Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu USA – Updated Prices 2026
Dave’s Hot Chicken runs from about $4.99 for a single tender up to $20 for a full combo meal, with the signature Slider & Tender Combo around $13.99-$15.99. Below is the full menu across every category, the wild origin story of a $900 parking lot pop-up, and all seven spice levels from No Spice to the notorious Reaper.
How we built this page: prices below are estimated national averages compiled by cross-checking multiple public menu-price trackers as of 2026, not a single unverified source. Dave’s Hot Chicken operates over 900 locations, and pricing varies by store and region. Always confirm at your local restaurant or in the app before ordering.
Jump to: Spice Levels | Tenders & Sliders | Combos | Allergens | FAQ
About Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken started in 2017 when childhood friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan pooled just $900 to set up a pop-up stand in an East Hollywood parking lot, aiming to serve the best Nashville-style hot chicken in California.
Word spread fast — lines stretched around the block within weeks, and the pop-up had a cult following before it even had a permanent address. The first brick-and-mortar location opened in 2018, and the brand quickly attracted major investors, including a minority stake from Drake in 2021 and later backing from Samuel L. Jackson and Maria Shriver. As of 2026, Dave’s Hot Chicken operates over 900 locations across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and the Middle East.
See Also: The Honey Baked Ham Menu
Spice Levels
| Level | Notes |
|---|---|
| No Spice | All the crispy fried chicken flavor without any heat — perfect for kids or spice-averse eaters |
| Lite Mild | Just a touch of heat |
| Mild | Noticeable but approachable spice |
| Medium | A genuine kick |
| Hot | Serious heat — the honey hack (drizzling honey on top) is a popular way to balance it |
| Extra Hot | For dedicated spice fans |
| Reaper | The intense, legend-making top tier — approach with caution |
Every Slider and Tender comes in one of these seven signature heat levels, all customizable at no extra charge.
Tenders & Sliders
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Tender | $4.50-$4.99 | 230 |
| 2 Tenders | $9.49-$9.99 | 460 |
| Single Slider | $5.49-$5.99 | 380 |
| Dave’s Bites (10 pc) | $7.99 | 560 |
Dave’s NOT Chicken (Cauliflower)
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cauliflower Tenders | $4.99-$9.99 | Breaded and fried just like the chicken — same crunch, same spice choices, no meat, available at all spice levels including Reaper |
| Cauliflower Sliders | $5.49-$5.99 |
Combos
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slider & Tender Combo (#2) | $13.99-$15.99 | The iconic combo: one signature slider, one tender, and fries; most-ordered item overall |
| 2 Sliders with Fries Combo | $14.99-$19.00 | A top pick for portion size and value |
| 3-Piece Tender Combo | $15.99 | About 30-40% more expensive than a comparable Popeyes combo, reflecting the heat-level experience and fresh prep |
Combo meals typically save $2-$4 compared to ordering items separately.
Sides
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Crinkle-Cut Fries | $3.99-$4.99 | 420 |
| Cheese Fries | $4.99-$5.99 | 620 |
| Mac & Cheese | $3.99-$4.49 | 290 — the lightest side on the menu |
| Kale Slaw | $3.49-$3.99 | 150 — cooler and lower in calories than fries |
Shakes & Drinks
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milkshake (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry) | $5.49-$6.49 | Top-Loaded Shakes available with extra toppings |
| Fountain Drink | $2.49-$2.99 |
Party Boxes (Feed a Crowd)
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Feed a Crowd Meal Box | Priced per group size | Designed for parties and office gatherings, mixing sliders, tenders, and sides |
Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Specialty & Services
Dave’s Hot Chicken’s specialty is genuine Nashville-style heat with seven customizable spice levels — a level of spice granularity most fried chicken chains don’t offer, anchored by the legendary Reaper tier. Beyond the standard menu:
- Celebrity investor backing: Drake (minority stake since 2021), Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver, and Usher (9 Atlanta franchises since 2024) have all invested in the brand, a genuine part of its cultural growth story
- Dave’s Hot Points rewards: the loyalty app earns 10 points per $1 spent, redeemable for free sliders
- Full cauliflower “Dave’s NOT Chicken” line: a genuinely complete vegetarian alternative available at every spice level, including Reaper
Allergen Quick-Reference
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenders/Sliders (breaded chicken) | Yes | No | Wheat-based breading |
| Cauliflower Tenders | Yes | No | Same wheat-based breading as the chicken version |
| Mac & Cheese | Yes | Yes | Pasta and dairy-based |
| Kale Slaw | No | Possible | Dressing may contain dairy; verify with staff |
This is a general reference only — Dave’s Hot Chicken’s official allergen guide should be checked directly, and staff notified of any severe allergy before ordering.
Approximate Nutrition (Protein / Carbs / Fat)
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Tender | ~230 kcal | 16g | 14g | 12g |
| Single Slider | ~380 kcal | 18g | 32g | 18g |
| Mac & Cheese | ~290 kcal | 10g | 32g | 13g |
Most Popular Orders
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Slider & Tender Combo (#2) | $13.99-$15.99 |
| 2 Sliders with Fries Combo | $14.99-$19.00 |
| Single Tender | $4.50-$4.99 |
| Dave’s Bites (10 pc) | $7.99 |
Dave’s Hot Chicken vs. Other Fried Chicken Chains
| Chain | Comparable Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dave’s Hot Chicken | 3-Piece Tender Combo | $15.99 |
| Popeyes | 3 Pc Tender Combo | $10.99 |
| Zaxby’s | Big Zax Snak Meal | $8.49-$10.79 |
| Bojangles | Chicken Supremes Combo | $9.99-$11.99 |
Dave’s Hot Chicken is genuinely 30-40% more expensive than Popeyes on a comparable combo — the premium reflects the heat-level experience, fresh prep, and brand positioning rather than portion size alone.
Price Quick-Reference
- Cheapest item: Single Tender — around $4.50-$4.99
- Cheapest full combo: Slider & Tender Combo — around $13.99-$15.99
- Most expensive standard item: larger combo meals — up to $20
- Best money-saving tip: combo meals save $2-$4 versus ordering items separately
Deals & Loyalty
Dave’s Hot Chicken’s loyalty app earns 10 points per $1 spent, redeemable for free sliders. Limited-time bundles, like a past Dave’s x Fallout collaboration priced around $12.99, occasionally add collectible extras to standard combos.
Service Options & Dining Details
- Service options: dine-in, takeout, delivery through the app and third-party platforms, party box catering
- Popular for: spice-level challenges, quick lunch or dinner, social-media-worthy Reaper attempts
- Amenities: honey packets available for those cooling down after a Hot-or-above order
Dave’s Hot Chicken Hours
Most Dave’s Hot Chicken locations are open daily from approximately 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours at some major-city locations on weekends. Check the app or your local restaurant’s page for exact hours, especially around holidays.
Nutrition & Dietary Quick Facts
- Mac & Cheese is the lightest standard side at around 290 calories
- Kale Slaw offers a cooler, lower-calorie contrast to spicy chicken compared to fries
- The full cauliflower “Dave’s NOT Chicken” line is available at every spice level for vegetarian customers
- Dave’s Hot Chicken’s official nutrition guide covers every tender, slider, and spice-level combination
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a tender at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
A Single Tender runs about $4.50-$4.99, as an estimated national average.
How did Dave’s Hot Chicken start?
Four childhood friends pooled $900 to launch a pop-up stand in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017, which quickly became a cult phenomenon before opening its first brick-and-mortar location in 2018.
What are the spice levels at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Seven levels: No Spice, Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra Hot, and Reaper.
Which celebrities have invested in Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Drake (minority stake since 2021), Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver, and Usher (9 Atlanta franchises since 2024).
Is Dave’s Hot Chicken more expensive than Popeyes?
Yes — genuinely 30-40% more expensive on a comparable combo, reflecting the heat-level experience and fresh prep.
Does Dave’s Hot Chicken have vegetarian options?
Yes — the full “Dave’s NOT Chicken” cauliflower line is available at every spice level, including Reaper.
Does Dave’s Hot Chicken have a rewards program?
Yes — the app earns 10 points per $1 spent, redeemable for free sliders.
What is the most popular item at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
The Slider & Tender Combo (#2), pairing one signature slider, one tender, and fries.
How many Dave’s Hot Chicken locations are there?
Over 900 locations across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and the Middle East.
What is the honey hack?
A popular ordering tip — drizzling a packet of honey over Hot or higher spice-level chicken to balance the heat, considered a Nashville pro move.
What Makes Dave’s Hot Chicken Different
Dave’s Hot Chicken built its identity around genuinely serious Nashville-style heat across seven customizable spice levels, anchored by a legendary $900 parking-lot origin story that’s become part of its cultural appeal. Backed by celebrity investors like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson, and offering a fully complete cauliflower alternative at every spice level, Dave’s has grown from a single 2017 pop-up to over 900 locations while keeping its bold, no-frills menu concept intact.
This page is independently published and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Dave’s Hot Chicken Enterprises, LLC. All prices are estimated national averages compiled from multiple public sources and may not reflect current pricing at your local restaurant. Last updated: 2026.
