Introduction
Dave’s Hot Chicken has exploded in popularity over the last few years, thanks to its fiery spice levels, crispy tenders, and Nashville-inspired flavor. But while the taste is addictive, many people wonder: What about the nutrition?
If you’re trying to track calories, protein, fat, or carbs, knowing Dave’s Hot Chicken nutrition facts can help you make smarter choices. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about their menu items, from chicken tenders to sliders, fries, and even sauces.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu Overview
The restaurant is famous for three main items:
- Chicken tenders – juicy, crispy, and available in seven spice levels.
- Sliders – fried chicken served in a bun with toppings and sauce.
- Sides – fries, mac and cheese, kale slaw, and pickles.
The nutritional profile of each menu item depends on portion size, spice level (sauces can add calories), and sides.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Tenders – Nutrition Facts
A single tender is large and packs quite a punch nutritionally.
- Calories: ~280–330 per tender
- Protein: ~27–30g
- Fat: ~15–18g
- Carbs: ~8–10g
👉 Health Tip: The tenders are protein-rich but high in fat due to frying. Opting for fewer tenders with a lighter side (like slaw) keeps it balanced.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Sliders – Nutrition Facts
The sliders are essentially a tender in a bun with sauce and toppings.
- Calories: ~550–600 per slider
- Protein: ~28–32g
- Fat: ~27–30g
- Carbs: ~45–50g
👉 Health Tip: Sliders are more calorie-dense than tenders. If you’re watching carbs, consider skipping the bun or sharing.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Fries – Nutrition Facts
Crispy fries are a popular add-on, but they add significant calories.
- Calories (regular): ~400–450
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbs: ~50–55g
- Protein: ~4–5g
👉 Health Tip: Fries are best enjoyed in moderation. Sharing a portion can cut the calorie hit in half.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauces – Nutrition Facts
Dave’s offers several dipping sauces, each adding extra calories.
- Dave’s Sauce (per serving): ~120–150 calories
- Ranch: ~140 calories
- Honey: ~100 calories
- BBQ: ~70 calories
👉 Health Tip: Sauces are calorie-dense. If you’re tracking macros, stick to one serving.
Full Combo Meals – Nutrition Facts
A standard combo meal usually includes:
- 2 tenders + fries + sauce
- Calories: ~900–1,050
- Protein: ~55–60g
- Fat: ~45–50g
- Carbs: ~65–70g
- 2 sliders + fries + sauce
- Calories: ~1,400–1,600
- Protein: ~65–70g
- Fat: ~70–75g
- Carbs: ~120–130g
👉 Health Tip: Combos are filling but very calorie-heavy. For a lighter meal, order a single slider or tender with slaw.
Healthier Choices at Dave’s Hot Chicken
- Skip fries – choose kale slaw instead.
- Go sauce-light – ask for sauce on the side.
- Balance your plate – one slider with slaw and pickles is more balanced than a full combo.
- Control portions – the tenders are huge, so even one can be enough.
Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Healthy?
It depends on your goals.
- For high-protein diets: Great source of protein (25–30g per tender/slider).
- For low-calorie diets: Needs careful portion control.
- For cheat meals: Perfect indulgence with spicy flavor and crunch.
Conclusion
Dave’s Hot Chicken is delicious, indulgent, and surprisingly protein-rich, but also high in fat and calories. By understanding Dave’s Hot Chicken nutrition facts, you can enjoy your favorite spicy tenders and sliders without derailing your health goals.
Balance is key: share meals, skip heavy sides, and enjoy in moderation.
FAQs
1. How many calories are in a Dave’s Hot Chicken tender?
Around 280–330 calories per tender.
2. Are Dave’s Hot Chicken sliders high in protein?
Yes, each slider contains ~28–32g protein.
3. What’s the healthiest item at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
A single tender with kale slaw and pickles (no fries, minimal sauce).
4. How many calories are in a Dave’s Hot Chicken combo?
Between 900 and 1,600 depending on tenders vs sliders.
5. Do spice levels change the nutrition facts?
No, the seasoning itself adds minimal calories; sauces add more.
