Dave’s Hot Chicken is famous for its juicy, Nashville-style tenders, over-the-top sliders, and unapologetically spicy heat levels. But whether you’re tracking macros, cutting calories, or just want to make smarter choices in the U.S., knowing the nutritional breakdown can make a huge difference.
This guide walks you through the full Dave’s Hot Chicken menu — item by item — so you can eat what you love without the guesswork.
Quick Overview: What’s on the Menu?
Dave’s Hot Chicken keeps things simple. The core menu includes:
- Sliders
- Tenders
- Fries
- Signature sauces
- Milkshakes
While the lineup isn’t massive, portion sizes are, and that’s where the calories start to add up — fast.
Nutritional Breakdown by Item
Let’s break down the key items one by one.
🔥 Sliders
Each slider includes a tender, bun, slaw, pickles, and Dave’s sauce.
- Calories: ~640–700+
- Protein: 30–35g
- Fat: 30–35g
- Carbs: 50–60g
Note: The heat level doesn’t change the nutrition — it’s the toppings, sauce, and bun that do the damage.
🍗 Tenders
Served standalone or in combos. Each tender is massive and breaded.
- Calories per tender: ~330–400
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 20–25g
🍟 Fries
Crinkle-cut, seasoned, and portioned to feed two (but often eaten solo).
- Calories: ~450–500 per serving
- Carbs: ~55–60g
- Fat: ~25g
🥫 Sauces
Dave’s Sauce is delicious — and calorie-heavy.
- Dave’s Sauce (per serving): ~200–220 calories
- Other sauces (ranch, honey mustard): 150–250 per container
Most combos come with 1–2 sauce containers. That’s an extra 200–400 calories.
🥤 Milkshakes
Available in classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate.
- Calories: 650–800
- Sugar: 60–80g
- Fat: 25–35g
Looking for just the calorie count?
👉 Check our calorie-only breakdown here.
Meal Combinations: What You’re Really Eating
🍔 Slider + Tender + Fries + Sauce
- Total Calories: ~1,400–1,600
- Protein: 60–70g
- Carbs: 100–120g
- Fat: 70–80g
🍔 2 Sliders + Fries
- Total Calories: ~1,600–1,800+
- Watch out: Those buns, sauces, and fries stack up fast.
Healthier Options & Hacks
Dave’s Hot Chicken isn’t designed to be low-calorie, but there are ways to keep things under control.
✅ Smart Swaps:
- Skip the bun: Saves ~150–200 calories
- Go sauceless or ask for sauce on the side: Cuts ~200+ calories
- Split a combo: The portion size can easily feed two
- Just get tenders: High protein, fewer carbs than sliders
Here’s how Dave’s stacks up against other popular U.S. chains:
| Chain | Signature Meal | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Dave’s Hot Chicken | Slider + Tender + Fries | ~1,500 |
| Chick-fil-A | Chicken Sandwich + Fries | ~900 |
| Raising Cane’s | 3 Finger Combo | ~1,100 |
| Popeyes | Chicken Sandwich + Fries | ~1,300 |
Dave’s lands on the higher end — mostly due to portion size and sauce density.
Final Thoughts
Dave’s Hot Chicken hits hard — in flavor, heat, and calories. But with a little awareness, it’s easy to tailor your order to match your goals. Whether you’re bulking, watching carbs, or just need to satisfy a spicy craving, this guide gives you the info you need to do it right.
Want to know if Dave’s is halal or what to ask when ordering?
👉 See our guide on Dave’s Hot Chicken and halal sourcing.
