CHiKN

3712 Forbes Ave Unit 3, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
+1 412-438-8362
$$$ Restaurant
(987 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to CHiKN, where the essence of Southern comfort food meets the vibrant atmosphere of Pittsburgh's University district. This restaurant is a must-visit for fried chicken enthusiasts and anyone looking to savor the culinary delights of Nashville-style chicken.

At CHiKN, the focus is on delivering mouthwatering chicken dishes that redefine fast food. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the Nashville Style Hand-Breaded Crispy Chicken Tenders. Available in baskets of three or five and served with a tangy Southern Comeback Dipping Sauce and fresh dill pickles, these tenders are not just a meal; they are an experience. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to perfectly juicy chicken within—a flavor explosion that you won't soon forget.

If you’re in the mood for something truly indulgent, don't miss out on the Chikn & Waffles. This delightful dish comes with homemade waffles accompanied by Nashville-style chicken tenders, topped generously with Creamy Honey Butter and Maple Syrup. Imagine the sweet and savory symphony of flavors dancing on your palate, a nostalgic reminder of comfort food at its best. Priced at just $12, this plate is a steal for what it delivers.

The ambiance at CHiKN captures the spirit of the South—casual yet vibrant, making it the perfect spot to kick back with friends or grab a quick bite between classes. There's something undeniably inviting about the place; it feels like home, where everyone is welcome. Families, students, and food lovers alike gather to enjoy these crispy delights, fostering an air of camaraderie that is felt in every corner of the restaurant.

But don’t just take my word for it—customers rave about their visits! One diner, Suman Hazra, described his experience with the hot spice level as “excruciatingly hot yet delicious,” a testament to the vibrant flavor profiles that CHiKN offers. Others, like Geneva Williams, lauded the quality of the fried chicken and the mac and cheese, noting that it was some of the best they’d ever had. Despite a few minor criticisms regarding the cleanliness, the warm and helpful staff leave a lasting impression on visitors.

For those who prefer to enjoy their meal in the comfort of their home, CHiKN also offers speedy take-out services. Just be cautious with the transport—like Kate Ceraso experienced, some dishes are better enjoyed hot and fresh from the fryer. However, the efficiency of service ensures that your cravings will be satisfied in no time.

In summary, CHiKN is more than just a spot to grab a quick bite; it's a culinary escape into the world of Southern-style fried chicken that keeps patrons coming back for more. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, every moment spent here is bound to fill you with joy and tantalize your taste buds. Make your way to 3712 Forbes Ave Unit 3 and discover the crispy, juicy goodness that is CHiKN!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Paid street parking
Difficult to find a space
Openings Hours

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 03:00 AM

Friday

11:00 AM - 03:00 AM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 03:00 AM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

987 Reviews
Suman Hazra

06 Nov 2025

The chicken tenders legit made me cry. I got the chicken tenders with the hot spice level, which was a big mistake. The spice rub on the hot chickens was excruciatingly hot and made my tongue burn and numb for a long time. I literally had to chug water every time. I took a bite. The tenders itself were nice and moist. I’ll definitely be back, but this time I’ll order the mild or medium hot. My friend got the waffles and chicken, and those were pretty good too according to him.

Andrew

03 Oct 2025

It’s fried chicken, can’t get much simpler. Chicken was good, served its purpose. Additional condiments would be nice for customers who ate in.

Jon Rackson

01 Oct 2025

Right in the heart of Pittsburgh University campus, the long awaited visit to this spot did not disappoint. I fully understand what they got going on. The chicken is just good and you can get it anyway….from southern to really hot, nuggets, tenders or sandwich ….modern menu , very simple. Worth visiting at least once.

Kate Ceraso

25 Sep 2025

Ordered take out on a Friday night. Food was made very quickly and nothing was forgotten! Food was good but didn’t travel well, would’ve been better eaten fresh in the restaurant. We got the chicken and waffles and tenders with mild seasoning. The tenders were very good. We got banana pudding for dessert, I would not get it again but it was okay. The employees were helpful.

Geneva Williams

11 Aug 2025

My husband and I got tenders (southern heat) and mac and cheese. The chicken was some of the best fried chicken we've had, the mac was very good for "fast food." My husband also liked the banana pudding. Everyone was friendly enough, the only negative with this location is it could use a little cleaning. But overall, I would recommend this place to someone who hasn't been.

Ulyana K

08 Aug 2025

Really good chicken shop. I can’t comment too much about their spicy chicken varieties but I’ve heard those are very good. I did get to try their Southern chicken tenders with their in house sauce and their ranch as well as their chocolate chip cookies. The chicken itself was very good. Breaded nicely. Still a nice, tender texture on the inside and crispy on the outside. The Southern wasn’t spicy at all, which is what I wanted. The two sauces were pretty good too. Ranch was relatively standard but tasty. I’m not sure if it’s made in house but props to them if it is. The other sauce was also pretty solid, a bit sweeter, a bit strange, but still good. I had originally ordered the banana pudding, but they were out, so they gave me 2 chocolate chip cookies instead. Generous of them! The cookies were very good, a great size, and filled with plenty of chocolate. Great price, portion, and quality. All in all, I’d come back here. Very tasty chicken and nice desserts for a reasonable price. I believe they may even have milkshakes, which would be great to try.

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