Last updated: October 2026
Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu with Prices (2026)Meals, Sides, Drinks & More
Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu guide walks you through every category, price, and spice level available right now — combos, tenders, sliders, sides, drinks, and more, with heat levels from No Spice to Reaper.
This menu guide covers prices, combos, spice levels, sides, drinks, limited-time items, and calories, catering, allergens, halal details, and location-based price changes, so you can compare options before ordering.
Note: This is an independent, informational guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dave’s Hot Chicken. All prices are estimates only.
Table of Contents
- 01. Top Picks & Prices
- 02. Explore the Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu by Category
- 03. Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu Prices
- 04. Dave’s Hot Chicken Spice Levels Explained
- 05. Dave’s Hot Chicken Calories & Macros
- 06. The Secret to Dave’s Hot Chicken Flavor
- 07. Dave’s Hot Chicken vs. Competitors
- 08. Location-Wise Price & Tax Comparison
- 09. How to Get Your Order
- 10. Standard Operating Hours
- 11. Seasonal & Limited-Time Menu Items
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions
Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu: Top Picks & Prices
A fast look at the most-ordered items on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu before you dive into the full menu below.
Single Tender
$4.99+
Single Slider
$6.99+
1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries
$16.09+
2 Sliders w/ Fries
$17.49+
10 pc. Dave’s Bites
$7.99+
Hot Box – Tenders
$50.00+
Explore the Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu by Category
Jump straight to the section you’re craving — every category, priced and ready.
COMBOS & MEALS
TENDERS
SLIDERS
SIDES
DIPS & SAUCES
DRINKS
Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu Prices
A quick-reference price list across every main category. Prices last checked September 2026 and may vary by location.
| Category | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tenders | Single Tender | $4.99+ |
| Tenders | Dave’s #1: 2 Tenders w/ Fries | $14.89+ |
| Sliders | Single Slider | $6.99+ |
| Sliders | Dave’s #2: 2 Sliders w/ Fries | $17.49+ |
| Sliders | Mac Loaded Slider (Limited Time) | $8.99+ |
| Combos | Dave’s #3: 1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries | $16.09+ |
| Combos | Dave’s Big Trio | $17.99 |
| Bites | 10 pc Dave’s Bites | $7.99+ |
| Bites | Dave’s Bites w/ Fries | $10.49+ |
| Bites | Saucy Bites w/ Fries | $14.29+ |
| Mini Sliders | Dave’s Mini Sliders | $7.49+ |
| Mini Sliders | Mini Sliders w/ Fries | $10.49+ |
| Hot Mozz | Hot Mozz 3 Piece | $7.99+ |
| Hot Mozz | Hot Mozz Slider | $7.99+ |
| NOT Chicken | Single Cauli Tender | $7.99+ |
| NOT Chicken | Single Cauli Slider | $8.99+ |
| NOT Chicken | 2 Cauli Tenders w/ Fries | $16.99+ |
| Sides | Fries | $3.99+ |
| Sides | Cheese Fries | $5.49+ |
| Sides | Mac & Cheese | $4.29+ |
| Sides | Kale Slaw | $3.99+ |
| Sides | Small Top Loaded Fries | $6.99+ |
| Sides | Small Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Mac | $6.99+ |
| Dips & Sauces | Dave’s Sauce Packet | $0.25–$0.59 |
| Dips & Sauces | Side Dippers (Reaper Ranch, Hot Honey, Spicy BBQ, Dave’s Sauce) | $1.79+ |
| Dips & Sauces | Large Dave’s Sauce | $2.99+ |
| Drinks | Regular Fountain Drink | $3.09+ |
| Drinks | Bottled Water | $2.99–$3.59 |
| Shakes & Slushers | Classic Shake (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry) | $4.99+ |
| Shakes & Slushers | Top Loaded Shake | $7.19+ |
| Shakes & Slushers | Frozen Drink / Slusher | $3.69+ |
| Hot Boxes | Hot Box – Dave’s Bites | $35.79+ |
| Hot Boxes | Hot Box – Tenders | $50.00+ |
| Hot Boxes | Hot Box – Sliders | $70.00+ |
Prices May Vary by Location
The prices shown on this page are estimates and starting prices. They may vary depending on location, promotion, and ordering channel (in-store, app, or third-party delivery). Delivery apps usually charge more. The Big Trio, for example, launched at $17.99 but often shows up around $23 on Uber Eats and DoorDash. Always confirm current pricing at daveshotchicken.com or your nearest restaurant before ordering.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Spice Levels Explained
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers something for everyone. There are seven spice levels, and every tender, slider, and bite can be ordered at any of them.
The biggest appeal is the heat control — keep your meal mild and crispy, or make it seriously spicy. That makes it easier for groups too, since one person can order No Spice while someone else goes for Hot or Extra Hot.
No Spice → Hot → Extra Hot
No Spice
Good for kids and those who prefer to avoid the heat entirely. A kid-friendly, mild option.
Lite Mild
A good option for those who want to avoid heavy heat but still enjoy a light touch of warmth.
Mild
For those who want a little bit of heat but want to avoid an intense level. Still comfortable for most people.
Medium
A popular choice for people who love spicy food and want a bit more heat than Mild.
Hot
A great option for those who want to add real heat to their food.
Extra Hot
A good choice for experienced heat-seekers.
Reaper
A big challenge for spice lovers. It contains Carolina Reaper powder, so a waiver must be signed before ordering.
Complete Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu with Prices
The full Dave’s Hot Chicken menu is easier to understand when you break it into a few main groups: tenders, sliders, bites, cauliflower options, fries, mac and cheese, drinks, shakes, and catering boxes. Once you pick the item, the next important decision is the spice level. Below is the full lineup with current pricing, so you have a sense of what to order before you get to the counter.
Dave’s Meals & Combos — Prices, Calories & Best Picks
For a regular meal, combos are the easiest starting point on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu. Combo #3 is usually a safe first order because it gives you a tender, a slider, and fries, so you can try two menu favorites without guessing which one you will like more.
Dave’s #1: 2 Tenders w/ Fries
Jumbo tenders, bread, pickles, Dave’s sauce
$14.89+
1,230–1,350 calories
Dave’s #2: 2 Sliders w/ Fries
Two sliders, kale slaw, Dave’s sauce, fries
$17.49+
1,500–1,620 calories
Dave’s #3: 1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries
Combo basket with one tender and one slider
$16.09+
1,370–1,490 calories
Dave’s #4: 1 Slider w/ Fries
Single-sandwich meal, lighter option
$11.89+
1,060–1,110 calories
Dave’s Big Trio
2-pc Hot Mozz, 6-pc Dave’s Bites, 4 Mini Sliders and 3 dipping sauces
$17.99
Dave’s Hot Mozz 5-Piece Meal
Five mozzarella planks with crinkle-cut fries
$14.99
Single Tender
Standalone chicken tender
$4.99+
Single Slider
Chicken sandwich on potato brioche bun
$6.99+
If you’ve never been, Medium is a reasonable place to start — enough smoke and kick to be interesting without wrecking your night. A single tender also works well for kids, or for anyone who just wants to gauge their tolerance before committing to a full combo. Combos remain the most popular category on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu for good reason.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Tenders
Jumbo, crispy chicken tenders available in any of the seven spice levels, from No Spice up to Reaper.
Single Tender
Standalone chicken tender
$4.99+
~550 cal (Mild-Reaper) / ~490 cal (No Spice-Lite)
Dave’s #1: 2 Tenders w/ Fries
Jumbo tenders, bread, pickles, Dave’s sauce
$14.89+
1,230–1,350 calories
Dave’s Hot Chicken Sliders
Chicken sandwiches on a soft potato brioche bun with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave’s sauce.
Single Slider
Chicken sandwich on potato brioche bun
$6.99+
~680 calories (Mild-Reaper)
Dave’s #2: 2 Sliders w/ Fries
Two sliders, kale slaw, Dave’s sauce, fries
$17.49+
1,500–1,620 calories
Dave’s #3: 1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries
Combo basket with one tender and one slider
$16.09+
1,370–1,490 calories
Dave’s Bites
Dave’s Bites are good for anyone who wants something snackable, saucy, and easy to share. Made with the same chicken and spice levels as the tenders, these bite-sized pieces are perfect for pairing with a dip or piling onto loaded fries, and remain one of the most-ordered items on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu.
10 pc. Dave’s Bites
Bite-sized chicken perfect for quick snacking
$7.99+
650–750 calories
Dave’s Bites w/ Fries
Ten chicken bites with seasoned fries
$10.49+
1,090–1,190 calories
Saucy Bites w/ Fries
Tender chicken bites over crispy fries
$14.29+
670–920 calories (by sauce)
Flight of Saucy Bites
A sampler set with multiple sauce varieties
$17.89+
Not listed on Dave’s chart
Hot Box – Saucy Bites
Large catering-sized serving of saucy chicken bites
$41.69+
Dave’s NOT Chicken: Cauliflower Menu
If you are skipping chicken, the cauliflower menu gives you a similar Dave’s-style experience with the same crispy coating and spice options. It is not a light salad-style option, but it is a solid choice for someone who wants the flavor and crunch without ordering chicken. This plant-based lineup has become one of the more talked-about additions to the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu.
2 Cauli Tenders w/ Fries
Plant-based tenders served with crispy fries
$16.99+
2 Cauli Sliders w/ Fries
Cauliflower sliders loaded with slaw and pickles
$18.99+
1 Cauli Tender & 1 Cauli Slider w/ Fries
The ultimate plant-based sample combination platter
$17.79+
1 Cauli Slider w/ Fries
Single vegetarian slider meal with regular fries
$12.49+
Single Cauli Tender
Individual crispy cauliflower tender piece
$7.99+
Not listed on Dave’s chart
Single Cauli Slider
Individual cauliflower slider on a brioche bun
$8.99+
490–520 calories
10 pc. Cauli Tender Bites
Ten pop-in-your-mouth spicy vegetarian cauliflower bites
$7.99+
10 pc. Cauli Tender Bites w/ Fries
Ten cauliflower bites paired with standard crinkle-cut fries
$10.49+
Small Cauliflower Top Loaded Fries
Fries topped with cheese sauce and cauliflower bites
$6.99+
One thing to know going in: cauliflower holds spice differently than chicken does, and often more intensely. If Hot is your usual tender order, try Medium on Cauli first and adjust from there.
Fries & Loaded Fries
Golden crinkle-cut fries, plain, cheesy, or fully loaded with chicken and sauce. Whether you’re after a simple side or something heartier, the loaded versions turn fries into a meal of their own, piled high with the same toppings you’d find on the tenders.
Fries
Lightly seasoned, golden crinkle-cut potatoes
$3.99+
Cheese Fries
Crispy crinkle-cut fries smothered in warm cheese sauce
$5.49+
Small Top Loaded Fries
Crinkle-cut fries with cheese sauce and chicken
$6.99+
700 calories
Regular Top Loaded Fries
Mid-sized loaded fries with signature sauce
$10.99+
1,390 calories
Large Top Loaded Fries
Massive portion of loaded fries for sharing
$15.99+
1,630 calories
Dave’s Mac & Cheese
These loaded mac bowls start with real, gooey mac and cheese, then get topped with fries, ranch, buffalo sauce, and crispy bites. It’s a favorite on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu for anyone who wants comfort food with a spicy edge.
Mac & Cheese
Traditional side with a rich, gooey, slightly smoky cheese sauce
$4.29
290 calories
Top-Loaded Mac
Small Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Mac
Buffalo ranch mac fries with chicken bites
$6.99
900 calories
Regular Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Mac
Seasoned fries, ranch, and crispy Dave’s Bites
$10.99
1,720 calories
Large Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Mac
Loaded fries with cheese, ranch, Dave’s Bites
$15.99
2,960 calories
Small Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Cauli Mac
Plant-based Cauli Bites loaded fries
$9.09
Not listed on Dave’s chart
Regular Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Cauli Mac
Cauli Bites loaded mac with ranch
$14.69
Not listed on Dave’s chart
Large Top-Loaded Spicy Buffalo Cauli Mac
Ultimate portion with signature cauliflower bites
$21.49
Not listed on Dave’s chart
Dave’s Hot Mozz
Hot Mozz features thick-cut mozzarella planks, seasoned with your chosen spice level, with a cheese pull that feels better than expected from fast food. It is also one of the newer growth areas on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu. Hot Mozz continues to grow in popularity across the Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu.
Dave’s Hot Mozz 1 Piece
Single golden-fried, ultra-cheesy signature mozzarella plank
$2.99
Dave’s Hot Mozz 3 Piece
Three crispy, molten mozzarella planks
$7.99
Dave’s Hot Mozz 5 Piece
Five heavy, thick-cut mozzarella sticks for snacking
$12.99
Dave’s Hot Mozz 3 Piece Meal
Three spicy mozzarella planks served with seasoned fries
$9.99
Dave’s Hot Mozz 5 Piece Meal
Full combo plate, five mozzarella planks and crispy fries
$14.99
Dave’s Hot Mozz Slider
Molten cheese stick on a potato bun with kale slaw, pickles, and sauce
$7.99
Dave’s Hot Mozz Slider w/ Fries
Premium cheese sandwich combo alongside crinkle-cut fries
$10.99
Dave’s Hot Mozz Hot Box (Catering)
Massive party-sized box containing 20 golden-fried mozzarella planks
$55.00
Dave’s Mini Sliders
Added to the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu in 2026, these bring the same chicken flavor in a smaller format and are good if you want the taste without leaving room for nothing else.
Dave’s Mini Sliders
Bite-sized version of Dave’s signature slider
$7.49
Dave’s Mini Sliders w/ Fries
Mini sliders paired with crinkle-cut fries
$10.49
Hot Box of Minis
Party-sized box of mini sliders
$40.00
Side Menu — Mac & Cheese, Kale Slaw & More
Mac and cheese help calm the heat, kale slaw adds fresh crunch, and pickles balance the fried chicken. If you order Hot, Extra Hot, or Reaper, adding one cooling side from the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu is a smart move. For dips, our Dave’s Hot Chicken sauces list breaks down every flavor.
Side Items
Mac & Cheese
Thick, rich, and creamy
$4.29+
Fries
Lightly seasoned, golden crinkle-cut potatoes
$3.99+
Cheese Fries
Crispy crinkle-cut fries smothered in warm cheese sauce
$5.49+
Kale Slaw
Crisp, refreshing salad that balances out heat
$3.99+
270 calories
Cup of Pickles
Briny, crunchy pickle slices to cleanse the palate
$2.39+
Sauce & Dipper Items
Dave’s Sauce Packet
Creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky secret blend sauce
$0.25-$0.59
150 calories
Cheese Sauce
Warm, liquid cheese dipper for fries or tenders
$0.50-$0.59
Large Dave’s Sauce
Oversized tub of the iconic house dipping sauce
$2.99+
Reaper Ranch Dipper
Extra dipping cup for hotter orders
$1.79+
Mike’s Hot Honey Dipper
Sweet-and-spicy dipper with tenders
$1.79+
Spicy BBQ Dipper
Smoky, tangy dipper option
$1.79+
Dave’s Sauce Dipper
Extra cup of the signature house sauce
$1.79+
Soft Drinks & Water
Drinks are simple at Dave’s: fountain drinks, bottled water, and bottled soda. If you order a hotter spice level, a regular drink or Slusher feels almost necessary, not just an add-on.
Small Fountain Drink
Chilled fountain beverage of your choice
$2.29-$2.79
Regular Fountain Drink
Standard fountain size to cut through grease
$3.09
Large Fountain Drink
Maximum hydration for heavy spice chasers
$3.59
Bottled Water
Zero-calorie pure hydration for extreme heat recovery
$2.99-$3.59
Bottled Soda (20 oz.)
Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper Zero
$2.99-$3.59
Dave’s Shakes
Rich, creamy vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry shake bases piled high with delicious toppings. Here are the available flavors along with their prices.
Vanilla Shake
Classic creamy vanilla shake
$4.99 (Sm) / $5.79 (Reg) / $8.49 (Lg)
Chocolate Shake
Classic creamy chocolate shake
$4.99 (Sm) / $5.79 (Reg) / $8.49 (Lg)
Strawberry Shake
Classic creamy strawberry shake
$4.99 (Sm) / $5.79 (Reg) / $8.49 (Lg)
Oreo Top Loaded Shake
Vanilla base loaded with Oreo topping
$7.19+ (Sm) / $7.99+ (Reg) / $10.49 (Lg)
M&M Top Loaded Shake
Vanilla base loaded with M&M topping
$7.19+ (Sm) / $7.99+ (Reg) / $10.49 (Lg)
Fruity Pebbles / Lucky Charms Shake
Vanilla base loaded with cereal topping
$7.19+ (Sm) / $7.99+ (Reg) / $10.49 (Lg)
Dave’s Slushers
On hot days, Slushers are the best way to cool down and refresh. They are available in different flavors. Here are some listed with their names and prices.
Frozen Hi-C Flashin’ Fruit Punch
Icy fruit punch flavor
$3.69
Frozen Hi-C Orange LavaBurst
Sweet, refreshing frozen citrus beverage
$3.69
Frozen Minute Maid Strawberry Lemonade
Tart lemon blended with sweet strawberry ice
$3.69
Frozen Powerade Mountain Berry Blast
Cool, refreshing blue raspberry slush treat
$3.69
Rocket Creme Slusher
Nostalgic tri-flavor frozen cream drink
$3.69
Orange Creme Slusher
Smooth mixture of orange ice and sweet cream
$3.69
Strawberries & Creme Slusher
Blend of strawberry slush and vanilla cream
$3.69
Pop Rocks Top-Loaded Slusher
Choice of Slusher with crackly, fizzy Pop Rocks candy
$5.99
Feed a Crowd: Family Meals & Hot Boxes
Hot Boxes are best when you are ordering for more than one or two people. They work well for office lunches, game nights, family meals, or any larger group that wants chicken without placing separate orders. These bulk options are some of the most requested items across the entire Dave’s Hot Chicken menu. Ordering for a group? See our full Dave’s Hot Chicken catering menu with Hot Box prices and serving sizes.
Hot Box – Tenders
10 crispy tenders with bold seasoning, your choice of heat levels
$50.00+
Not listed on Dave’s chart · serves 6-8
Hot Box – Sliders
10 Mini Sliders party box, your choice of heat levels
$70.00+
Not listed on Dave’s chart · serves 8-10
Hot Box – Dave’s Bites
Savory Dave’s Bites bulk box
$35.79+
650–750 cal per 10 pc · serves 10-12
Hot Box Roulette – Sliders
Mystery box mixing spice levels for crowds
$55.00+
Not listed on Dave’s chart
Cauli Slider Hot Box
Premium vegetarian cauliflower slider box
$95.29+
Not listed on Dave’s chart
Cauli Bites Hot Box
Plant-based cauliflower bites for group catering
$30.00+
Not listed on Dave’s chart
Box of Fries
Family-sized crinkle-cut fries
$11.99+
Not listed on Dave’s chart
Note
Hot Box prices change from store to store, and some locations need notice for big orders. If you’re planning a party, check with your local restaurant a day ahead.
Not sure how much to order? The catering guide shows what to get for 2 to 15 people.
What Does a Typical Dave’s Hot Chicken Order Cost?
The sample receipt shows how a typical Dave’s Hot Chicken order adds up, including items, subtotal, tax, total, and any discounts.
Sample receipt for illustrative purposes only.
Why Do Dave’s Hot Chicken Prices Vary by Location?
Prices differ across restaurants due to a combination of factors: location, ongoing promotions, order channel, local sales taxes, and the delivery platform used. Delivery fees vary by platform and are not included in the location comparison above.
How to Spend Less at Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s isn’t the cheapest chicken spot around, but a few small habits bring the bill down without cutting what you actually want to eat.
- Order in the Dave’s app, not a delivery app. Menu prices on DoorDash and Uber Eats are often higher than in-store, and you pay delivery and service fees on top. Ordering direct also earns Frequent Fryer points (10 per $1).
- Pick it up yourself. If the store is close, pickup skips the delivery fee and tip, which can add $5–$10 to a small order.
- Go for Dave’s Bites when you want something light. The 10 pc. Dave’s Bites ($7.99+) cost less than most combos and still fill you up for a quick lunch.
- Share a Large Top Loaded Fries. At $15.99 it’s big enough to split between two people as a meal, especially if you add one extra tender.
- Use your sign-up drink. New app accounts get a free regular fountain drink, so there’s no need to pay for one on your first order.
Looking for the Menu in Your City?
A lot of people search for the Dave’s menu by city, like Spokane, Lubbock or Worcester. The menu on this page is the main one, and it’s what most stores serve. Individual restaurants can skip an item or add a local special, so a quick look at your store’s page is the safest final check.
Not sure which store is closest? The locations page has a store finder and a state-by-state list to help you find it.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Calories & Macros
Nutrition numbers are only estimates to help you compare Dave’s Hot Chicken menu items. Tenders, sliders, fries, sauces, and loaded sides can add up fast, so check your local menu or app for exact details. Understanding these numbers helps you make smarter choices from the Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu.
Calorie & Macro Breakdown of Individual Items
If you are ordering custom combinations or adding items a la carte, these base data points reveal the nutritional profile of each foundational item.
| Individual Menu Item | Calories | Fat / Carbs / Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Single Chicken Tender (No Spice–Lite) | 490 | 29g / 30g / 25g |
| Single Chicken Tender (Mild–Reaper) | 550 | 35g / 31g / 25g |
| Single Chicken Slider (No Spice–Lite) | 620 | 37g / 41g / 31g |
| Single Chicken Slider (Mild–Reaper) | 680 | 43g / 42g / 31g |
| Single Cauli Slider (No Spice–Lite) | 490 | 33g / 38g / 8g |
| Single Cauli Slider (Mild–Reaper) | 520 | 37g / 40g / 8g |
| Side of Fries | 440 | 20g / 58g / 6g |
| Mac & Cheese | 290 | 16g / 25g / 14g |
| Kale Slaw | 270 | 26g / 8g / 2g |
| Side of Dave’s Sauce | 270 | 28g / 3g / 0g |
Full Meal Combo Macros
These calculations represent complete platters, which naturally include individual main selections combined with standard baseline servings of crinkle-cut fries.
| Full Combo Meal (With Fries) | Total Calories | Fat / Carbs / Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Dave’s #1: 2 Tenders w/ Fries | 1,230–1,350 | 58–71g / 115–119g / 56g |
| Dave’s #2: 2 Sliders w/ Fries | 1,500–1,620 | 75–87g / 143–145g / 68g |
| Dave’s #3: 1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries | 1,370–1,490 | 67–79g / 128–130g / 62g |
| Dave’s #4: 1 Slider w/ Fries | 1,060–1,110 | 56–63g / 103–104g / 37g |
| 10 pc. Dave’s Bites w/ Fries | 1,090–1,190 | 55–65g / 98–100g / 47–48g |
| Not Chicken #1 (cauliflower combo) | 970–1,040 | 51–58g / 114–117g / 10g |
| Not Chicken #2 (cauliflower combo) | 1,230–1,310 | 68–75g / 138–140g / 22–23g |
The Secret to Dave’s Hot Chicken Flavor
So what makes the chicken taste the way it does? It is not one single thing. It is a chain of small steps: the prep, the crunch, the heat, and what it is served with. Each step plays its part in the flavor.
The Prep
Most Nashville-style hot chicken is seasoned before it gets breaded, so the flavor starts early, before the fryer ever gets involved. Dave’s keeps its exact mix to itself, so nobody outside the company knows what is in it.
The Crunch
Next comes the breading, and then the fryer. This is where the chicken gets its golden crust, thick enough to hold a crunch but thin enough that it does not feel heavy. The crust also gives the spice something to stick to later.
The Heat
Here is the part most people think of when they hear Dave’s Hot Chicken. After frying, the chicken gets coated with a spice blend, and the heat you get depends on the level you pick. There are seven levels in all, from No Spice up to Reaper.
The Finish
How it is served matters too. Tenders come with a slice of bread and pickles, and sliders come on a soft potato bun with kale slaw, pickles and Dave’s Sauce. The sauce is creamy and tangy, and it helps cool things down after a hot bite of chicken.
Dave’s Hot Chicken vs. Competitors
The fast food chicken industry has multiple competitors, including Popeyes and Raising Cane’s. Dave’s Hot Chicken stands out with customizable heat levels and unique sauces. See our full Dave’s vs Popeyes vs Raising Cane’s comparison.
Popeyes
Offers traditional Southern fried chicken but lacks customizable heat levels.
Raising Cane’s
Has a simplistic menu with little spice variety.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Stands out with seven distinct heat levels and unique sauces: No Spice, Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra Hot, and Reaper.
How Dave’s Hot Chicken Compares
| Feature | Dave’s Hot Chicken | Popeyes | Raising Cane’s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spice Levels | Seven (No Spice to Reaper) | Limited, not customizable per item | One sauce-based flavor profile |
| Halal Availability | Varies by location; confirm with local restaurant | Not standard | Limited |
| Signature Item | Tenders & sliders with custom heat | Classic Southern fried chicken | Chicken fingers with Cane’s sauce |
| Positioning | Fast-casual, made-to-order | Traditional fast food | Fast-casual, narrow menu |
What Sets Dave’s Hot Chicken Apart?
Most chicken chains give you one or two heat options. Dave’s gives you seven, and you can pick a different level for every piece in the same order.
Dave’s also goes head-to-head with a few other chains: see how it compares to Zaxby’s, Wingstop, Chick-fil-A, and KFC.
Location-Wise Price & Tax Comparison
Dave’s Hot Chicken prices can change by city due to rent, wages, and local taxes. The table below is a rough guide to how the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu may be priced in different areas. Use it as a ballpark, then check your local store for the exact price.
These are estimates. Exact prices, taxes and delivery fees may vary. Delivery fees are not included above and vary by platform.
How to Order Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken can be ordered a few different ways: through the official app or website, by walking in and ordering at the counter, via curbside pickup, drive-thru where available, third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, or by dining in. See the full ordering guide →
Standard Operating Hours
Mostly, Dave’s stores across major USA cities open around 10:00–11:00 AM and close between 11:00 PM–12:00 AM daily, but exact timing may vary slightly by location.
| Day of the Week | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 10:30 AM | 11:00 PM / 12:00 AM |
| Friday – Saturday | 10:30 AM | 1:00 AM (Late Night) |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | 11:00 PM / 1:00 AM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions people ask most about Dave’s Hot Chicken.