Dave's Hot Chicken Menu
Prices & Calories 2026
The full Dave's Hot Chicken menu features Nashville-style tenders, sliders, Hot Mozz, sides, shakes, and slushers β all customizable across seven spice levels. Below is the complete menu with updated 2026 prices and calories for every item, plus customization tips and a detail page for each one.
It Started With Just $900
In 2017, three childhood friends launched Dave's as a pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot with just $900 in their pockets. Today it's grown into one of the fastest-growing hot chicken brands in North America with 900+ locations.
Last updated: June 2026. This is the complete Dave's Hot Chicken menu with pricesfor 2026 across the USA β tenders, sliders, combos, Hot Mozz, the cauliflower "Dave's NOT Chicken" line, sides, shakes, and slushers. Every item has its own detail page covering exactly how much it costs, its calories, ingredients, allergens, spice levels, and FAQs β including the kids-friendly No Spice option. Whether you're a first-timer choosing between Mild and Medium or a Reaper regular, this Dave's Hot Chicken menu guide helps you order smarter and faster.
Dave's Meals
Dave's Meals are the official named combos straight from the Dave's Hot Chicken menu β numbered meals, signature bundles, and the Spicy Buffalo Mac line. Every tender is served with sliced bread, pickles, and Dave's Sauce; every slider comes on a potato bun with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave's Sauce.
Dave's Big Trio
A trio of Hot Mozz, Dave's Bites, and Mini Sliders β served BIG with your choice of three dipping sauces.
Dave's #1: 2 Tenders w/ Fries
Tenders served with sliced bread, pickles, and a side of Dave's Sauce. Classic Nashville done right.
Dave's #2: 2 Sliders w/ Fries
Sliders on a potato bun with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave's Sauce. The most popular combo on the menu.
Dave's #3: 1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries
One tender + one slider β the best of both formats in a single meal. Ideal for first-timers.
Dave's #4: 1 Slider w/ Fries
Slider on a potato bun with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave's Sauce. The most affordable full combo.
Small Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Mac
Mac & cheese piled high with fries, ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, and Dave's Bites.
Regular Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Mac
Mac & cheese piled high with fries, ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, and Dave's Bites.
Large Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Mac
Mac & cheese piled high with fries, ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, and Dave's Bites.
Most Ordered at Dave's
These are the items fans reach for most in 2026. Each card shows the current price and calorie range so you can plan your order with confidence.
2 Sliders + Fries
The most popular combo β two saucy sliders with pickles, kale slaw, and crinkle fries.
1 Tender & 1 Slider + Fries
Best of both worlds: one tender + one slider with fries. The ultimate first-timer order.
Dave's Bites (10 pc)
Bite-sized crispy nuggets of Nashville heat β perfect for snacking or sharing.
Kale Slaw
Fresh, tangy, and cooling β the lightest side and the perfect contrast to serious spice.
Fan-Favorite Menu Items at Dave's Hot Chicken
Based on customer reviews across Reddit, Yelp, and social media, these are the items Dave's fans come back for again and again β and why.
| Item | Key Flavors | Why People Love It |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sliders + Fries | Crispy chicken, pickles, kale slaw, Dave's Sauce | The most popular combo β pickles and slaw cool the heat while the bun soaks up the Nashville spice rub. |
| 1 Tender & 1 Slider + Fries | Both formats, any two heat levels | Best first-timer order β you experience tender and slider formats in one box at different spice levels. |
| 2 Tenders + Fries | Nashville-seasoned chicken tenders | The purist's pick. Tenders are thicker, juicier, and show the spice rub at its absolute best. |
| Dave's Bites (10 pc) | Bite-sized crispy nuggets | Perfect for snacking or sharing. Hot Bites with Dave's Sauce is a cult-favorite combination. |
| Hot Box β Tenders | Multiple tenders, mixed spice levels | The office lunch and game-day staple. Roulette version is pure crowd entertainment. |
| Kale Slaw | Tangy, creamy, fresh greens | Lowest-calorie side and the best flavor contrast to serious heat. Regulars call it non-negotiable. |
| Oreo Top-Loaded Shake | Vanilla shake + Oreo crumble | Cold dairy kills capsaicin β and this is the most popular way to do it after a hot order. |
| Cauli Tender Slider | Fried cauliflower, full heat scale | Top-rated plant-based hot chicken option. Same crunch, same heat, no meat. |
Why These Items Stand Out
Bold, Balanced Flavors
Every item is built around the Nashville spice rub β heat and flavor always travel together, never one without the other.
Real Value Per Bite
Combos save $2β$4 over ordering Γ la carte, and portions are generous. Dave's punches above its price compared to other fast-casual hot chicken spots.
Something for Every Table
No Spice for kids, Reaper for heat seekers, cauliflower for vegetarians β the menu serves everyone at the same table.
Infinite Customization
Mix spice levels in the same combo, add extra sauce, swap for cauliflower β the flexibility makes repeat visits feel different every time.
Dave's Hot Chicken Menu
Tap any item to open its full detail page with price, calories, ingredients, and FAQs.
π Tenders & Sliders
The two signature items the entire brand is built on. Order Γ la carte or build them into a combo to save $2β$4 β every piece is customizable to any of the seven spice levels.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $3.50 | 550 | |
| $4.99 | 680 | |
| $4.49 | ~360 |
π₯ Combos
Each combo includes crinkle-cut fries, pickles, and Dave's Sauce. Mix tenders and sliders in the same box and set a different heat level on each piece.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $10.99 | 900 | |
| $12.99 | 980 | |
| $13.99 | 1,310 | |
| $14.99 | 1,270 |
π§ Hot Mozz
New at Dave's β golden fried mozzarella planks, crispy outside and seriously cheese-pully inside. Order Γ la carte, as a meal with fries, on a slider, or by the Hot Box for a crowd.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $2.99 | 120 | |
| $7.99 | 360 | |
| $12.99 | 600 | |
| $9.99 | 800 | |
| $14.99 | 1040 | |
| $7.99 | 520 | |
| $10.99 | 860 | |
| $55.00 | 2400 |
π Mini Sliders
4-packs of mini sliders on a potato bun with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave's Sauce. Available in chicken or cauliflower, plain or with fries, and by the Hot Box of Minis to feed a group.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $7.99 | ~720 | |
| $10.99 | ~1,140 | |
| $40.00 | ~3,600 | |
| $7.99 | ~620 | |
| $10.99 | ~1,040 | |
| $40.00 | ~3,100 |
π Saucy Bites
All-white-meat boneless chicken bites tossed in your choice of sauce β sweet, saucy, and savory. Try the 18-piece Flight for a multi-sauce sampler.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $8.99 | ~480 | |
| $11.99 | ~900 | |
| $14.99 | ~960 | |
| $17.99 | ~1,380 |
π¦ Feed a Crowd
Built for office lunches, game days, and family nights. Hot Boxes of sliders, tenders, and bites β plus Hot Box Roulette for randomized heat-level fun.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $11.99 | 900 | |
| $44.99 | 3,600 | |
| $54.99 | 4,900 | |
| $64.99 | 6,800 | |
| $54.99 | 4,900 | |
| $64.99 | 6,800 | |
| $90.00 | 5,400 | |
| $30.00 | 2,400 |
π₯¦ Dave's NOT Chicken (Cauli)
A complete plant-based line β breaded fried cauliflower at all seven spice levels. Same crunch, same heat, no meat. Vegetarian (most items contain dairy and egg).
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $3.29 | 550 | |
| $4.49 | 620 | |
| $10.49 | 850 | |
| $12.49 | 800 | |
| $13.49 | 1,100 | |
| $13.49 | 1,080 | |
| $7.49 | 680 | |
| $11.49 | 1,270 | |
| $17.99 | β | |
| $16.99 | 1,150 | |
| $18.99 | 1,400 | |
| $17.99 | 1,300 | |
| $12.99 | 950 | |
| $6.99 | 720 | |
| $11.29 | 1,080 | |
| $16.49 | 1,560 | |
| $6.99 | 760 | |
| $11.29 | 1,140 | |
| $16.49 | 1,620 |
π Bites & Top-Loaded Fries
Snackable and made for sharing. Dave's Bites are bite-sized Nashville heat; top-loaded fries pile on cheese sauce, slaw, and bites for a fully indulgent side.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $7.99 | 820 | |
| $11.99 | 1,180 | |
| $5.49 | 570 | |
| $6.49 | 780 | |
| $8.49 | 1,230 |
π§ Sides
Crinkle-cut fries, cheese fries, mac & cheese, and the kale slaw that's the coolest contrast to serious spice.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $3.49 | 440 | |
| $4.99 | 460 | |
| $3.99 | 290 | |
| $3.49 | 270 |
π₯€ Shakes
Sweet relief after the heat β and the most effective way to cool capsaicin, since cold dairy fat binds the burn. Top-loaded shakes pile on candy and cereal toppings.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $5.49 | 740 | |
| $5.49 | 760 | |
| $5.49 | 760 | |
| $6.99 | 750 | |
| $6.99 | 740 | |
| $6.99 | 800 | |
| $6.99 | 760 |
π§ Slushers
Frozen, fruity, and ice-cold β the most refreshing way to cool the burn. Fruit slushers are fat-free and under 320 calories; creme slushers add a smooth, milky finish.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $3.99 | 180 | |
| $3.99 | 230 | |
| $3.99 | 290 | |
| $3.99 | 320 | |
| $4.49 | 280 | |
| $4.49 | 290 | |
| $4.49 | 180β200 |
π₯ Drinks
Fountain sodas in three sizes, 20 oz bottles, and water. Note: carbonated drinks don't cool capsaicin β a shake or creme slusher does that far faster.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| $2.49 | 0β330 | |
| $1.99 | 0 | |
| $2.49 | 210 | |
| $2.49 | 0 | |
| $2.49 | 0 | |
| $2.49 | 220 | |
| $2.49 | 230 |
Dave's Menu Price & Calorie Comparison
Compare all Dave's Hot Chicken menu categories by price range and calorie count to plan the meal that fits your appetite and budget.
| Category | Price Range | Calories | Popular Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenders & Sliders (Γ la carte) | $3.50β$4.99 | 550β680 | Single Tender, Single Slider |
| Combos | $10.99β$14.99 | 900β1,310 | 2 Sliders w/ Fries, 2 Tenders w/ Fries |
| Feed a Crowd (Hot Boxes) | $44.99β$64.99 | 3,600β6,800 | Hot Box Tenders, Hot Box Roulette |
| Dave's NOT Chicken (Cauli) | $3.29β$13.49 | 550β1,100 | Cauli Slider, 2 Cauli Tenders w/ Fries |
| Bites & Top-Loaded Fries | $5.49β$11.99 | 570β1,230 | 10 pc Bites, Large Top-Loaded Fries |
| Sides & Sauces | $0.50β$4.99 | 140β1,530 | Kale Slaw, Dave's Sauce |
| Shakes | $5.49β$6.99 | 740β800 | Oreo Top-Loaded Shake, Vanilla Shake |
| Slushers | $3.99β$4.49 | 180β320 | Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, Creme Slusher |
| Drinks | $1.99β$2.99 | 0β330 | Bottled Water, Large Soft Drink |
Allergens & Nutrition
Dave's uses shared kitchen equipment. Cross-contact is possible even on items not listed below. Always confirm with staff at your location before ordering.
| Allergen | Where It Appears | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten / Wheat | Chicken & cauliflower breading, slider buns, Hot Mozz, Top-Loaded Fries crumble | No gluten-free breading option |
| Dairy / Milk | Cheese sauce, shakes, creme slushers, Dave's Sauce, Hot Mozz, cauli batters | Most cauli & mozz items are vegetarian but not vegan |
| Eggs | Chicken & cauliflower batter, kale slaw dressing, mozz breading | Present across most breaded items |
| Soy | Frying oil (varies by location), some sauce bases | Confirm with your specific location |
| Tree Nuts | Not a standard ingredient in core items | Cross-contact possible from shared equipment |
| Sesame | Slider buns at some locations | Varies by bread supplier |
The 7 Dave's Spice Levels
Every slider and tender comes in one of seven heat levels at no extra cost. The heat builds as you eat β order one level below what you think you can handle. Medium is the most popular pick and delivers the authentic Nashville experience.
No Spice
Pure crispy Nashville chicken flavor β juicy, golden, zero heat. The go-to for kids.
Lite Mild
A gentle whisper of warmth. The right entry point for spice-sensitive eaters.
Mild
Flavor-forward with a friendly kick. The recommended start for most first-timers.
Medium π₯
The crowd favorite. Real Nashville balance of bold flavor and honest burn.
Hot
Where the chili heat kicks in hard. Order extra Dave's Sauce or honey to balance.
Extra Hot
Intentional, lingering, full-face heat. Only order this on purpose.
Reaper β οΈ
Carolina Reaper extract. Most locations require a signed waiver. Have a shake ready.
How to Customize Your Order at Dave's
Heat is always free, you can mix levels within a single combo, and there's a swap or upgrade for almost every preference. Here's everything you can control when you order.
1. Choose Your Heat Level
All seven levels are included at no extra charge. Set a different spice level on each individual item within the same combo box.
2. Choose Your Protein
Swap any chicken item for cauliflower β same spice scale, same crunch, slightly lower price.
Nashville-style fried chicken tenders and sliders. All seven spice levels available.
Same breading, same heat. Vegetarian. Most items contain dairy and eggs.
3. Add Extras & Upgrades
Popular add-ons at the counter or in the app:
The #1 most popular upgrade β drizzle over tenders, fries, or anything on the tray.
The signature creamy dip. Regulars say no meal is complete without it.
Sweet and heat β the combo regulars swear by on Hot or Extra Hot tenders.
Acid and crunch that cuts through richness. Often free to add β just ask.
Melt cheese onto any slider for a richer, more indulgent bite.
Extra heat in sauce form β add to any item for an extra kick.
How to Order Online
Dave's is available through the official app, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. For the lowest price and crispiest breading, pickup from the app beats all delivery options.
Pick Your Platform
Open the Dave's app for rewards points, or DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub for delivery. Confirm a location serves your area first.
Build Your Meal
Choose a combo, set your spice level on each item, and add notes like βextra Dave's Sauceβ or βextra pickles.β
Add Sides & Drinks
Round it out with kale slaw, mac & cheese, or a shake. If ordering Hot or above, add a shake β you'll thank yourself.
Checkout & Track
Pay and track your order in real time. Pickup orders are typically ready in 8β12 minutes.
Accepted Payment Methods
| Payment Method | Available |
|---|---|
| Visa / Mastercard / Amex / Discover | All locations |
| Apple Pay & Google Pay | All locations |
| Cash | Most locations |
| Dave's Gift Cards | In-app and participating locations |
Frequent Fryer Rewards
The "Frequent Fryer" loyalty program is the easiest way to save. Sign up in the app and stack points on every order toward free tenders, sliders, and perks.
10 Points per $1
Earn 10 Frequent Fryer points per dollar β a typical combo earns 130β150 points per visit.
Birthday & Welcome Perks
New members unlock a welcome reward; birthday months come with bonus points or free items.
App-Only Deals
Exclusive limited-time bundles drop inside the app β never on third-party delivery.
Scan Every Receipt
Forgot to order in-app? Scan your receipt within 24 hours so no points slip away.
Dave's Hot Chicken Promotions 2026
Dave's runs both ongoing loyalty perks and limited-time promotions throughout the year. Follow @daveshotchicken on Instagram and TikTok and enable push notifications in the app to never miss a deal.
| Promotion | What You Get | When |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Free item or bonus points when you sign up for Frequent Fryer via the app | One-time, new members |
| Birthday Reward | Bonus points or free item during your birthday month β no purchase required to unlock | Annual, birthday month |
| App-Only Bundles | Exclusive limited-time combos at reduced prices, only inside the Dave's app | Rotates throughout the year |
| Hot Box Group Deals | Occasional discounts on shareable Hot Boxes for office lunches and events | Seasonal promotions |
| Reaper Challenge Events | Special promotions tied to completing the Reaper challenge at participating locations | Sporadic, location-specific |
| Social Media Flash Deals | Flash promotions announced on Instagram and TikTok before going live in the app β often expire same day | Ongoing |
Dave's Secret Menu Items
These aren't on the board, but seasoned regulars and staff know them. Build each one with simple add-on requests β no codes required, just know what to ask for.
Animal-Style Slider
Add extra Dave's Sauce, extra pickles, and grilled onions to any slider. The most popular off-menu build.
Reaper Roulette Box
Order a Hot Box and ask the crew to randomize spice levels β push it further by specifying some must hit Extra Hot or Reaper.
Honey-Drizzled Tenders
Ask for honey on the side and drizzle over Hot or Extra Hot tenders. Fans call it the "nashville drip."
Loaded Slider
Add cheese sauce on top of a standard slider. Order at Medium heat β the cheese cools it just enough to make the flavor shine.
Double-Dip Bites
Pair Dave's Bites with both Dave's Sauce and honey β alternate sauces on each bite. A cult-favorite eating method.
Reaper Fries
Ask for Top-Loaded Fries with Reaper Sauce drizzled over the cheese. A much more approachable way to experience Reaper heat.
What Is Dave's Hot Chicken?
Dave's Hot Chicken started in 2017 as a scrappy pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot, built by four childhood friends with a combined $900 budget and a passion for Nashville-style hot chicken. Word spread fast, the lines got long, and the concept exploded.
Today it's one of the fastest-growing hot chicken chains in the country, with 900+ locations across the United States and Canada. Despite the rapid growth, the formula has stayed simple: crispy Nashville-style tenders and sliders, seven customizable spice levels, and bold flavor that punches well above its price.
Whether you're a spice-averse beginner ordering No Spice for the crunch alone, or a fearless Reaper-chaser who signs the waiver with a smirk, the menu is built so everyone at the table can order exactly the heat they want.
For official hours, locations, and ordering, visit daveshotchicken.com. Learn more about the Nashville hot chicken tradition the brand is built on.
Dave's Hot Chicken Gallery
A look at the food, the crew, and the culture β straight from the restaurant floor.
Hours & Locations
Dave's has 900+ locations across the United States and Canada. Hours vary by location β use the store locator at daveshotchicken.com or the app to confirm exact hours near you.
| Day | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
Contact Details
Holiday Hours & Locations
Dave's is typically open on most major U.S. holidays, though hours may be reduced:
As of 2026, Dave's Hot Chicken has grown to 900+ locations across the United States and Canada, with new restaurants opening regularly. Hours vary by location β use the store locator at daveshotchicken.com or the app to confirm exact hours near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dave's Hot Chicken menu prices in 2026?
Prices range from about $3.50 for a single tender up to $64.99 for the largest Hot Box. The most popular combo β 2 Sliders with Fries β runs around $14.99. Prices vary slightly by location, and third-party delivery apps add service fees on top.
What spice level should I choose for my first visit?
Start with Mild or Medium. Medium is the most popular pick and gives you the authentic Nashville experience. Lite Mild is the right call if you're spice-sensitive. Order one level below what you think you can handle β the heat builds bite by bite.
Does Dave's Hot Chicken have vegetarian options?
Yes β the full "Dave's NOT Chicken" cauliflower line covers Cauli Sliders, Cauli Tenders, and Cauli Tender Bites at every spice level, including Reaper. Same crunch, same heat. Most cauli items still contain milk and eggs β vegetarian but not fully vegan.
How many calories are in a typical Dave's meal?
A typical combo runs 900β1,310 calories. The 2 Sliders with Fries combo is 1,270 calories; 2 Tenders with Fries is 980. A single tender is 550 and a single slider is 680. Kale slaw at 270 calories is the lightest side. Spice level doesn't significantly change calorie counts.
Is heat free at every level?
Yes β all seven spice levels are included at no extra cost. Heat never changes the price. You can also set a different spice level on each individual item within the same combo, at no additional charge.
Can I order Dave's Hot Chicken for delivery?
Yes. Dave's is on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, or order through the Dave's app for rewards points. Delivery fees typically run $2.99β$5.99 plus tip. For the lowest price and crispiest breading, pickup from the app beats delivery every time.
What is the Reaper spice level?
The Reaper is the hottest level, made with Carolina Reaper pepper extract. It's significantly more intense than Extra Hot, and most locations require you to sign a waiver before ordering. Always have a vanilla or chocolate shake ready β dairy neutralizes capsaicin far more effectively than water or soda.
Can I mix spice levels in one combo?
Yes β this is one of Dave's most popular features. In any multi-piece combo, you can set a completely different spice level on each individual tender or slider. One at No Spice for a kid, one at Hot for you β all in the same box.
Does Dave's Hot Chicken have a kids menu?
Dave's doesn't have a dedicated kids menu, but No Spice tenders and sliders are perfect for children β all the crispy Nashville-style flavor with zero heat. Pair with crinkle fries and a vanilla shake for a complete kids meal.
What makes Dave's different from other hot chicken chains?
Three things stand out: the seven-level spice scale (most competitors max at three or four), the ability to mix heat levels in the same combo, and consistent quality at scale. Dave's also keeps the menu focused β fewer items, executed consistently, at a price that punches above its weight.
What are the accepted payment methods at Dave's?
Most locations accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and cash. The Dave's app stores payment methods for quick in-app ordering. Gift cards are available through the app and at participating locations.
Is Dave's the same as Nashville hot chicken?
Dave's serves Nashville-style hot chicken β the tradition built around a cayenne-heavy dry spice rub applied to crispy fried chicken. Dave's adds its own proprietary blend and seven-tier heat scale, but the core technique and flavor heritage are rooted in the Nashville tradition.
Order Like a Pro
From $3.50 tenders that punch above their price to Reaper-level challenges that make legends, the Dave's menu delivers every time. Start with a combo for the best value, set your heat one level below what you think you can handle, grab extra Dave's Sauce and honey on the side, and download the app so your points stack toward free food. Now go get sweaty-happy.