Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu With Prices 2026 – Complete Guide
Finding accurate information about dave’s hot chicken menu with prices can be frustrating when you’re ready to order. You’re probably wondering about spice levels, calories, allergens, or what items offer the best value. This guide answers every question you have Wendy’s Menu about the menu for dave’s hot chicken, including detailed pricing, nutrition facts, and location-specific information.
Whether you’re a first-timer nervous about which heat level to choose or a regular customer looking for secret menu hacks, you’ll find everything you need to make confident ordering decisions. We’ve analyzed the complete dave’s hot chicken menu across all categories, from signature tenders and sliders to cauliflower options and loaded shakes.
Complete Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu Items & Prices
The dave’s hot chicken menu prices vary slightly by location, but the core offerings remain consistent across all 280+ restaurants nationwide. Every item comes with your choice of seven heat levels, from No Spice to the extreme Reaper.
Signature Tenders & Sliders
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | What’s Included |
| Single Tender | $4.99 | 490-550 | Pickles, bread, sauce |
| Single Slider | $6.99 | 620-680 | Potato bun, slaw, pickles, sauce |
| 2 Tenders with Fries | $12.99 | 890-1,050 | Regular fries, pickles, bread, sauce |
| 2 Sliders with Fries | $14.99 | 1,200-1,400 | Regular fries, pickles, sauce |
| 1 Tender + 1 Slider with Fries | $13.99 | 1,370 | Regular fries, pickles, bread, sauce |
| 1 Slider with Fries | $10.49 | 1,060 | Regular fries, pickles, sauce |
The 2 Tenders with Fries combo ranks as the most popular order, offering the perfect portion size for solo diners while letting you experience Dave’s signature Nashville-style preparation. Each hand-breaded tender features a crispy coating that holds up to even the spiciest seasoning blends.
Sliders deliver a complete sandwich experience with kale slaw and pickles that help balance the heat. The soft potato bun absorbs the seasoning oils, creating a juicier bite than tenders served on plain white bread.
Dave’s Bites & Mini Sliders
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Best For |
| 10pc Dave’s Bites | $7.99 | 780-950 | Sharing, trying multiple spice levels |
| 10pc Dave’s Bites with Fries | $10.49 | 1,220-1,390 | Solo meal, snacking |
| Dave’s Mini Sliders (3pc) | $7.49 | 930-1,020 | Kids, light appetite |
| Mini Sliders with Fries | $10.49 | 1,370-1,460 | Complete smaller meal |
Dave’s Bites offer the most value for groups. Order 10 pieces in two different spice levels (5 Medium, 5 Hot, for example) to satisfy different heat preferences at one table. The bite-sized portions cook faster than full tenders, making them ideal for takeout orders.
Mini Sliders launched in 2025 as a response to customer requests for smaller portions. Each slider is roughly 60% the size of a regular slider but maintains the same crispy texture and flavor profile.
Feed A Crowd (Hot Box Options)
| Menu Item | Price | Serves | Cost Per Person |
| Hot Box – Tenders (10pc) | $50.00 | 8-10 | $5.00-6.25 |
| Hot Box – Sliders (10pc) | $70.00 | 8-10 | $7.00-8.75 |
| Hot Box – Dave’s Bites (50pc) | $35.00 | 8-10 | $3.50-4.38 |
| Hot Box of Minis (15pc) | $40.00 | 6-8 | $5.00-6.67 |
| Hot Box Roulette – Tenders | $50.00 | 8-10 | $5.00-6.25 |
| Hot Box Roulette – Sliders | $70.00 | 8-10 | $7.00-8.75 |
| Box of Fries | $12.00 | 8-10 | $1.20-1.50 |
The Hot Box Roulette adds excitement to parties by including one random Reaper-level piece mixed in with your chosen spice level. Available for both tenders and sliders at the same $50-70 price point, this option creates a fun (or dangerous) game for groups.
For budget-conscious event planning, the Dave’s Bites Hot Box delivers the lowest per-person cost. Add a Box of Fries and you’re feeding 10 people for under $5 each, including sides.
Dave’s NOT Chicken (Cauli)™ Options
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Notes |
| Single Cauli Tender | $7.99 | 490-550 | Same breading as chicken |
| Single Cauli Slider | $8.99 | 620-680 | Vegetarian, not vegan |
| 2 Cauli Tenders with Fries | $16.99 | 750-950 | Higher protein than expected |
| 2 Cauli Sliders with Fries | $18.99 | 1,100-1,350 | Most filling vegetarian option |
| 1 Cauli Tender + 1 Cauli Slider with Fries | $17.99 | 900-1,150 | Mix cauliflower options |
| 1 Cauli Slider with Fries | $12.49 | 970-1,150 | Lighter vegetarian meal |
| 10pc Cauli Tender Bites | $7.99 | 1,040 | Shareable plant-based option |
| 10pc Cauli Tender Bites with Fries | $10.49 | 1,063 | Complete vegetarian meal |
| Cauli Slider Hot Box (10pc) | $90.00 | 5,040-5,640 | Premium group option |
| Cauli Bites Hot Box (50pc) | $30.00 | 720-980 | Party-size vegetarian |
The cauliflower items use the identical seasoning blend and breading process as regular chicken, delivering authentic heat levels for vegetarians. However, the breading contains eggs and dairy, making these vegetarian but not vegan. All items cook in shared fryers with meat products, which matters for strict vegetarians or those with religious dietary restrictions.
Nutritionally, cauliflower provides fewer calories than chicken at the same portion size, but the difference is minimal (about 50-100 calories) due to the breading and frying process. The texture resembles chicken closely enough that many meat-eaters enjoy it as a lighter alternative.
Top Loaded Fries
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
| Small Top Loaded Fries | $6.99 | Fries topped with Dave’s Bites, sauce |
| Regular Top Loaded Fries | $10.99 | Larger portion with chicken bites |
| Large Top Loaded Fries | $15.99 | Family size portion |
| Small Cauliflower Top Loaded Fries | $6.99 | Fries with cauliflower bites |
| Regular Cauliflower Top Loaded Fries | $10.99 | Larger cauliflower version |
| Large Cauliflower Top Loaded Fries | $15.99 | Family size cauliflower |
Top Loaded Fries combine crinkle-cut fries with Dave’s Bites or Cauli Bites on top, plus Dave’s Sauce and optional cheese sauce. The Small serves 1-2 people as a meal, Regular feeds 2-3, and Large works for 3-4 people. Request the chicken or cauliflower bites in different spice levels for variety.
Sides Menu
| Side Item | Price | Calories | Best Paired With |
| Fries (Regular) | $3.99 | 440 | Any combo meal |
| Cheese Fries | $5.49 | 460 | Hot or spicy chicken |
| Mac & Cheese | $4.29 | 290 | Extra Hot, cooling side |
| Kale Slaw | $3.99 | 270 | All spice levels |
| Side of Dave’s Sauce | $0.25 | 180 | Additional sauce |
| Side of Cheese Sauce | $0.50 | – | Fries, bites |
| Large Dave’s Sauce | $2.99 | 1,530 | Group orders |
Crinkle-cut fries arrive hot and golden, with enough surface area to hold seasoning if you order them with spice (available at some locations). The mac and cheese features a creamy cheese sauce that works as the perfect cooling element when your mouth is on fire from Extra Hot chicken.
Kale slaw provides the healthiest side option at just 270 calories, though it still contains a creamy dressing. The cool, crunchy slaw cuts through heat better than any other side, making it the smart choice when ordering Hot or above.
Top-Loaded Shakes
| Shake Variety | Small | Regular | Large |
| Lucky Charms Top Loaded Shake | $6.79 | $7.79 | $10.49 |
| Oreo Top Loaded Shake | $6.79 | $7.79 | $10.49 |
| M&M Top Loaded Shake | $6.79 | $7.79 | $10.49 |
| Burstin’ Mango Top Loaded Shake | $6.79 | $7.79 | $10.49 |
| Burstin’ Strawberry Top Loaded Shake | $6.79 | $7.79 | $10.49 |
All Top-Loaded Shakes come in your choice of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry base. Each shake gets topped with whipped cream, candy pieces or cereal, and drizzled sauce.
The Lucky Charms Top Loaded Shake became an instant hit on social media thanks to its colorful cereal topping and nostalgic appeal. For the best cooling effect after spicy chicken, choose a creme slusher over regular slushers. The dairy base neutralizes capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers hot) more effectively than sugary frozen drinks.
Dave’s Burstin’ Bevs
| Beverage | Price | Calories |
| Burstin’ Mango Slusher | $5.69 | 260 |
| Burstin’ Strawberry Slusher | $5.69 | 260 |
These special slushers feature fruit flavoring with a refreshing icy texture, perfect for cooling down after spicy chicken.
Slushers Menu
| Frozen Beverage | Price | Calories |
| Frozen Minute Maid Strawberry Lemonade | $3.69 | 260 |
| Frozen Hi-C Orange LavaBurst | $3.69 | 240 |
| Frozen Hi-C Flashin’ Fruit Punch | $3.69 | 250 |
| Frozen Powerade Mountain Berry Blast | $3.69 | 180 |
| Rocket Creme Slusher | $5.69 | 320 |
| Orange Creme Slusher | $5.69 | 310 |
| Strawberries and Creme Slusher | $5.69 | 330 |
The creme slushers (Rocket Creme, Orange Creme, Strawberries and Creme) work best for cooling spicy chicken because the dairy content helps neutralize heat.
Drinks Menu
| Beverage | Small | Regular | Large |
| Soft Drink (fountain) | $2.29 | $2.69 | $2.99 |
| Bottled Water | – | $2.99 | – |
| 20oz Coke | – | $2.99 | – |
| 20oz Diet Coke | – | $2.99 | – |
| 20oz Coke Zero | – | $2.99 | – |
| 20oz Sprite | – | $2.99 | – |
| 20oz Dr Pepper | – | $2.99 | – |
| 20oz Dr Pepper Zero | – | $2.99 | – |
Understanding Dave’s Hot Chicken Spice Levels
The dave’s hot chicken menu spice level system confuses many first-time customers who don’t know where to start. Dave’s offers seven distinct heat levels, each designed to deliver a specific experience from mild flavor to extreme pain.
The Complete Heat Scale
No Spice (0 Scoville Units) This level showcases the quality of the chicken without any heat interference. The seasoning blend includes garlic, paprika, and black pepper for flavor without capsaicin burn. Perfect for children under 10, people who dislike spicy food entirely, or anyone wanting to taste the chicken’s natural flavor and crispy coating quality.
Lite Mild (500-1,000 Scoville Units) A gentle introduction to Dave’s spice system with barely noticeable warmth. The seasoning adds a slight sweetness from sugar in the spice blend, with just enough cayenne to create a tiny tingle on your tongue. Think of this as “training wheels” heat, comparable to a single shake of hot sauce on scrambled eggs.
Mild (1,500-2,500 Scoville Units) The first level where you’ll actually taste heat, though it remains comfortable for most people. Mild delivers a smoky flavor with balanced warmth that builds gradually. This level sits slightly below a jalapeño pepper in heat intensity. The burn stays on your tongue without moving to your throat.
Medium (5,000-8,000 Scoville Units) Dave’s most popular heat level by order volume. Medium provides noticeable spice without overwhelming the chicken’s flavor. You’ll feel warmth in your mouth and a slight burn in your throat, but nothing that requires constant sipping of drinks. This level compares to Tabasco sauce or a serrano pepper. Your lips might tingle and you may reach for your drink once or twice, but the heat remains enjoyable.
Hot (15,000-25,000 Scoville Units) Serious heat begins here. Hot creates a strong burn that lingers for 5-10 minutes after eating. You’ll experience throat heat, slight sweating, and possibly a runny nose. The spice level sits between cayenne pepper and Thai chili in intensity. Most casual diners find this uncomfortable without a cooling drink nearby. Order this only if you regularly eat spicy foods and enjoy the endorphin rush that follows intense heat.
Extra Hot (50,000-100,000 Scoville Units) Extreme territory that challenges even experienced spice lovers. Extra Hot causes intense burning that persists for 15-30 minutes, heavy sweating, and possible stomach discomfort. The heat matches or exceeds habanero peppers. Your face will flush red, you’ll sweat noticeably, and you’ll need multiple breaks to finish your meal. Some locations require verbal confirmation that you understand the heat level before preparing Extra Hot orders.
Reaper (1,500,000+ Scoville Units) The ultimate challenge, made with Carolina Reaper peppers, currently among the world’s hottest. Reaper delivers overwhelming, almost unbearable heat that causes extreme physical reactions including profuse sweating, tears, potential nausea, and intense stomach pain. The burn lasts 45-90 minutes after eating. Dave’s requires customers to sign a liability waiver before ordering Reaper, confirming they’re 18 or older and understand the risks. Only attempt this if you’ve successfully eaten ghost pepper or scorpion pepper dishes before.
Choosing Your Perfect Heat Level
First-timers should start with Mild or Medium regardless of spice tolerance claims. Dave’s heat levels run hotter than most chain restaurants, so what you consider “medium” elsewhere might match Dave’s Hot level.
If you eat buffalo wings regularly and order “hot” without issue, try Medium or Hot at Dave’s. For those who add hot sauce to most meals and seek out spicy ethnic cuisines, Hot or Extra Hot matches your tolerance. Only extreme heat enthusiasts who actively pursue the spiciest challenges should attempt Reaper on a first visit.
The heat affects tenders differently than sliders. Sliders include kale slaw, pickles, and sauce that help cool the burn between bites. Tenders served on white bread offer less heat relief, making them taste spicier at the same level.
Spice Level Tips from Regular Customers
You can order different heat levels within the same order at no extra charge. Try a combination like “1 tender Medium, 1 tender Hot” to test your tolerance safely. Hot Boxes allow mixing levels too – request “5 pieces Mild, 5 pieces Medium” when ordering the 10-piece option.
If your chicken arrives too spicy, don’t drink water. Water spreads capsaicin around your mouth, making the burn worse. Instead, consume dairy (milkshake works best), bread, or mac and cheese. The fat in dairy products breaks down capsaicin molecules, while bread absorbs the spicy oils.
All spice levels look identical on the chicken since the seasoning creates a similar reddish-brown coating. Check the sticker on your box or ask staff to verify which level you received to avoid accidentally eating your dining companion’s Reaper order.
Nutrition Facts & Calorie Information
The dave’s hot chicken menu calories concern many customers watching their diet, though fried chicken obviously isn’t health food. Understanding the nutritional breakdown helps you make informed choices and potentially lighten your order.
Complete Nutritional Breakdown
Single Items:
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sodium |
| Single Tender | 490-550 | 35g | 18g | 32g | 890mg |
| Single Slider | 620-680 | 30g | 45g | 35g | 1,100mg |
| 10pc Dave’s Bites | 780-950 | 55g | 65g | 42g | 1,800mg |
| Single Cauli Tender | 490-550 | 12g | 48g | 28g | 820mg |
| Single Cauli Slider | 620-680 | 15g | 62g | 32g | 1,050mg |
| 10pc Cauli Tender Bites | 1,040 | 18g | 95g | 58g | 1,680mg |
Sides:
| Side Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sodium |
| Regular Fries | 440 | 6g | 58g | 21g | 520mg |
| Cheese Fries | 460 | 8g | 60g | 22g | 680mg |
| Mac & Cheese | 290 | 12g | 35g | 11g | 680mg |
| Kale Slaw | 270 | 2g | 18g | 22g | 380mg |
| Dave’s Sauce (side) | 180 | 1g | 4g | 18g | 320mg |
| Large Dave’s Sauce | 1,530 | 8g | 32g | 144g | 2,560mg |
Complete Combos:
| Combo Meal | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 2 Tenders with Fries | 890-1,050 | 70g | 76g | 64g |
| 2 Sliders with Fries | 1,200-1,400 | 60g | 135g | 70g |
| 1 Tender + 1 Slider with Fries | 1,370 | 65g | 108g | 78g |
| 1 Slider with Fries | 1,060 | 36g | 103g | 56g |
| 2 Cauli Tenders with Fries | 750-950 | 24g | 104g | 56g |
| 2 Cauli Sliders with Fries | 1,100-1,350 | 30g | 152g | 64g |
The spice level you choose makes almost no difference in calories. The dry rub seasoning adds only 5-10 calories maximum, even at Reaper level. The chicken, breading, and frying oil account for virtually all calories, not the spice blend.
Making Healthier Choices at Dave’s
For lower calories, choose single items without fries. A Single Tender at 490 calories makes a reasonable meal when paired with water or unsweetened tea. Skip Dave’s Sauce to save 180 calories per serving.
The highest protein option is the 2 Tenders with Fries combo at 70g protein. Fitness enthusiasts can boost this further by ordering an extra tender separately, reaching 105g protein for about $18. Substitute kale slaw for fries to reduce carbs by 40g and calories by 170.
Mac and cheese surprises many by containing fewer calories (290) than fries (440). The smaller portion size keeps calories down despite the cheese content. However, it contains 680mg sodium – nearly 30% of the daily recommended limit.
The cauliflower options don’t save many calories compared to chicken because the breading and frying process adds most of the calories. A Cauli Tender (490-550 calories) matches a regular tender exactly in calories while providing significantly less protein (12g vs 35g).
Understanding Macro Ratios
Dave’s menu items run high in fat due to frying in canola oil. A typical tender derives about 64% of calories from fat, 25% from protein, and 11% from carbohydrates. This makes Dave’s less suitable for low-fat diets but acceptable for low-carb or keto approaches.
Sliders contain more carbohydrates than tenders due to the potato bun, which adds 150 calories and 28g carbs. Request your slider without the bun to create a lower-carb option, though this makes the meal messier to eat.
Sodium content runs high across the entire menu, with most combo meals exceeding 2,000mg (87% of the daily recommendation). The hand-breaded coating absorbs salt during preparation, and the seasoning blends add more sodium. Those monitoring sodium intake should avoid Dave’s or treat it as an occasional indulgence rather than regular dining.
Allergen Menu & Dietary Restrictions
The dave’s hot chicken allergen menu presents challenges for people with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Dave’s uses shared equipment for all food preparation, making cross-contamination unavoidable.
Critical Allergen Warning
Dave’s Hot Chicken crumbl menu cannot guarantee any menu item is completely free from allergens. All food cooks in shared fryers where chicken, cauliflower, and fries are prepared together. The restaurant uses shared cutting boards, preparation surfaces, and utensils throughout the kitchen.
If you have severe food allergies that could trigger anaphylaxis, eating at Dave’s poses serious risks. The restaurant’s fast-paced, high-volume environment makes special allergen-free preparation nearly impossible to guarantee.
Primary Allergens Present
Gluten/Wheat: All tenders, sliders, bites, cauliflower items, buns, mac and cheese, and potentially fries (cooked in shared oil with breaded items). Dave’s does not offer gluten-free breading or dedicated fryers.
Dairy/Milk: Shakes, cheese sauce, cheese fries, mac and cheese, Dave’s Sauce, kale slaw dressing (contains buttermilk), and breading (contains milk powder).
Eggs: Breading mixture, buns, Dave’s Sauce, mayonnaise-based dressings, kale slaw dressing.
Soy: Frying oil (soybean oil at most locations), breading, Dave’s Sauce, many dressings and condiments.
Nuts: Not used in recipes directly, but M&M and Oreo shake toppings may contain traces from manufacturing facilities. No menu items contain peanuts or tree nuts as primary ingredients.
Dietary Options Analysis
Vegetarian Options Available: The cauliflower tenders, sliders, and bites provide vegetarian choices, along with all sides except items containing meat. However, remember that all vegetarian items cook in the same oil as chicken, which matters for some vegetarians based on their dietary reasoning.
Mac and cheese, fries, cheese fries, kale slaw, and top loaded fries (with cauliflower bites) are also vegetarian. All shakes and drinks qualify as vegetarian.
No Vegan Options: Despite cauliflower items appearing plant-based, the breading contains eggs and dairy. Dave’s Sauce includes both eggs and dairy. Even plain fries aren’t strictly vegan due to shared fryer contamination with animal products. The kale slaw dressing contains dairy.
Someone following a strict vegan diet has no safe options at Dave’s Hot Chicken.
No Gluten-Free Options: Dave’s offers no gluten-free menu items. The signature breading requires wheat flour to achieve its crispy texture. Cauliflower items use the same breading as chicken.
Some customers with mild gluten sensitivity (not celiac disease) report eating fries without severe reactions, but this isn’t recommended. The fries cook in oil shared with breaded items, creating gluten contamination. Dave’s cannot guarantee fries are gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Limitations: Very limited options exist for dairy-free diets. Plain chicken tenders without Dave’s Sauce contain minimal dairy (only traces in the breading). Avoid cheese fries, mac and cheese, all shakes, and kale slaw.
Plain fries theoretically contain no dairy, though shared fryer risk applies. Soft drinks and bottled water provide the only completely safe dairy-free beverages.
Halal Certification: Halal availability varies dramatically by location and region. All Dave’s Hot Chicken locations in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar serve 100% halal-certified chicken from approved suppliers.
In the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, halal availability differs by franchise owner. Some locations use halal chicken exclusively, while others use conventional suppliers. Always call your specific location before visiting if halal meat is required for your diet.
Allergen Safety Recommendations
Contact your local Dave’s directly and speak with a manager (not just counter staff) about allergen concerns. Managers can access ingredient labels and preparation procedures that cashiers may not know.
Request to see the ingredient labels for specific items if you have questions about allergen content. Most locations keep binders with complete ingredient lists from suppliers.
Never rely on employee assurances alone if you have life-threatening allergies. Cross-contamination in a busy kitchen happens easily even with the best intentions.
Carry your epinephrine auto-injector if you have severe food allergies and choose to eat at Dave’s despite the risks.
The most comprehensive allergen information comes from, which lists all 14 major EU-regulated allergens across the menu. While created for UK locations, the recipes remain largely consistent globally.
The Dave’s Hot Chicken Story
Four childhood friends launched Dave’s Hot Chicken in May 2017 with just $900 pooled together to buy a portable fryer. Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan set up a parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood, serving Nashville-style hot chicken from picnic tables borrowed from their backyards.
The concept caught fire immediately. An Eater Los Angeles review generated massive buzz, creating lines that stretched entire city blocks. Customers waited hours for tenders and sliders that delivered authentic Nashville heat with California quality standards.
By late 2018, the parking lot stand closed and Dave’s opened its first brick-and-mortar location on Western Avenue. The move from street cart to restaurant proved the concept could scale without losing quality or authenticity.
In 2019, Bill Phelps (co-founder of Wetzel’s Pretzels and Blaze Pizza) and movie producer John Davis invested in Dave’s, acquiring 50% ownership. Phelps became CEO and spearheaded the franchising strategy that would transform Dave’s from local favorite to national phenomenon.
Celebrity investors joined the journey starting in 2021. Rapper Drake became one of the largest investors after trying the food and meeting the founders. Actor Samuel L. Jackson, former California First Lady Maria Shriver, NFL legend Michael Strahan, and R&B superstar Usher all invested in subsequent funding rounds.
Drake’s involvement proved particularly valuable. The rapper celebrates his birthday each October by sponsoring free slider giveaways at Toronto locations, generating massive social media exposure to his 144+ million Instagram followers.
As of February 2026, Dave’s operates 283 locations across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with aggressive expansion plans for Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.
How to Order Dave’s Hot Chicken
You have three main methods to order from dave’s hot chicken menu: through their mobile app, via their website, or through third-party delivery services. Each method offers different benefits and drawbacks.
Ordering Through the Dave’s App
Download the Dave’s Hot Chicken app for iOS or Android to access the fastest ordering method. The app lets you browse the full menu, customize every item, and pick your preferred pickup time.
Step-by-step ordering process:
- Open the app and allow location access to find nearby restaurants
- Select your closest Dave’s location
- Browse menu categories and tap items to add them
- Choose your spice level for each chicken item
- Customize sides and drinks
- Review your cart and apply any available rewards
- Select pickup time (usually 15-30 minutes from order placement)
- Complete payment through saved card or new payment method
- Receive confirmation with order number
- Arrive at selected time and skip the line by giving your name
The app automatically tracks your Frequent Flyer rewards points (10 points per dollar spent) without requiring you to scan anything at checkout. New users receive a free drink with their first app order.
Website Ordering
Visit daveshotchicken.com and click “Order Now” to access the same menu and customization options as the app. Website ordering works well if you don’t want to download another app or have limited phone storage.
The process mirrors app ordering but requires manually entering location information each time. You won’t earn rewards points as seamlessly – the system may ask you to create an account first.
Third-Party Delivery
Dave’s partners with DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates for delivery service. Search for “Dave’s Hot Chicken” in any of these apps to see if delivery is available at your address.
Important delivery limitations:
Menu prices on third-party apps run $1-3 higher per item than ordering directly. A $12.99 combo might cost $15.99 on DoorDash.
You cannot earn Frequent Flyer rewards points on third-party delivery orders. The points system only works for direct orders through Dave’s app or website.
Delivery fees ($3-6), service fees (10-15%), and driver tips (15-20% recommended) can nearly double your total cost compared to pickup.
Some menu items may not appear on third-party apps, particularly limited-time offers or location-specific items.
In-Store Ordering
Walk into any Dave’s location and order at the counter. This traditional method lets you ask questions about spice levels, see menu photos on overhead displays, and get personalized recommendations from staff.
Peak hours (11:30am-1pm for lunch, 6-8pm for dinner, Friday/Saturday evenings) create longer wait times. Arrive during off-peak hours for faster service.
Tell the cashier you want to earn Frequent Flyer points by providing your phone number at checkout. They’ll manually add the transaction to your account.
Frequent Flyer Rewards Program
The Frequent Flyer loyalty program rewards regular customers with free food and exclusive deals. Understanding how to maximize points earns you free meals faster.
How Points Work
Earn 10 points for every dollar you spend on orders placed through the Dave’s app or website. A $15 order earns 150 points, while a $50 Hot Box earns 500 points.
Points accumulate based on your subtotal before tax and tips. Delivery fees and service charges don’t earn points.
Redemption levels:
300 points unlocks a free regular side (fries, kale slaw, or mac and cheese) or a free regular soft drink.
600 points gets you a free shake (any size or flavor), cheese fries, single slider, or single tender.
1,200 points earns a free combo meal (2 tenders with fries or 2 sliders with fries).
Maximizing Your Rewards Value
The 1,200-point combo redemption offers the best value. A $12.99 combo requires spending $120 to earn, meaning you get back about 10.8% of your spending.
The 600-point single item redemption returns roughly 8.3% value (spend $60, get a $5-7 item free).
The 300-point free side or drink returns about 6.6% value (spend $30, get a $2-4 item free).
Wait to redeem until you reach 1,200 points unless you desperately want something sooner. The higher redemption tiers provide better return on your spending.
Earning Points Faster
Order for your entire group on one account when dining with friends or family. A $60 group order earns 600 points toward your rewards, while splitting into individual orders dilutes your points across multiple accounts.
Combine app-only deals with points earning. Dave’s frequently offers 15-20% off combos for app users, letting you save money while still earning full points on the discounted total.
Upload receipts from in-store purchases if you forgot to provide your phone number at checkout. The app allows receipt scanning for up to 7 days after purchase to claim your points retroactively.
Program Limitations
Third-party delivery orders through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub don’t earn points regardless of order size. You must order directly through Dave’s channels.
Points expire after 12 months of account inactivity. Make at least one purchase per year to keep your points balance active.
Redeemed rewards expire 30 days after claiming them. Don’t redeem a reward unless you plan to use it within a month.
Only one reward applies per order. You can’t stack a free combo reward with a free drink reward in the same transaction.
Birthday rewards (100 bonus points) only appear during your birthday month, so check the app regularly if your birthday approaches.
Gift Cards & Digital Gifts
Dave’s Hot Chicken gift cards make perfect presents for spicy food lovers. Physical and digital cards are available in any denomination from $10 to $500.
Purchase gift cards directly through the Dave’s Hot Chicken website or mobile app. Digital cards arrive via email within minutes, making them ideal for last-minute gifts. Physical cards ship within 3-5 business days to your specified address.
Recipients redeem gift cards at any Dave’s location nationwide or through the app for pickup and delivery orders (direct orders only, not through third-party apps).
Gift cards never expire and carry no maintenance fees. Check balances anytime through the app or by calling the phone number on the back of physical cards.
Corporate bulk orders are available for businesses purchasing 25+ cards. Contact Dave’s customer service at info@daveshotchicken.com for volume pricing and custom denomination options.
Catering & Group Orders
The Hot Box options serve as Dave’s official catering solution for events ranging from office lunches to large parties. Each Hot Box feeds 8-10 people depending on appetite and whether you add sides.
For events larger than 20 people, order multiple Hot Boxes at different spice levels to accommodate varying heat tolerances. Popular catering combinations include two Hot Box Tenders (one Medium, one Hot), two Box of Fries, and a selection of drinks.
Place catering orders at least 24 hours in advance through your local Dave’s restaurant. Some locations require 48-72 hours notice for very large orders (100+ people). Call your nearest location directly rather than ordering through the app for catering requests.
Hot Boxes come with pickles, bread, and packets of Dave’s Sauce. Request extra sauce, napkins, and utensils when placing your catering order.
Dave’s does not offer dedicated catering staff or on-site setup services. All catering orders are prepared for pickup at the scheduled time. Some franchise locations may offer delivery for large catering orders within limited radius – call to inquire.
More Location Information
Dave’s hot chicken orlando menu serves the greater Orlando area with locations in Downtown Orlando, UCF area, and Winter Park. Florida locations maintain later hours on weekends (until 1am Friday-Saturday) to accommodate the tourism and nightlife crowds.
Dave’s hot chicken tampa menu includes restaurants in Downtown Tampa, Westshore, and Brandon. The Tampa Bay area sees high demand during Buccaneers game days, so order ahead via the app if visiting near Raymond James Stadium.
Dave’s hot chicken charlotte menu covers the Charlotte metro area including locations in South End, University area, and Concord Mills. North Carolina locations feature all standard menu items with pricing typical for the Southeast region ($12-15 for combo meals).
Dave’s hot chicken boston menu includes restaurants in Boston proper, Cambridge, and Allston. Massachusetts locations charge slightly higher prices ($13-16 for combos) due to higher operating costs in the Northeast market.
Dave’s hot chicken las vegas menu serves the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas. The Grand Bazaar Shops location near the Strip stays open until 4am on weekends, making it the latest-operating Dave’s in North America.
Dave’s hot chicken kansas city menu operates locations on both the Kansas and Missouri sides of the metro area. Kansas City restaurants offer all standard items with Midwest-typical pricing.
Dave’s hot chicken portland menu covers the Portland metro area with five locations as of 2026. Oregon restaurants feature the complete menu including all cauliflower options and specialty shakes.
Dave’s hot chicken tucson menu serves Southern Arizona with locations near University of Arizona campus and in central Tucson. Arizona locations see heavy traffic during college football season.
Dave’s hot chicken nashville menu brings Nashville-style hot chicken back to its Tennessee roots. Nashville locations maintain high standards given the city’s deep hot chicken tradition and knowledgeable customer base.
For precise hours, addresses, and local pricing at any of these locations, use the store locator at daveshotchicken.com or search “Dave’s Hot Chicken near me” in Google Maps.
Operating Hours by Region
Most Dave’s Hot Chicken locations follow consistent schedules, though regional variations exist based on local demand and regulations.
Standard Hours (Most U.S. Locations): Sunday-Thursday: 10:00am – 12:00am (midnight) Friday-Saturday: 10:00am – 1:00am
Extended Hours Locations: Some high-traffic areas stay open later, particularly: Las Vegas Strip (Grand Bazaar): Until 4:00am Friday-Saturday Los Angeles (Hollywood/Downtown): Until 2:00am daily Miami Beach area: Until 2:00am Friday-Saturday College town locations: Extended hours during academic year
Limited Hours Locations: Mall and airport locations follow center operating schedules: Shopping mall Dave’s: Typically 11:00am – 9:00pm daily Airport locations: Hours match terminal operations
Holiday Hours: Most locations close on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Reduced hours (typically 12:00pm – 10:00pm) operate on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Verify your local restaurant’s holiday schedule through the app or by calling ahead. Franchise-owned locations may have different holiday policies than company-owned restaurants.
Secret Menu & Insider Ordering Hacks
The dave’s hot chicken secret menu isn’t officially published, but regular customers know about several off-menu items and customizations.
The Roulette Challenge
Available at all locations, the Hot Box Roulette includes one random Reaper-level piece mixed into your regular order. Order a Hot Box of 10 tenders at Medium level, and one tender will secretly be Reaper. Nobody knows which piece is the spicy surprise until someone bites into it.
The Roulette costs the same as a regular Hot Box ($50 for tenders, $70 for sliders). Request it specifically when ordering – it’s not listed on standard menus.
Mix-and-Match Spice Levels
Although not advertised, you can request different heat levels within a single order at no upcharge. Ask for “5 pieces Medium, 5 pieces Hot” when ordering a Hot Box. Counter staff will prepare half the order at each spice level.
This works for smaller orders too. Request “1 tender Mild, 1 tender Hot” on a 2-tender combo to compare heat levels side by side.
Extra Crispy Preparation
Some locations offer “double-fried” or “extra crispy” tenders when requested. The kitchen fries the tender twice, creating an even crunchier coating. Not all locations accommodate this request during busy periods, and it may add $0.50-1.00 to your order.
Dave’s Sauce on Everything
Dave’s signature sauce works on more than just chicken. Ask to add it to fries, mac and cheese, or even your kale slaw. The first side of sauce comes free with any meal; additional sides cost $0.25 each.
The Protein-Packed Order
Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts order “3 single tenders, no fries, kale slaw” for a high-protein, lower-carb meal. This combination delivers 105g protein and about 1,500 calories while minimizing carbohydrates.
Budget Hack
Ordering items separately sometimes costs less than combos if you don’t want fries. A Single Tender ($4.99) plus Mac and Cheese ($4.29) totals $9.28 versus the $10.49 slider combo with fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spice level should I order at Dave’s Hot Chicken if I’ve never been there? Start with Mild or Medium. Mild offers gentle heat that most people handle easily, while Medium delivers the classic Nashville hot chicken experience without overwhelming spice. Dave’s heat levels run hotter than most chain restaurants, so what you consider “medium” elsewhere might equal Dave’s Hot level.
Is Dave’s Hot Chicken halal? It depends on location. All Middle East locations (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) serve 100% halal-certified chicken. In the USA, Canada, and UK, halal availability varies by franchise owner. Call your specific restaurant to confirm before visiting.
Does Dave’s have gluten-free options? No. All chicken and cauliflower items use wheat-based breading. Even fries aren’t safe for celiac disease due to shared fryers with breaded products. Dave’s cannot accommodate gluten-free diets.
How many calories are in a Dave’s Hot Chicken combo meal? Combo meals range from 890 to 1,400 calories depending on items chosen. The 2 Tenders with Fries contains 890-1,050 calories, while 2 Sliders with Fries has 1,200-1,400 calories. Spice level doesn’t significantly affect calorie count.
Can I earn rewards points on DoorDash or Uber Eats orders? No. Points only accumulate on orders placed directly through the Dave’s Hot Chicken app or website. Third-party delivery services don’t connect to the Frequent Flyer rewards system.
What’s the difference between Dave’s tenders and sliders? Tenders are chicken strips served on white bread with pickles and sauce. Sliders are chicken sandwiches on potato buns with kale slaw, pickles, and sauce. Sliders cost about $2 more but provide a more complete sandwich experience.
How long does it take to earn free food through rewards? Spend $30 to earn 300 points for a free side or drink. Spend $60 for 600 points to get a free slider or tender. Spend $120 for 1,200 points to earn a free combo meal. Points accumulate from all direct orders.
Does Dave’s Hot Chicken have a kids menu? No official kids menu exists, but child-friendly options include Single Tender (No Spice), Mini Sliders, or Dave’s Bites with mild seasoning. Most families order No Spice or Lite Mild levels for children under 12.
Contact Information & Customer Service
Corporate Headquarters: Dave’s Hot Chicken 600 Playhouse Alley, Unit 504 Pasadena, CA 91101 United States
Phone: (626) 628-0850 Email: info@daveshotchicken.com Website: daveshotchicken.com
Customer Service Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Pacific Time
For order issues, feedback, or menu questions, email customer service or contact your local restaurant directly. Phone numbers for individual locations appear on the store locator page.
Franchise Inquiries: Interested parties should visit daveshotchicken.com/franchising and complete the franchise inquiry form. The development team reviews submissions and contacts qualified candidates within 10 business days.
Career Opportunities: Job seekers can apply online at daveshotchicken.com/careers or visit local restaurants to fill out paper applications. Dave’s hires for positions including crew members, shift leaders, assistant managers, general managers, and corporate roles.
Social Media: Instagram: @DavesHotChicken Facebook: /DavesHotChicken TikTok: @DavesHotChicken (1.1+ million followers) Twitter/X: @DavesHotChiken
Allergen Information Requests: For detailed allergen information beyond what appears on this page, request the printed allergen guide from your local restaurant manager.
Media Inquiries: Press and media contacts should email media@daveshotchicken.com or call the corporate office during business hours.
Conclusion
The dave’s hot chicken menu with prices delivers straightforward options centered on Nashville-style tenders and sliders. Every item features hand-breaded chicken fried to order, with seven heat levels that range from family-friendly No Spice to the extreme Carolina Reaper. Understanding the spice scale, nutrition facts, and allergen information helps you make confident choices whether dining alone or ordering for groups.
Download the Dave’s app to earn Frequent Flyer rewards points on every purchase, access exclusive deals, and skip lines with mobile ordering. Start with Mild or Medium heat levels on your first visit – Dave’s spice runs hotter than most chains, so what you consider medium elsewhere might equal Dave’s Hot level. Keep a shake nearby when trying Hot or above, and remember that dairy cools capsaicin burn better than water or soda.
