Dave’s Hot Chicken Calories (2025 Updated Guide)

If you’re a fan of crispy, spicy, and juicy chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken is probably already one of your favorites. But let’s be real — when you bite into those golden tenders and saucy sliders, you might wonder, “How many calories am I actually eating?”

Don’t worry you’re not alone! In this blog post, we’ll break down Dave’s Hot Chicken calories for popular menu items so you can enjoy every bite and stay informed.

Why Calories Matter at Dave’s Hot Chicken

Knowing what you’re eating doesn’t mean you have to skip the good stuff. Tracking calories helps you:

• Balance your daily intake
• Make better meal decisions
• Enjoy fast food without guilt
• Stay consistent with your fitness or diet goals

Dave’s Hot Chicken meals are packed with protein and flavor, but some combos can reach over 1,500 calories — mostly from fries, sauces, and buns.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Calories Chart (Popular Menu Items)

Here’s a simple breakdown of the average calorie counts for some top picks on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu:

Menu Item	Calories (kcal)
Single Tender	490–550
Single Slider	620–680
2 Tenders with Fries	1,020
2 Sliders with Fries	1,540
1 Tender + 1 Slider Combo	1,300
Kale Slaw	100–150
Cheese Fries	460
Regular Fries	400–450
Chocolate Shake (Small)	450
Vanilla Shake (Large)	1,020
Oreo Top-Loaded Shake	740–950

Tip: These numbers may vary slightly depending on spice level, oil use, and portion size at each location.

Calorie Breakdown by Category

1. Chicken Tenders

• Classic, juicy, and fried to perfection
• Each tender: ~500 calories
• Calories mainly come from frying oil and breading

2. Chicken Sliders

• A tender inside a toasted bun with sauce
• Each slider: 620–680 calories
• Add fries, and your meal can hit 1,500+ calories easily

3. Sides

• Fries: ~400–450 calories
• Kale Slaw: ~120 calories (a lighter choice)
• Dave’s Sauce: adds ~180 calories per serving

4. Shakes

• Delicious but heavy!
• Small Chocolate Shake: ~450 calories
• Large Vanilla Shake: ~1,000 calories
• Add toppings like Oreo or M&M — and it climbs even higher

How to Make a Lower-Calorie Choice

If you want to enjoy Dave’s Hot Chicken without overdoing it, try these easy swaps:

Skip the bun — save around 150 calories per slider
Pick kale slaw instead of fries
Ask for less sauce — or keep it on the side
Go for water or diet soda instead of shakes
Eat slowly — enjoy the flavor and you’ll feel full sooner

Smart Combo Example (Under 700 Calories)

If you’re watching your calories but still craving that heat, try this combo:

• 1 Tender without bread (250 cal)
• Kale slaw (120 cal)
• Water or zero-sugar drink (0 cal)
  Total: ~370 calories — still delicious and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

Dave’s Hot Chicken calories might look high at first, but the key is balance. You can still enjoy your favorite spicy sliders or tenders — just make mindful choices.

Whether you’re counting calories, tracking macros, or just staying health-conscious, remember: food is meant to be enjoyed. Knowing your numbers simply helps you do it smarter.

Eat bold. Eat informed. Stay hot — just like Dave’s chicken.