How Many Calories in Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwich? The Full Nutritional Breakdown

Hey there, spicy food lovers! If you’ve ever found yourself drooling over Dave’s Hot Chicken’s fiery offerings but worried about your waistline, you’re not alone. I’ve been a huge fan of their Nashville-style hot chicken for years, and today I’m breaking down exactly what you’re getting into calorie-wise when you bite into one of their famous sandwiches.

The Quick Answer: Dave’s Hot Chicken Slider Calories

Let’s cut to the chase – a Dave’s Hot Chicken slider (their sandwich) contains between 620-680 calories according to the most recent 2025 nutritional information. This can vary depending on your spice level and any modifications you make

But that’s just scratching the surface. Let’s dive deeper into what makes up these calories!

Complete Nutritional Breakdown of Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwich

When we’re talking about Dave’s Hot Chicken, we need to be specific about which menu item we’re discussing. Their main sandwich offering is called a “slider” (though it’s a full-sized sandwich). Here’s the complete nutritional info:

It’s worth noting that if you order the slider without any modifications, you’ll be getting the bun, the chicken, pickles, and Dave’s special sauce – all of which contribute to the calorie count.

Comparing Dave’s Sliders vs. Tenders

Many people get confused between Dave’s sliders (sandwiches) and their tenders Let’s break down the difference

• Slider (Sandwich): 620-680 calories
• Single Tender: 490-550 calories

This difference makes sense when you think about it – the slider includes a bun and sauce, which adds to the calorie count.

How Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwiches Compare to Other Fast Food Chicken

I was curious about how Dave’s stacks up against other popular chicken sandwiches, so I did some research:

• Dave’s Hot Chicken Slider: 620-680 calories
• Chick-fil-A Sandwich: ~440 calories
• Popeyes Chicken Sandwich: ~700 calories
• KFC Chicken Sandwich: ~650 calories

So Dave’s falls somewhere in the middle of the pack – not the lightest option, but definitely not the heaviest either!

Breaking Down Where The Calories Come From

When looking at Dave’s Hot Chicken sandwich, the calories are distributed across:

1. The Chicken: The main protein source, breaded and fried, accounting for approximately 250-300 calories
2. The Bun: Contributes around 150-200 calories
3. The Sauce: Depending on spice level, adds 50-100 calories
4. Pickles and Other Toppings: About 20-50 calories

The cooking method is a big factor here – that delicious crispy coating comes from being fried, which adds significant calories compared to grilled chicken.

Ordering Lower-Calorie Options at Dave’s Hot Chicken

If you’re watching your calories but still craving that Dave’s flavor, here are some tricks I’ve tried:

• Skip the bun: This can save you 150-200 calories instantly
• Go for tenders instead of sliders: A single tender has fewer calories than a slider
• Choose Kale Slaw as your side: At 270 calories, it’s a better choice than the 440-calorie French fries
• Watch the sauces: Some of Dave’s specialty sauces can add extra calories

How Spice Level Affects Calories

One thing I find interesting is how the spice level at Dave’s Hot Chicken can actually impact the calorie count. According to their nutritional info, higher spice levels can add a small number of calories due to the oil-based spice mixtures used.

The difference isn’t huge – maybe 10-30 calories between “No Spice” and “Reaper” – but it’s something to be aware of if you’re counting every calorie.

Meal Combinations and Total Calorie Count

Most people don’t just order a sandwich – they go for a combo. Let’s look at some typical Dave’s meal combinations:

• #1 Two Tenders & Fries: 1230-1350 calories
• #2 Two Sliders & Fries: 1500-1620 calories
• #3 One Tender, One Slider & Fries: 1370-1490 calories

If you add a shake, you’re looking at an additional 590-760 calories depending on the flavor and size!

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwiches for Different Dietary Needs

While Dave’s isn’t necessarily known as a health food destination, you can make choices that better align with your dietary goals:

Lower-Carb Options

• Order a slider without the bun
• Skip the fries and opt for kale slaw
• Focus on the tender rather than slider

Higher-Protein Choices

• A single slider provides about 25g of protein
• Two tenders offer approximately 50g of protein
• Add a side of mac & cheese for extra protein (+290 calories)

The Sodium Factor in Dave’s Hot Chicken

We can’t talk about fast food nutrition without mentioning sodium. Dave’s Hot Chicken, like most fast food, is pretty high in sodium:

• A single slider contains around 1,000mg of sodium
• A single tender has approximately 1,200mg of sodium

For context, the daily recommended sodium intake is about 2,300mg, so one sandwich gets you almost halfway there!

Are Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwiches Worth the Calories?

This is where I gotta get personal – is Dave’s Hot Chicken worth the calorie splurge? In my opinion, absolutely! The flavor profile and that perfect Nashville-style heat is something special that’s hard to find elsewhere.

But I don’t eat it everyday, obvs. It’s a treat that I enjoy occasionally, and when I do, I try to balance it out with lighter meals the rest of the day.

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Dave’s Hot Chicken Mindfully

Dave’s Hot Chicken makes some seriously delicious sandwiches, but they’re definitely a caloric indulgence. A single slider packs 620-680 calories, which is a significant portion of the daily caloric intake for many people.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying these spicy treats in moderation! The key is awareness – now that you know the calorie count, you can plan accordingly.

Some tips I follow:

• Save Dave’s for special occasions
• Split a combo with a friend
• Balance with lighter meals earlier in the day
• Get extra physical activity on days when I indulge

At the end of the day, food is meant to be enjoyed, and few things bring joy like a perfectly crispy, spicy Dave’s Hot Chicken sandwich. Just be smart about how often you indulge!

Note: Nutritional information is based on Dave’s Hot Chicken’s published data as of 2025. Individual restaurants and preparation methods may cause slight variations in calorie counts.

The number of calories in a “Dave’s chicken sandwich” depends on which restaurant you are referring to. For example, a Dave’s Hot Chicken sandwich can have 490-550 calories depending on the spice level, while a Wendy’s Dave’s Single burger contains 570 calories.

Hot chicken sandwich calories vary significantly by preparation, with some restaurant versions like Buffalo Wild Wings’ Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at 810 calories, while McDonald’s Hot ‘n Spicy McChicken is 390 calories. Other options include Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich at 450 calories and homemade or healthier versions that can be as low as 500 calories. Factors like the type of chicken (fried vs. grilled), the bun, toppings, and sauces all contribute to the total calorie count.

Rapper Drake owns a significant stake in the Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurant chain, though he is not the sole owner. He invested in the company in 2021, taking a minority position alongside other notable investors like Samuel L. Jackson and the company’s founders. The company was recently acquired by the private equity firm Roark Capital for $1 billion.