If you have ever stood in a long line on a Friday night, you probably already know the smell of Nashville-style spices. Daves Hot Chicken has taken the world by storm. It started as a tiny street food stand in an East Hollywood parking lot back in 201Four friends put their money together to buy a single fryer. Now, it is one of the fastest-growing food chains in the country! But if you are watching what you eat, you might be asking about Daves Hot Chicken nutrition. Is it possible to enjoy that “Reaper” heat without breaking your diet?

The truth is that while this chicken is famous for being “addictive,” it is also quite heavy. Most people go for the sliders or the tenders. These are hand-breaded and deep-fried to perfection. Because of this, the calories can add up faster than the spice kicks in. In this guide, we will break down the numbers so you can plan your next meal like a pro. Whether you are looking for Daves Hot Chicken near me or just curious about the macros, we have got you covered.

Daves Hot Chicken: At a Glance

Before we dive into the calories, let’s look at the “who and where” of this spicy sensation. This table gives you the quick facts about the brand’s history and growth.

Category	Details
Founders	Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy & Gary Rubenyan
Founded	May 2017
Original Location	East Hollywood Parking Lot, Los Angeles
Key Investors	Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver
Main Products	Sliders, Tenders, Fries, Kale Slaw, Mac & Cheese
Halal Status	Chicken is certified Halal at most locations
Growth	Over 280+ locations globally as of 2026

Understanding Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu Calories

When you look at the Daves Hot Chicken menu, the first thing you notice is the simplicity. They don’t try to do everything; they just do chicken. But “simple” doesn’t always mean “light.” A single Daves Hot Chicken slider usually sits between 620 and 680 calories. This depends on which spice level you choose. The spicier versions, like the Reaper, often have slightly more calories because of the extra oil and seasoning used to carry that intense heat.

If you are trying to be careful, a single tender is a better bet. A tender usually has about 490 to 550 calories. It comes with a slice of white bread and pickles. If you skip the bread, you can save about 70 to 80 calories! Many people don’t realize that the “Daves Sauce” also packs a punch. One small cup of that creamy sauce adds about 180 calories. It is delicious, but it is definitely something to keep in mind if you are counting Daves Hot Chicken calories.

Is Daves Hot Chicken Halal?

One of the most common questions fans ask is, “is Daves Hot Chicken halal?” The answer is a big yes! The founders wanted to make sure their food was inclusive for everyone. Most locations use chicken that is certified Halal. This means the meat is prepared according to specific religious guidelines. This has helped the brand grow very fast in places like Dubai and London, as well as in diverse cities across the United States.

However, it is always a smart move to check with your local spot. While the chicken itself is sourced from Halal suppliers, the kitchen handles many different ingredients. If you are strictly following Halal laws, you can usually ask to see the certification at the counter. The staff is usually very friendly and happy to help you feel comfortable with your order. This commitment to quality is part of why their “cult following” is so loyal.

Breaking Down the Dave’s Hot Chicken Nutrition Facts

To give you a clear picture of what’s in your meal, let’s look at the macronutrients. Daves Hot Chicken nutrition is high in protein, which is great for muscle building. One slider provides about 25 to 31 grams of protein. However, it is also high in sodium and fats. This is common with fried food. For example, a single tender can have over 1,200 mg of sodium. That is about half of what an adult should eat in a whole day!

If you are looking for a “healthier” way to eat here, consider the Dave’s Not Chicken option. This is their cauliflower-based meal. It still has that signature crunch and spice but is often lower in calories than the meat version. Pairing your main dish with the Kale Slaw instead of fries is another pro tip. The kale slaw has about 270 calories, whereas a side of fries can easily add 440 calories or more to your tray.

A Closer Look at Dave’s Hot Chicken Hours

Before you head out the door, you should check the Daves Hot Chicken hours. Most locations open around 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM for the lunch crowd. Because they are popular with students and late-night snackers, many spots stay open until midnight or even later on weekends. In big cities like Los Angeles or New York, you might find them serving up sliders until 2:00 AM!

Since the lines can get very long, I always recommend using their mobile app. You can check the wait times and even order ahead. This saves you from standing in the heat (the literal heat outside and the spice heat inside). Checking the app is also the easiest way to find a Daves Hot Chicken near me if you are traveling to a new city. They are opening new stores almost every week, so there might be one closer than you think.

Comparing Sliders vs. Tenders

Which one should you pick? It really comes down to how hungry you are. The slider is more like a full sandwich. It comes on a bun with kale slaw, pickles, and sauce. This makes it very filling but also puts it at the top of the calorie list. If you are doing a “cheat meal,” the slider is the way to go for the full experience. It is the star of the Daves Hot Chicken menu for a reason.

On the other hand, the tenders are more “customizable.” You can eat them with a fork or wrap them in the bread. If you are trying to stay under a certain calorie limit, ordering two tenders with no fries is a solid choice. You still get that massive hit of protein and spice, but you avoid the extra carbs from the bun and the deep-fried potato sides. Both options are great, but the tenders give you a bit more control over your Daves Hot Chicken nutrition for the day.

Tips for Managing the Spice Heat

If you are new to Dave’s, be careful with the heat levels! They range from “No Spice” all the way to “Reaper.” The Reaper is so hot that you actually have to sign a waiver at some locations! From a nutrition standpoint, the hotter spices don’t add many calories, but they do increase the sodium. The capsaicin in the peppers can actually boost your metabolism slightly, but don’t count on it to burn off the fries!

I usually suggest starting with “Medium.” It has a nice kick but won’t ruin your taste buds for the rest of the day. If you go too hot, reach for one of their milkshakes. Yes, the shakes are high in sugar and calories (usually around 600-800), but the dairy helps neutralize the burn. It’s all about balance. If you’re going to have the “Reaper,” you’ve earned that vanilla shake to save your tongue!

The Importance of the Kale Slaw

Don’t sleep on the sides! While everyone talks about the chicken, the Kale Slaw is actually a secret weapon for Daves Hot Chicken nutrition. It provides some much-needed fiber and vitamins like Vitamin A and C. Fried food can be heavy on the stomach, and the vinegar-based crunch of the slaw helps break up the fat. It makes the whole meal feel a bit lighter and more balanced.

Some people even put the slaw on top of their tenders to make a “naked slider.” This is a great way to get the flavor without the heavy bun. If you are looking at the Daves Hot Chicken menu and want to keep things under 1,000 calories, a single tender and a side of kale slaw is your best friend. It’s a “people-first” menu that lets you choose your own adventure based on your health goals.

Why Quality Ingredients Matter

One reason people keep coming back to Daves Hot Chicken near me is the quality. They use “Jumbo” tenders that are never frozen. This makes a huge difference in the texture. When chicken is frozen, it loses moisture. Because Daves keeps it fresh, the meat stays juicy even after being fried at high heat. This focus on quality is a big part of their E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).

They also use high-quality oils for frying. While fried food is never “health food,” using better oil means the chicken doesn’t taste greasy or heavy. You can taste the individual spices in the rub, from the paprika to the specialized chili peppers. This attention to detail is why a small parking lot stand became a billion-dollar brand in less than a decade.

How to Find Dave’s Hot Chicken Near Me

Finding a location is easier than ever in 202You can simply go to their official website or use a map app to search for Daves Hot Chicken near me. They have expanded into almost every major state and several countries. If you are in a big city, there is likely one within a 15-minute drive.

If you can’t find a local store yet, keep an eye on the news. They are planning to open hundreds of more stores across Europe and the US. Their growth is truly historic. Most people find that even if they have to drive a little further, the “mind-blowing” taste is worth the trip. Just remember to check the Daves Hot Chicken hours before you leave so you don’t arrive after they close!

Conclusion: Enjoying Dave’s Responsibly

In the end, Daves Hot Chicken nutrition is what you make of it. It is a high-protein, high-calorie treat that tastes unlike anything else. If you are mindful of the sides and sauces, you can enjoy it as part of a balanced lifestyle. The fact that it is halal and uses fresh ingredients makes it a top choice for fried chicken lovers everywhere. Next time you visit, try swapping the fries for kale slaw or trying the tenders without the bread to see how it fits your goals!

Would you like me to help you calculate the total macros for a specific combo meal you’re planning to order?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a Daves Hot Chicken slider?

A single slider generally contains between 620 and 680 calories. This includes the bun, kale slaw, pickles, and Dave’s signature sauce.

Is the chicken at Daves Hot Chicken halal-certified?

Yes, the brand sources its chicken from Halal-certified suppliers. However, it is always recommended to check with your specific location for their local certification.

What is the lowest calorie item on the menu?

The lowest calorie main item is the Single Tender (with no bread or sauce), which is about 310-400 calories. For sides, the Kale Slaw is the lightest choice at around 270 calories.

Does the spice level change the nutrition facts?

Yes, spicier levels like “Extra Hot” and “Reaper” can have slightly more sodium and calories due to the extra oil and dry rub spices used to create the heat.

Are there vegetarian options at Daves Hot Chicken?

Yes! They offer “Daves Not Chicken,” which uses cauliflower instead of poultry. You can also enjoy sides like Mac & Cheese, Fries, and Kale Slaw.

Where can I find the full Daves Hot Chicken nutrition guide?

The most accurate info is usually found on their official website or mobile app, which provides a breakdown of calories, fats, and proteins for every menu item.