old Mill Restaurant offers. There are even chicken dishes available to your little ones on the kids menu, including Fried Chicken Tenders, Fried Chicken Legs, and Chicken and Dumplings.
Now that you know all of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge to get Southern fried chicken, you can start planning where you want to eat on your next Smokies vacation. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the area guide and learn about other fun restaurants and attractions you can visit!