Daves Hot Chicken Calories has quickly become one of the most popular hot chicken chains in America. Founded in East Hollywood in 2017, Daves has exploded in popularity for its spicy fried chicken sandwiches and tenders.
While Daves Hot Chicken Calories has earned a reputation for its addictively spicy flavors, many health-conscious diners wonder about the calorie content of its menu items. Understanding Dave’s hot chicken calories can help you make informed choices to meet your dietary goals.
Counting Daves Hot Chicken Calories Menu Items
The star of the Daves Hot Chicken Calories menu is the hot chicken sandwich, featuring a fried chicken breast or thigh layered with slaw on a brioche bun. Daves lets guests choose their desired spice level, ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper.”
Here are the Daves Hot Chicken Calorie counts for some of Daves’ most popular sandwiches:
- Chicken Tender Sandwich with No Spice: 670 calories
- Chicken Tender Sandwich with Medium Spice: 700 calories
- Chicken Breast Sandwich with Hot Spice: 760 calories
- Chicken Thigh Sandwich with Reaper Spice: 820 calories
The chicken tenders meal, featuring three tenders and one side of your choice, ranges from 850 calories for the No Spice option to 1,100 calories for the Reaper spice level Food.
Some of the lower Daves Hot Chicken Calories sides include:
- Coleslaw: 180 calories
- Pickles: 15 calories
- Cheese Fries: 510 calories
Higher calorie sides like mac and cheese (570 calories) and crispy Brussels sprouts (690 calories) can quickly add to your meal’s calorie load.
Daves Hot Chicken Calories also offers fried chicken wings tossed in your choice of spice level. An order of 6 wings ranges from 530 calories (No Spice) to 560 calories (Reaper) Bitter Gourd.
Tips for Cutting Daves Hot Chicken Calories
If you want to enjoy Daves Hot Chicken Calories without going overboard on calories, here are some tips:
- Choose chicken breast over thigh in your sandwich, saving 60-70 calories per sandwich
- Opt for a chicken tender sandwich instead of a three-tender meal, saving 200-300 calories
- Go easy on high-calorie sauces like ranch (140 calories per packet)
- Pick lower-calorie side items like coleslaw and pickles instead of fries or mac and cheese
- Split a sandwich or tenders meal; halve the calories but still enjoy the heat!
- Build your salad with grilled chicken, skipping the fried coating
- Opt for 6 wings instead of a whole sandwich or tender meal
- Mix up your spice levels instead of going all-in on the hottest option
Answers to Common Daves Hot Chicken Calories Questions
How many Daves Hot Chicken Calories are in the hottest sandwich at Daves?
The hottest sandwich at Daves Hot Chicken Calories is the Chicken Thigh Sandwich with Reaper Spice. This totals 820 calories.
What is the lowest calorie sandwich at Daves?
The lowest calorie sandwich at Daves is the Chicken Tender Sandwich with No Spice at 670 calories. Getting it without the brioche bun saves 70 calories.
How many calories are in an order of Daves chicken tenders?
A 3-tender meal with no sauce and a side salad is 850 calories. Each additional sauce adds 140-340 calories. Opting for a la carte tenders instead of the meal saves 200 calories.
Which spice level has the most Daves Hot Chicken Calories?
Spice level does not significantly affect calorie content. The Reaper spice option only adds 40-60 calories over No Spice.
How can I cut 500 calories at Daves?
Options to save 500 calories include: getting a chicken tender sandwich instead of a 3-tender meal, choosing coleslaw as your side, and splitting your order with a friend. Also, build a salad instead of getting chicken tenders or a sandwich.
What are the lowest-calorie menu items at Daves?
The lowest calorie Daves menu items include the Chicken Tender Sandwich with No Spice (670 calories), 6 wings with No Spice (530 calories), side coleslaw (180 calories), and side pickles (15 calories).
Satisfy Your Spicy Craving the Healthy Way
Daves Hot Chicken Calories offers the ultimate spicy chicken fix, but the calories can quickly climb into unhealthy territory. By customizing your spice level, sides, and portions, you can intelligently indulge in Dave’s Hot Chicken Calories while meeting your nutritional goals. Focus on the tender, juicy fried chicken in a sandwich or on top of a salad, and go easy on extra sauces and fried sides. With some simple substitutions, you can still enjoy mouth-watering Nashville hot chicken from this popular chain without overdoing the calories.
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