Dave’s Hot Chicken has skyrocketed in popularity across the United States, thanks to its unique mix of Nashville-style heat, crispy chicken and cult-like brand following. But for those concerned with what’s on their plate — particularly calories, fat content, and ingredients — understanding Dave’s Hot Chicken nutrition is crucial. Whether you’re managing weight, following a low-carb diet or just curious about what goes into the famous spicy sliders and tenders, this guide will give you an in-depth breakdown of everything nutritional at Dave’s.
From portion sizes to calorie counts, we’ll walk you through each menu item — tenders, sliders, sides, sauces, and even drinks — helping you make informed choices while still enjoying the bold, fiery flavor that defines Dave’s Hot Chicken.
What is Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Founded in 2017 in a Los Angeles parking lot, Dave’s Hot Chicken started as a pop-up with a $900 investment. What made it stand out was the spice-first approach to fried chicken, offering varying heat levels from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” the latter requiring a waiver to try. Since then, Dave’s has exploded into a multi-national franchise, drawing long lines for its simple menu of chicken tenders, sliders, fries, and sides.
The brand markets itself as indulgent, crave-worthy, and fiery — but is it healthy? That depends on what you’re eating, how much, and how often. Below, we analyze each component of the menu.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu Overview
Dave’s keeps the menu intentionally simple, typically offering these core items:
- Chicken Tenders (individual or in combos)
- Chicken Sliders (often in combos)
- Kale Slaw
- Fries
- Cheese Fries
- Mac & Cheese
- Dave’s Sauce and other condiments
- Soft drinks, milkshakes, water
Unlike more complex fast-food chains, this simplicity makes it easier to analyze nutritional content — though serving size can still vary, particularly with sauces and add-ons.
Nutrition by Item: Calorie & Macronutrient Breakdown
Chicken Tender
| Nutrient | Value (1 Tender, Medium Heat, No Sauce) |
| Calories | ~280 |
| Fat | 17g |
| Carbs | 9g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Sodium | ~750mg |
Overview: The chicken tender is the most iconic and straightforward menu item. The calorie count can increase by 30–50 calories if you choose higher spice levels due to the oil content used in dusting powders. While it’s protein-rich, it’s also high in sodium and saturated fat due to the deep-frying process.
Chicken Slider (includes bun, tender, slaw, pickles, sauce)
| Nutrient | Value (1 Slider) |
| Calories | ~560 |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Sodium | ~1000mg |
Overview: Sliders are a more indulgent choice, combining a fried tender with a soft bun, creamy sauce, pickles, and slaw. Removing the bun or sauce can reduce the calories by up to 150.
Fries (Regular Order)
| Nutrient | Value |
| Calories | ~400 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbs | 48g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | ~350mg |
Overview: The crinkle-cut fries are classic and flavorful but add significant carbs and fats to any meal. Cheese fries add another 200+ calories, mainly from saturated fat.
Kale Slaw
| Nutrient | Value |
| Calories | ~90 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbs | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
Overview: The kale slaw is one of the lightest sides and provides a fresh counterbalance to the richness of the fried chicken. It includes shredded kale, carrots, and a light vinaigrette.
Mac & Cheese
| Nutrient | Value |
| Calories | ~300 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 25g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Sodium | ~400mg |
Overview: Though a comforting choice, the mac and cheese is calorie-dense. Portion size matters — many underestimate how much they’re actually eating when they scoop from a shared container.
A Closer Look: Dave’s Sauce
This creamy, spicy mayo-based dip is a fan favorite but adds a surprising amount of calories to your meal.
| Nutrient | Value (1 serving – 2 Tbsp) |
| Calories | ~180 |
| Fat | 19g |
| Carbs | 2g |
| Protein | <1g |
| Sodium | ~210mg |
Health Tip: Ask for your sauce on the side. A little goes a long way, and skipping it can reduce your total fat intake by over 30%.
Combos: The Full Calorie Picture
2 Tenders + Fries + Sauce
Estimated Calories: 280 (tender) x 2 + 400 (fries) + 180 (sauce) = 1,140 calories
Overview: While seemingly simple, this combo packs a hefty caloric punch. Substituting kale slaw for fries can reduce the total by over 300 calories.
2 Sliders + Fries + Sauce
Estimated Calories: 560 (slider) x 2 + 400 (fries) + 180 (sauce) = 1,700 calories
Overview: One of the most calorically dense meals on the menu. You’re looking at almost a full day’s worth of energy if paired with a drink or dessert.
Ingredient Transparency
Dave’s doesn’t disclose every ingredient publicly, but based on standard industry practices and known allergen lists, here are typical ingredients found in popular items:
Chicken Tenders/Sliders:
- Chicken breast
- Buttermilk marinade
- Wheat flour breading (gluten)
- Spice blends (including cayenne, paprika, garlic powder)
- Pickles
- White bread bun (contains gluten, soy)
Dave’s Sauce:
- Mayonnaise base (egg, soybean oil)
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Spices
- Sugar
Kale Slaw:
- Kale
- Shredded carrots
- Vinaigrette (contains sugar, vinegar, and mustard)
Note: Always consult in-store allergen info if you have dietary restrictions.
Healthier Ordering Tips
- Go bunless: Ask for sliders without the bun or order tenders solo to cut 150–200 calories.
- Limit sauces: Sauces can quickly double the fat content of your meal. Stick to one serving or skip entirely.
- Swap fries for slaw: You’ll save 300 calories and gain some fiber and vitamins.
- Watch the heat level: Spicier chicken may contain slightly more oil-based dusting, increasing calorie count.
- Split combos: Share a combo meal with a friend or save half for later.
How Does It Fit Into a Balanced Diet?
It’s unrealistic (and unnecessary) to avoid fried foods completely. The key is moderation. If you’re eating Dave’s Hot Chicken once a week and balancing it with vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein the rest of the time, you’ll likely be fine. But if your daily intake includes fried chicken, fries, and sugary drinks, that adds up fast — not just in calories but also in sodium, trans fats, and simple carbs.
Dietary Restrictions and Allergen Info
Dave’s Hot Chicken is not a gluten-free-friendly establishment. The tenders and sliders are breaded in wheat flour, and even the fries may be cooked in shared fryers. Here’s a quick overview:
| Allergen | Present in: |
| Gluten | Chicken, buns, fries |
| Dairy | Mac & cheese, some sauces |
| Soy | Sauce, buns, possibly fry oil |
| Egg | Dave’s Sauce, mayo-based items |
Vegetarians and vegans will find few options, as all main entrees contain chicken, and there are no plant-based meat substitutes.
Nutritional Comparison With Other Chains
| Chain | Signature Item | Calories (1 Sandwich/Portion) |
| Dave’s Hot Chicken | Slider | 560 |
| Chick-fil-A | Chicken Sandwich | 440 |
| Popeyes | Spicy Chicken Sandwich | 700 |
| Raising Cane’s | Chicken Finger | 140 (per finger) |
| KFC | Original Recipe Drum | 120 |
Observation: Dave’s sits in the mid-to-high calorie range, mostly due to sauces and larger portion sizes.
Should You Worry About Sodium?
Yes, if you’re eating Dave’s regularly. A two-slider combo with fries can exceed 2,000 mg of sodium, nearly hitting the recommended daily max of 2,300 mg for healthy adults. High sodium intake over time contributes to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
For Fitness Enthusiasts: Can You Fit Dave’s Into a Macros Plan?
Absolutely — but you’ll need to plan around it. A single tender is fairly balanced at 20g protein, but adding sliders, fries, and sauce can blow your fat macros for the day. Consider treating Dave’s as a “cheat meal” and plan a lean, low-fat dinner to balance the day’s intake.
Sustainability and Transparency
Dave’s has not made public commitments regarding sourcing practices, hormone-free chicken, or sustainability. For health-conscious consumers who also care about environmental impact, this may be a deciding factor. However, their minimalist menu can be seen as reducing food waste, a small nod to efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Dave’s Hot Chicken Nutrition offers flavorful indulgence but comes with significant nutritional baggage. If you’re an occasional visitor, there’s little harm in enjoying a few tenders or sliders. But if you’re health-conscious or managing a condition like hypertension or diabetes, you’ll need to plan carefully. With smart swaps — like skipping fries or minimizing sauces — you can still enjoy the heat without the health consequences.
FAQs
1. How many calories are in a Dave’s Hot Chicken Nutrition tender?
Approximately 280 calories, though this may vary slightly by spice level and oil used.
2. Are there gluten-free options at Dave’s Hot Chicken Nutrition?
No. All tenders and sliders contain wheat flour, and even sides like fries are not certified gluten-free.
3. What is the healthiest item on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu?
A single tender without sauce or a side of kale slaw are among the lowest-calorie options.
4. Can I eat Dave’s Hot Chicken on a keto diet?
Not easily. The breading, sauces, and sides are carb-heavy. You’d need to remove all breading and buns.
5. Does Dave’s Hot Chicken use MSG or artificial flavoring?
While not explicitly disclosed, many spice mixes in the industry include MSG. Ask in-store for ingredient specifics.
