Dave's Hot Chicken Menu With Prices 2026 (Complete Guide)

Get the ultimate guide to Dave's Hot Chicken 2026 menu with detailed pricing, heat level explanations, and strategies for the best value and flavor.

Dave's Hot Chicken has built a cult following on a brilliantly simple premise: premium, crispy chicken, available with your choice of seven signature heat levels. Finding the best meal for your appetite, group, and budget can be a challenge.

This 2026 menu guide goes beyond a simple price list. We discuss every category, from single sliders to feast-worthy "Feed A Crowd" boxes, and provide practical advice on portion sizes, spice selection, and customizing your order for maximum satisfaction and value.

Dave's Hot Chicken Hot Box featuring sliders

Dave's Hot Chicken Hot Box with Sliders - perfect for group orders

What is the Core: Sliders, Tenders & Heat Levels

First, you need to know the building blocks of the Dave's Hot Chicken menu. The two main items are the Sliders and Tenders, both available in the same seven heat levels.

Dave's Hot Chicken sliders and tenders with different heat levels

Dave's signature sliders and tenders available in seven heat levels

The 7 Heat Levels

No Spice
For pure, crispy flavor without heat.
Lite Mild
A gentle, sweet tingle of heat.
Mild
A smoky kick with approachable heat.
Medium
Delivers a noticeable, enjoyable spice.
Hot
A strong burn for spice enthusiasts.
Extra Hot
Features serious, lingering heat.
Reaper
Made with Carolina Reaper pepper; requires a signed waiver.

If you're planning to try the spicier options, check our hydration guide for spicy food to prepare your palate and enjoy the heat experience fully.

The Meals Menu: Curated Combos

The "Meals" section delivers the best value for individuals or pairs wanting a complete, satisfying lunch or dinner. Each combo includes their iconic crinkle-cut fries.

Meal Combo Price (2026) Best For
2 Tenders with Fries $12.99 A classic, filling choice focused on the juicy tenders.
2 Sliders with Fries $14.99 The ultimate sandwich lover's meal, with double the slaw, pickles, and brioche.
1 Tender & 1 Slider with Fries $13.99 The perfect sampler for first-timers or those who want both items.
1 Slider with Fries $10.49 A lighter, budget-friendly meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.

Pro-Tip for Customization

Choose a different heat level for each item in a combo. Pair a hotter slider with a milder tender to balance your meal and keep the experience exciting.

Dave's NOT Chicken (Cauli)™: Plant-Based Options

Dave's gives you a complete lineup of plant-based options. The "Dave's NOT Chicken (Cauli)™" features crispy cauliflower prepared in the same style and spice levels as the chicken. Prices are slightly higher for this specialty preparation.

Plant-Based Meal Price (2026)
2 Cauli Tenders with Fries $16.99
2 Cauli Sliders with Fries $18.99
1 Cauli Tender & 1 Cauli Slider with Fries $17.99
Dave's NOT Chicken cauliflower tenders

Dave's NOT Chicken Cauliflower Tenders - plant-based alternative

Dave's NOT Chicken cauliflower sliders

Dave's NOT Chicken Cauliflower Sliders - same seven heat levels

These options let vegetarians and anyone wanting variety enjoy the full Dave's Hot Chicken experience.

Shareable Bites, Loaded Fries & New Mini Sliders

This category offers shareable snacks, indulgent sides, and a new, smaller slider option.

Dave's Hot Chicken Bites in a shareable box

Dave's Bites - perfect for sharing or as a personal snack

Dave's Top Loaded Fries with cheese and chicken

Dave's Top Loaded Fries - loaded with cheese and chicken bites

Dave's Top Loaded Fries close-up

Close-up of Dave's Top Loaded Fries - a meal by themselves

Dave's Mini Sliders presentation
Dave's Mini Sliders box
Dave's Mini Sliders close-up
Dave's Mini Sliders with fries

Dave's NEW Mini Sliders (2026) - perfect for smaller appetites or sampling

Feed A Crowd: Best Party Boxes

When you need to feed a group—for game day, a party, or a large family dinner—the "Feed A Crowd" boxes are essential. These are made for sharing and offer significant value over buying individual meals.

Feed A Crowd Box Price (2026) What's Inside
Hot Box - Tenders $50.00 A large quantity of tenders, perfect for a crowd that prefers the classic.
Hot Box - Sliders $70.00 A party favorite, featuring a collection of their iconic sliders.
Hot Box - Dave's Bites $35.00 The most shareable option, ideal for grazing.
Hot Box Roulette $50.00 (Tenders) A fun, daring box where one piece is at the extreme Reaper heat level.
Box of Fries $12.00 A massive portion of fries to accompany any of the protein boxes.
Dave's Feed A Crowd menu options
Dave's Hot Box for parties
Dave's party box sizes

Dave's Feed A Crowd boxes - perfect for parties, gatherings, and events

Plant-Based Party Options: Cauli Slider Hot Box ($90.00) and Cauli Bites Hot Box ($30.00).

Planning Note

The Slider Hot Box typically serves 8-10 people, while the Tenders and Bites boxes work for 6-8, depending on appetites. Order a Box of Fries or several regular sides to complete the feast.

Sides, Sauces & Sweet Endings

Sides

  • Crinkle-Cut Fries: $3.99
  • Cheese Fries: $5.49
  • Mac & Cheese: $4.29
  • Kale Slaw: $3.99 (perfect cooling counterpart to spicy chicken)

For those watching their nutrition, our guide to the healthiest sides at Dave's Hot Chicken can help you make informed choices that complement your meal.

Sauces

  • Side of Dave's Signature Sauce: $0.25
  • Large Dave's Sauce for the table: $2.99

Desserts & Drinks

Top-Loaded Shakes: Ranging from $6.79 (Small) to $10.49 (Large), loaded with toppings like Lucky Charms, Oreo, or M&Ms.

Dave's Top Loaded Shakes with toppings

Dave's Top Loaded Shakes - loaded with delicious toppings

Dave's Shakes menu options

Dave's Shakes Menu - various flavors and sizes

Slushers and Burstin' Bevs: $3.69 - $5.69 for a fruity, refreshing alternative.

Dave's Drinks Menu part 1
Dave's Drinks Menu part 2
Dave's Drinks Menu part 3

Dave's Drinks Menu - featuring Burstin' Bevs and other beverages

Dave's Burstin' Bevs variety

Dave's Burstin' Bevs - refreshing fruit beverages

Dave's Burstin' Bevs close-up

Close-up of Dave's Burstin' Bevs - perfect with spicy food

Dave's Slushers menu

Dave's Slushers Menu - icy fruit slush drinks

Dave's Mango Slusher

Dave's Mango Slusher - a popular fruity choice

Dave's Burstin Mango Slusher drink

Dave's Burstin' Mango Slusher - perfect for cooling down after spicy chicken

Build Your Perfect Dave's Hot Chicken Order

With many options available, plan your ideal visit with these strategies:

First Visit Recommendation

The "1 Tender & 1 Slider with Fries" combo ($13.99) works well for first-timers. Choose Medium heat for an authentic, manageable kick. Add a side of Kale Slaw ($3.99) to balance the spice.

Budget-Friendly Choice

A "1 Slider with Fries" ($10.49) makes a complete, satisfying meal. Maximize flavor by adding a Side of Dave's Sauce ($0.25).

Group Order for 4-6 People

One "Hot Box - Tenders" ($50.00) plus a "Box of Fries" ($12.00) and two Mac & Cheese sides ($8.58) feeds everyone amply for about $70.

For Spice Lovers

Try a Hot or Extra Hot slider. The slaw and pickles on the slider help temper the heat. For the ultimate challenge, sign the waiver and tackle the Reaper.

Nutrition Information: Chicken provides excellent nutritional benefits as a protein source. Use the interactive Dave's Hot Chicken nutrition calculator to customize your meal according to nutritional goals. This tool helps visualize the impact of different menu choices while keeping the iconic Dave's experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the most popular items at Dave's Hot Chicken?

Fan favorites include the Chicken Slider & Tender Combo, the shareable Dave's Bites, the creamy Mac & Cheese, and the Lucky Charms Top Loaded Shake. The Medium heat level tends to be the most popular choice.

2. How do I find a Dave's Hot Chicken location near me?

Dave's Hot Chicken is expanding rapidly across the U.S. Use the store locator on their official website or major map apps to find the nearest restaurant. New locations open regularly, so check back often.

3. Can I customize my spice level?

Yes. Every tender, slider, and bite can be ordered at any of the seven heat levels, and you can mix and match within combos. You can even request different heat levels for different items in the same order.

4. Is there a rewards program?

Yes, the Frequent Fryer Rewards Program lets you earn points for every dollar spent, redeemable for free items like drinks, sides, and even combo meals. Sign up through their app or website.

5. What are the hours of operation?

Most locations are open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Some locations may have extended hours, so check with your local restaurant.

6. Does Dave's Hot Chicken offer catering services?

Yes, many locations offer catering through the "Feed A Crowd" boxes. These are perfect for office lunches, parties, and events. Contact your local restaurant directly for catering inquiries and advance orders.

7. Are there any gluten-free options?

The chicken tenders and sliders are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination may occur in the kitchen. The buns on sliders contain gluten. For strict gluten-free needs, inquire about preparation methods at your local restaurant.

8. Can I order online for delivery or pickup?

Yes, Dave's Hot Chicken offers online ordering through their website and app for both pickup and delivery via third-party services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. The app often has exclusive deals and faster rewards earning.

9. What is the Reaper waiver and where do I sign it?

The Reaper waiver is required for ordering the Carolina Reaper heat level due to its extreme intensity. You can sign it in person at the restaurant or sometimes digitally through their app when ordering. Staff will provide the waiver when you request Reaper-level heat.

10. Are there any seasonal or limited-time menu items?

Dave's occasionally introduces limited-time offerings, especially around holidays. The 2026 menu includes the new Mini Sliders. Follow their social media or sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on seasonal specials.

11. How does the Frequent Fryer Rewards Program work?

You earn 10 points for every dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for rewards: 100 points = free drink, 200 points = free side, 500 points = free combo meal. Points expire after 12 months of inactivity.

12. Can I get extra sauce with my order?

Yes, you can add extra Dave's Signature Sauce for $0.25 per side. They also offer large containers for $2.99. Some locations may have additional sauce varieties available seasonally.

13. What are the calories in the most popular items?

A single slider ranges from 380-420 calories depending on heat level, while a tender has about 180-220 calories. The Mac & Cheese is approximately 320 calories per serving. For detailed nutritional information, use their online nutrition calculator.

14. Does Dave's Hot Chicken have family meal deals?

The "Feed A Crowd" boxes serve as family meal deals. The Hot Box - Tenders ($50) serves 6-8 people, and the Hot Box - Sliders ($70) serves 8-10 people. These represent significant savings compared to individual meals.

15. What are the ingredients in Dave's Signature Sauce?

Dave's Signature Sauce is a creamy, slightly tangy sauce that complements the spicy chicken. While the exact recipe is proprietary, it typically includes mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, and a blend of spices. It's available for purchase in larger quantities at some locations.

Last Thoughts

After know about the menu's structure, from individual items to feast boxes, helps you go through Dave's Hot Chicken with confidence. Whether you want a solo spicy treat or provisions for a party, the 2026 menu delivers delicious, customizable options for every occasion and budget.