If you love spicy food, you’ve probably heard about Dave’s Hot Chicken. This fast-casual restaurant has taken the world by storm with its deliciously spicy chicken, served in a variety of heat levels. Whether you like it mild or want to challenge yourself with something super hot, Dave’s Hot Chicken has something for everyone.
In this guide, we will explore what makes Dave’s Hot Chicken so special, how their menu works, and why people keep coming back for more.
What is Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Dave’s Hot Chicken is a fast-food chain that specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken. The restaurant started as a small food truck in Los Angeles in 2017, created by four friends. Their goal was simple: to serve the best hot chicken in town. Today, Dave’s Hot Chicken has expanded to many locations across the U.S. and even internationally.
The restaurant is famous for its flavorful and crispy fried chicken, which is coated in different levels of spice. You can choose how hot you want it, from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” which is the spiciest.
Why Is Dave’s Hot Chicken So Popular?
Dave’s Hot Chicken has gained a lot of attention because it offers more than just regular fried chicken. Here are a few reasons why people love it:
- Flavor Variety: With seven different heat levels, there’s something for everyone, whether you want a mild bite or a fiery kick.
- Crispy and Juicy Chicken: The chicken is fried to perfection, staying crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Simple Menu: Dave’s Hot Chicken sticks to what it does best—fried chicken tenders and sliders, served with sides like fries, mac & cheese, and pickles.
But what really stands out is the Nashville-style spice, which blends heat with bold flavors.
The Menu at Dave’s Hot Chicken
At Dave’s Hot Chicken, the menu is simple but offers enough variety to satisfy different tastes. The focus is on chicken tenders and sliders, paired with sides and sauces. Here’s a closer look at what you can order:
Chicken Tenders and Sliders
The main items on the menu are chicken tenders and chicken sliders. You can order them in different quantities depending on how hungry you are. Each order comes with fries, pickles, and Dave’s signature dipping sauce.
- Tenders: These are crispy, breaded chicken tenders. You can order them in different heat levels.
- Sliders: These are small sandwiches made with a crispy chicken tender on a soft bun, topped with pickles and coleslaw.
Heat Levels
One of the main attractions at Dave’s Hot Chicken is choosing your heat level. There are seven heat levels, ranging from no spice to extremely hot:
- No Spice: Perfect for those who prefer no heat at all.
- Lite Mild: Just a touch of heat.
- Mild: A good balance of flavor and mild heat.
- Medium: A noticeable kick but still manageable.
- Hot: A serious level of heat for spice lovers.
- Extra Hot: Very spicy, not for the faint of heart.
- Reaper: The spiciest option, made with Carolina Reaper peppers. Customers must sign a waiver before trying this one!
Sides and Sauces
Along with chicken, you can also order sides to complete your meal. Popular options include:
- Fries: Crispy, crinkle-cut fries that pair perfectly with the chicken.
- Mac & Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, a great comfort food side.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles to cool down the heat.
- Dave’s Sauce: A secret sauce that is a little sweet, a little spicy, and perfect for dipping.
The Story Behind Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken started small but grew fast. In 2017, four friends—Dave, Arman, Tommy, and Gary—started selling hot chicken out of a food truck in Los Angeles. Their goal was to offer the best-tasting hot chicken, and they quickly gained a following. In less than a year, they opened their first brick-and-mortar location.
As word spread about their delicious chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken expanded rapidly. Celebrities and foodies alike raved about the bold flavors and crispy texture. The restaurant has now become a must-visit spot for anyone craving spicy chicken.
Today, Dave’s Hot Chicken has more than 100 locations across the United States and Canada, and it’s still growing.
Why You Should Try Dave’s Hot Chicken
There are plenty of reasons to give Dave’s Hot Chicken a try. Here are a few highlights:
- Variety of Heat Levels: Whether you can’t handle spice or you live for it, Dave’s has a heat level for you.
- Quality Ingredients: Dave’s focuses on using fresh, high-quality chicken that is cooked to order.
- Fast and Convenient: Despite the restaurant’s focus on quality, it’s still a fast-casual place, so you don’t have to wait long for your food.
If you’re curious to see how hot you can go, Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a fun challenge that spice lovers will enjoy. And for those who can’t handle too much heat, there are milder options that still pack a lot of flavor.
How to Find a Dave’s Hot Chicken Near You
To find the nearest Dave’s Hot Chicken location, you can visit their official website and use their location finder. The website will show you the closest restaurant and provide directions.
FAQs About Dave’s Hot Chicken
1. What is the spiciest option at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
The spiciest option at Dave’s Hot Chicken is the Reaper. It is made with Carolina Reaper peppers, which are among the hottest peppers in the world. Customers who order it must sign a waiver due to its extreme heat.
2. Is Dave’s Hot Chicken only in the U.S.?
No, Dave’s Hot Chicken has expanded internationally, with locations in Canada and plans to grow further.
3. What sides can I get with my order?
You can order sides like fries, mac & cheese, pickles, and more with your chicken tenders or sliders.
4. Can I choose my heat level at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Yes, Dave’s Hot Chicken offers seven heat levels, from “No Spice” to “Reaper.” You can pick the level that suits your taste.
5. What is the best way to cool down after eating spicy chicken?
To cool down after eating spicy food, try drinking milk, eating bread, or taking a bite of pickles. Water won’t help with the heat as much as these foods will.
Conclusion
Dave’s Hot Chicken is more than just a trendy fast-food spot. It’s a place where you can challenge your taste buds, experience unique flavors, and enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken tenders and sliders. With a variety of spice levels and a simple, delicious menu, it’s no wonder that Dave’s Hot Chicken has grown so quickly.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just curious to see what the hype is all about, Dave’s Hot Chicken is definitely worth a try. Visit one of their many locations, pick your heat level, and dive into the deliciousness that has everyone talking.
