Dave’s Hot Chicken has quickly become a popular destination for Nashville-style hot chicken lovers. Their menu offers various spice levels to suit different taste preferences.
Understanding the nutritional content of their food items is essential for making informed dietary choices. This comprehensive guide breaks down the calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates in Dave’s Hot Chicken menu items.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu Items and Nutrition
The menu at Dave’s Hot Chicken features a variety of chicken-based options. Each item contains different macronutrients based on preparation method and size. The caloric content varies significantly across the menu. Most items at Dave’s Hot Chicken are high in protein but also contain substantial amounts of fat and sodium.
Chicken Tenders and Sliders
Dave’s Hot Chicken is famous for its crispy tenders and flavorful sliders. The #1 Combo includes 2 tenders with fries and contains 1540 calories. This popular combo also has 275g of carbohydrates and 50g of protein. The fat content in this combo is 78g. The #3 Combo offers a tender and slider with fries, containing 1670 calories. This combo has similar nutritional values with 275g of carbohydrates and 50g of protein.
Two sliders with fries will give you 1540 calories. The combo delivers 275g of carbohydrates and 50g of protein. Each slider alone contains between 290-680 calories. The variation depends on toppings and sauce levels. A typical chicken slider has around 490-680 calories with the bun and pickles included.
The protein content in Dave’s tenders is significant. Each tender provides approximately 25g of protein. A single tender averages 555 calories. The tender also contains 35g of fat and 31g of carbohydrates. Dave’s uses high-quality chicken for their tenders, ensuring good protein density.
Sides and Beverages
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers several sides to complement their main dishes. Kale Slaw is a healthier option at approximately 270 calories. The slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken. It also adds fiber to your meal.
The beverage options include indulgent shakes. A Small Chocolate Shake contains 610 calories. The Large Vanilla Shake has 740 calories. These shakes add significant caloric content to your meal. They’re delicious but should be consumed mindfully if watching calorie intake.
New Menu Items
Dave’s Hot Chicken continuously innovates with new offerings. Dave’s Bites are white meat chicken tender bites served with bread. They come with a side of Dave’s sauce. These bites offer a smaller portion option for those wanting to control their portion sizes.
Dave’s Slushers are refreshing beverages designed to complement the spicy chicken. They provide a cool contrast to the hot flavors. These slushers can add additional calories to your meal depending on the size and flavor.
What are the nutritional details for Dave’s Hot Chicken tenders without the bread?

The nutritional facts for Dave’s Hot Chicken tenders without bread vary based on spice level and preparation. A single tender without bread contains approximately 200-250 calories. The protein density remains high even without the bread component. The fat content is significant due to the frying process.
Chicken Tender Nutrition (Without Bread):
Removing the bread drastically decreases the carbohydrate content. The calories range from 200-250 per tender depending on spice level. Each tender still packs substantial protein content for your daily diet. The fat remains relatively high due to the cooking method.
Additional Considerations:
Selecting lower spice levels could reduce calories from sauces. Pairing tenders with lighter sides like kale salad instead of fries creates a more balanced meal. Eating chicken tenders without bread is an excellent way to enjoy a tasty meal while managing calories more effectively.
Are there any low-carb options at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers several options for those following low-carb diets. Ordering chicken tenders without the bun significantly reduces carbohydrate intake. Each bunless tender contains approximately 200-250 calories. The macronutrients are more favorable for low-carb eaters without the bread component.
Lettuce wraps provide an excellent alternative to traditional buns. This option dramatically cuts carbohydrates while still allowing you to enjoy the flavorful chicken. The lettuce adds a fresh crunch to complement the spicy chicken.
Kale Slaw is a low-carb side option with just 100-150 calories per serving. It offers nutritional benefits without the high carb count of fries. The slaw provides fiber and vitamins that support dietary restrictions.
Dave’s has introduced cauliflower options, including bites and tenders. These items contain fewer carbohydrates than traditional chicken products. Cauliflower tenders have approximately 150-250 calories per serving based on preparation method.
Skipping sauces can further reduce both calorie and carb counts. Some sauces contain hidden sugars and carbs. Opting for lighter spices usually means fewer added ingredients while maintaining flavor.
How does the protein content in Dave’s Hot Chicken compare to other fast-food chicken tenders?

The protein content in Dave’s Hot Chicken stands out among fast-food competitors. Dave’s focuses on quality chicken with substantial protein per serving. Their nutritional facts show favorable protein density compared to other chains.
Protein Content in Dave’s Hot Chicken
A single tender from Dave’s contains approximately 25 grams of protein and 550 calories. The protein-to-calorie ratio is important for those watching their macronutrients. Two sliders with fries provide about 50 grams of protein and 1540 calories.
Dave’s uses quality chicken in their preparations. The protein content remains consistent across different spice levels. The higher protein content makes Dave’s a popular choice for protein-conscious consumers.
Comparison to Other Fast-Food Chicken Tenders
Chick-fil-A offers a 12-count serving of nuggets with about 40 grams of protein and 440 calories. This makes it slightly lower in protein per calorie than Dave’s Hot Chicken tenders. The preparation methods differ between the two chains.
Popeyes provides a 3-piece tender meal containing around 30 grams of protein and approximately 700 calories. This option is higher in calories but lower in protein than Dave’s offerings. The fat percentage also differs between the chains.
KFC’s chicken tenders offer around 23 grams of protein per serving. The calorie counts vary based on sides and sauces. Generally, KFC’s options have higher calories for similar protein amounts compared to Dave’s.
Dave’s Hot Chicken provides one of the highest protein-to-calorie ratios in the fast-food chicken category. This makes it a favorable option for those seeking protein-rich meals. The nutritional facts support Dave’s position as a protein-dense option.
Nashville-Style Hot Chicken and Spice Levels
Dave’s Hot Chicken specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken with varying spice levels. The spicier options don’t necessarily contain more calories. The heat comes from spices rather than additional fats or carbohydrates.
The restaurant offers spice levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper. Each level provides a different eating experience. The nutritional content remains similar across spice levels for the chicken itself.
Spicier options may include additional sauces. These sauces can add calories and sodium to your meal. Requesting sauces on the side allows for portion control of these additions.
The Nashville-style preparation involves a dry rub and oil-based spice mixture. This cooking method contributes to the overall fat content. The crispy exterior locks in moisture while adding the signature spice flavor.
Dietary Considerations When Eating at Dave’s Hot Chicken

Understanding the nutritional information helps with making informed dietary choices. Dave’s Hot Chicken offers options for various dietary restrictions. Planning your order based on nutritional needs can help maintain balance.
The high sodium levels in Dave’s menu items warrant consideration. A single tender contains about 1,200mg of sodium. This represents more than half the daily recommended sodium intake for adults.
The substantial fat content in fried chicken items affects the overall caloric content. Most combos contain 78g of fat or more. This is significant considering dietary guidelines recommend limiting fat intake.
Those watching carbohydrates should consider bunless options. The bread components add substantial carbohydrates to each meal. Removing bread can reduce carbohydrate intake by 30-40%.
Portion control plays a vital role in managing nutritional intake. Considering sharing larger combos or saving part of your meal for later helps manage overall consumption. The large portion sizes can lead to overconsumption of calories.
Making Healthier Choices at Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken can fit into various dietary restrictions with some modifications. Choosing grilled options when available reduces fat intake. Removing breading further reduces both carbohydrates and calories.
Selecting sides thoughtfully improves the nutritional profile of your meal. Kale slaw provides nutrients with fewer calories than fries. It adds beneficial fiber to your meal while reducing the overall calorie count.
Drinking water instead of sugary beverages or shakes saves hundreds of calories. A large vanilla shake adds 740 calories to your meal. Opting for water has zero calories and helps with hydration.
Portion sizes matter significantly when managing caloric intake. Considering a single tender with a side instead of a combo reduces overall consumption. This approach provides the flavor experience with better portion control.
Being mindful of condiments and sauces helps manage hidden calories. Some sauces add significant calories and sodium. Requesting sauces on the side allows you to control how much you consume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Dave’s Hot Chicken sliders alone?
A single Dave’s Hot Chicken slider contains between 290-680 calories, depending on toppings and sauce. The typical chicken slider with bun and pickles averages 490-680 calories.
How much protein is in Dave’s Hot Chicken tenders?
Each Dave’s Hot Chicken tender contains approximately 25g of protein. A single tender averages 555 calories with 35g of fat and 31g of carbohydrates.
How many calories are in Dave’s Hot Chicken tenders?
A single chicken tender from Dave’s contains 200-250 calories, varying by spice level. A Mild Chicken Tender specifically contains about 550 calories.
What is the fat content in Dave’s Hot Chicken tenders?
Dave’s Hot Chicken tenders contain approximately 35g of fat per tender. The typical portion of tenders with cheese fries contains around 78g of fat.
How much sodium is in Dave’s Hot Chicken tenders?
One Dave’s Hot Chicken tender contains approximately 1,200mg of sodium. This represents more than half the recommended daily sodium intake of 2,300mg for adults.
Conclusion
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers flavorful options with varying nutritional content. Their menu features protein-rich tenders and sliders with significant calorie counts. Understanding the nutritional facts helps make informed choices based on individual dietary needs.
The protein density in Dave’s products exceeds many competitors. Each tender provides approximately 25g of protein. This makes Dave’s an attractive option for protein-conscious consumers despite the higher calorie content.
Sodium levels and fat percentage remain concerns for those watching their intake. A single tender contains about 1,200mg of sodium and 35g of fat. These factors are important considerations for those with specific health considerations.

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