Dave's Hot Chicken Menu Prices 2026Full Menu, Heat Levels and Best Items
2 Tenders start at $9.49 · Sliders from $5.49 · 7 heat levels from No Spice to Reaper+. Founded in a parking lot in 2017, Dave's Hot Chicken now has 900+ locations and is the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the US.
2 Tenders
$9.49
Base price
3 Tender Combo
$15.99
With fries & drink
Slider
$5.49
Single slider
Loaded Fries
$6.49
Add-on upgrade
What Is Dave's Hot Chicken?
Dave's Hot Chicken started in 2017 as a pop-up in a parking lot in East Hollywood, California. Co-founded by Dave Kopushyan and the Salamati brothers, it quickly became a phenomenon. Celebrity investors like Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and Maria Shriver backed the brand, and it now operates 900+ locations across the US, Canada, and internationally.
The menu is simple: Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders, available in 7 heat levels, served with sides like Loaded Fries, Mac & Cheese, and Kale Slaw. The secret is the dry-rub spice blend applied after frying. Each heat level uses a progressively hotter blend of dried chilies.
📍 Find your nearest location at daveshotchicken.com
Dave's Hot Chicken Tenders Prices 2026
Tenders are the main event. Each order comes with your choice of heat level and a sauce for dipping. You can add sides and a drink to make it a combo.
| Menu Item | Price | Combo Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Tenders | $9.49 | $12.99 |
| 3 Tenders | $12.49 | $15.99 |
| 4 Tenders | $14.99 | $18.99 |
| Kids Meal (1 Tender) | $6.99 | N/A |
* Combo includes regular fries + fountain drink. Upgrade to Loaded Fries for +$3. Prices may vary by location.
Dave's Hot Chicken Slider Prices 2026
Sliders are a great way to try Dave's without committing to a full tender plate. Each slider has one chicken tender on a toasted brioche bun with house slaw and pickles.
| Menu Item | Price | Combo Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Slider | $5.49 | N/A |
| 2 Sliders | $9.99 | $13.49 |
| 3 Sliders | $13.99 | $17.49 |
Sides & Add-Ons Prices 2026
Regular Fries
Classic crispy fries
Loaded Fries
Fries + Dave's sauce + cheese + jalapeños
Mac & Cheese
Creamy, rich side
Kale Slaw
Light, tangy balance to the heat
Dave's Sauce (extra)
House dipping sauce
Fountain Drink
Standard size
💡 Insider Tip: Upgrade to Loaded Fries
The $3 upgrade from regular fries to Loaded Fries is worth every penny. Dave's Sauce + melted cheese + jalapeños on crinkle-cut fries is one of the best sides in fast-casual dining right now.
Dave's Hot Chicken Heat Levels Explained
Dave's uses 7 heat levels, all applied as a dry spice rub after frying. The chicken itself is the same; only the spice coating changes. No upcharge for any heat level.
Plain chicken, no heat at all. Great for kids or spice-intolerant guests.
A whisper of heat. You'll taste the spice blend but no burn.
Mild kick. Most first-timers start here. Jalapeño-level heat.
The most popular level. Real heat but totally manageable. This is Nashville hot chicken.
For heat lovers. Serrano-level. Your nose will run but the flavor is incredible.
Carolina Reaper blend. Serious heat. Only for experienced spice lovers.
The maximum. Not available at all locations. Sign a waiver at some stores. Extremely hot.
* SHU = Scoville Heat Units. Values are approximate. Heat perception varies by individual.
Best Items to Order at Dave's Hot Chicken
3-Tender Combo at "Hot" Heat
$15.99The perfect entry point. Three tenders give you enough food to feel the full experience. "Hot" is the sweet spot. You get the real Nashville heat without it overpowering the flavor of the chicken.
2-Slider Combo at "Medium"
$13.49Best for first-timers or lunch. Two sliders on brioche buns are filling and the medium heat lets the chicken flavor shine through. Easier to eat than tenders on the go.
Loaded Fries as your side
$6.49Don't settle for regular fries. The Loaded Fries with Dave's house sauce, cheese, and jalapeños are one of the best fast-casual sides anywhere. Worth the $3 upgrade.
4-Tender Combo for sharing
$18.99Best value per tender. Split with a friend or save half for later. Get half at "Hot" and half at "Extra Hot" to compare.
💰 How to Save Money at Dave's Hot Chicken
- ✓
Download the Dave's App
The Dave's Hot Chicken app gives you access to exclusive deals, birthday rewards, and early access to new menu items. Free to download.
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Order tenders instead of sliders
Per-piece, tenders give you more chicken for your money. A 4-Tender order at $14.99 works out to $3.75 per tender vs $5.49 for a single slider.
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Skip the drink and bring your own
Fountain drinks at $2.99 each add up fast. Bring a water bottle or buy a drink from a gas station nearby to cut $3 per person.
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Share a 4-Tender Combo
Two people sharing a 4-Tender combo ($18.99) plus one extra side is more economical than two separate 2-Tender orders ($25.98 total).
Dave's Hot Chicken vs Popeyes vs Chick-fil-A: Price Comparison
| Item | Dave's | Popeyes | Chick-fil-A |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3pc Tenders | $12.49 | $7.99 | $8.15 |
| 3pc Combo | $15.99 | $10.99 | $11.35 |
| Chicken Sandwich | $5.49 (slider) | $5.99 | $5.29 |
| Fries (side) | $3.49 | $2.99 | $3.09 |
Dave's is 30-40% pricier than Popeyes and Chick-fil-A, but the unique heat levels, fresh prep, and premium quality justify it for most fans. For regular chicken without the heat experience, see our Popeyes menu guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does Dave's Hot Chicken cost?
A: Dave's Hot Chicken prices range from $9.49 for 2 Tenders to $18.99 for a 4-Tender combo with fries and drink. A single Slider starts at $5.49. Prices vary slightly by location.
Q: What heat level should I get as a first-timer?
A: Start with 'Medium' if you eat jalapeños comfortably. If you're heat-sensitive, go 'Lite Mild'. Skip straight to 'Hot' only if you regularly eat habanero-level spice. Most regulars say 'Hot' is the sweet spot where the flavor is best.
Q: Does Dave's Hot Chicken have a kids menu?
A: Yes. The Kids Meal has 1 Tender (at No Spice), a side, and a small drink for $6.99. Perfect for children or anyone who wants to try a smaller portion.
Q: Is Dave's Hot Chicken halal?
A: Halal availability varies by location. Dave's has partnered with halal suppliers in some markets, particularly in areas with large Muslim populations. Check with your specific location.
Q: Does Dave's Hot Chicken have a loyalty program?
A: Yes. Download the Dave's Hot Chicken app for rewards points, birthday deals, exclusive offers, and order-ahead functionality. Points accumulate per dollar spent.
Q: Is Dave's Hot Chicken more expensive than Popeyes?
A: Yes. Dave's Hot Chicken is 30-40% more expensive than Popeyes. A 3-piece tender combo at Dave's is $15.99 vs about $10.99 at Popeyes. The premium reflects the unique heat level experience, fresh prep, and brand positioning.
More Chicken & Fast Food Menu Guides
Prices shown are estimates for 2026 and may vary by location. Always verify at daveshotchicken.com or in the Dave's Hot Chicken app before visiting.