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Enjoy the fiery flavors of Dave’s Hot Chicken Calories without overdoing it with this complete guide to the menu’s nutritional information.
Founded in Los Angeles in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly rose to fame for its spicy fried chicken and side dishes. The restaurant specializes in tenders and sliders with seven spice levels ranging from no spice to extra hot. With additional toppings and sauces available, Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a highly customizable experience for spice lovers.
However, the combination of fried food and intense heat can quickly add up in calories. Here’s what to know about Dave’s Hot Chicken calories based on available nutritional data.
Spice Level Directly Impacts Dave’s Hot Chicken Calories Count
The amount of calories in an order of Dave’s Hot Chicken largely comes down to the spice level. Higher heat means more oil and spices added during cooking:
No Spice Chicken
- 4-piece tender meal – 860 calories
- Slider – 420 calories
Lite Mild Chicken
- 4-piece tender meal – 890 calories
- Slider – 440 calories
Mild Chicken
- 4-piece tender meal – 920 calories
- Slider – 460 calories
Medium Chicken
- 4-piece tender meal – 950 calories
- Slider – 480 calories
Hot Chicken
- 4-piece tender meal – 980 calories
- Slider – 500 calories
Extra Hot Chicken
- 4-piece tender meal – 1010 calories
- Slider – 520 calories
As shown, the calorie difference between no spice and extra hot is significant at around 150 calories per tender meal.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Calories Table:
| Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Tenders | |
| 2 Tenders | 720 |
| 3 Tenders | 1080 |
| 4 Tenders | 1440 |
| Sliders | |
| 1 Slider | 250-300 |
| 2 Sliders | 500-600 |
| 3 Sliders | 750-900 |
| Sides | |
| Fries | 440 |
| Mac and Cheese | 550 |
| Cole Slaw | 290 |
| Kale Salad | 180 |
| Shakes | |
| Small Chocolate Shake | 610 |
| Large Chocolate Shake | 760 |
| Small Vanilla Shake | 610 |
| Large Vanilla Shake | 740 |
Chicken Portion Size and Sides Matter Too
Beyond heat level, the specific chicken pieces and side dishes ordered will impact the total Dave’s Hot Chicken calories.
Larger chicken portions like 6 or 8-piece meals add more calories than 4-piece meals. Opting for healthier sides like kale slaw or country salad instead of fries or mac and cheese can further reduce calorie intake.
Skip Sugary Drinks and Limit Sauces
Sweetened beverages like lemonade, milkshakes, and soft drinks add substantial calories on top of the core food items. For example, a 20oz milkshake can contain up to 800 calories.
While sauces like ranch and blue cheese offer flavor, they can tack on 140 extra calories per serving. Enjoy them sparingly in small amounts. Read also white claw nutrition facts.
Take a Team Approach to Cut Calories
Ordering fewer pieces of chicken and splitting sides with friends makes it easier to control portions. You can still enjoy the spicy flavors you crave without overloading with calories.
Sharing a 4 piece of hot chicken tender meal with country salad and kale slaw with a friend could cut your calorie intake in half.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Dave’s Hot Chicken delivers indulgent comfort food focused on bold flavor. Keep satisfied by savoring the experience with reasonable portions instead of overeating.
Balancing nutrition and enjoyment means being mindful of calories while letting yourself occasionally enjoy restaurant favorites like fried chicken in moderation. By understanding the numbers and making informed choices, you can strike that balance on your next Dave’s Hot Chicken run.
The Bottom Line
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a uniquely flavorful fried chicken experience with an array of heat levels and spice combinations. While the food is not intended as a low-calorie health meal, being aware of portion size, ingredients, and nutritional information allows you to make educated decisions. Savor the fiery kicks without going overboard on calories by following these tips. Moderation and mindfulness when enjoying crave-able comfort foods like Dave’s Hot Chicken can satisfy your spice craving while supporting overall nutrition goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dave’s Hot Chicken Calories
Which Dave’s Hot Chicken menu items are lowest in calories?
The no-spice chicken options are the lowest in calories. A no spice slider is 420 calories while a 4 tender no spice meal is 860 calories.
How many calories are in Dave’s kale slaw side dish?
A regular side of kale slaw is 150 calories while a large is 300 calories. This makes it one of the lower-calorie side dish options.
Are milkshakes low-calorie menu choices?
No, Dave’s Hot Chicken milkshakes are high in calories with a range of 600-800 calories depending on size. They should be an occasional treat.
What about the vegan menu options?
The vegan boneless wings and cauliflower tenders tend to be lower in calories than traditional chicken. For example, 5 vegan tenders are 460 calories.
Can I order online for pickup to control portions?
Yes, you can order online for pickup which makes it easier to customize your meal. You can select your preferred spice level, portions, and sides to meet your nutrition goals.
