Dave’s Hot Chicken 2 Tenders with Fries: $12.99 Price and Calories
It’s late evening. You’re scrolling TikTok when a video hits: a group of friends laughing hysterically around a table, eyes watering as they devour fiery red chicken tenders and seasoned crinkle-cut fries. One person fans their mouth while another grabs more Texas toast and pickles. The comments explode with “I need this right now!” and “Reaper challenge accepted!”
That, my friend, is the pure magic of Dave’s Hot Chicken 2 Tenders with Fries — famously known as the Dave’s #1 combo.
It’s more than just a fast-casual meal. It’s a full experience packed with juicy all-white meat chicken, bold Nashville hot flavors, addictive fries, and the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and cool relief.
Whether you’re chasing the next viral spice challenge, need a satisfying lunch, planning a game-night feast, or simply want the latest Dave’s Hot Chicken prices calories details, this guide has you covered.
I’ve compiled the freshest April 2026 data from official sources, nutrition trackers, and real customer reviews — no fluff, just practical info to help you order smarter and enjoy every bite.
Let’s dive in.
What Exactly Comes in the Dave’s #1 Combo?
Dave’s Hot Chicken 2 Tenders with Fries is beautifully straightforward yet incredibly satisfying. Here’s the full breakdown of what arrives in every order:
- Two hand-breaded, juicy all-white meat chicken tenders (customizable with any of the 7 spice levels)
- A generous portion of seasoned crinkle cut fries — crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and perfectly seasoned
- Sliced Texas toast for making mini sandwiches or soaking up extra sauce and heat
- Fresh dill pickle slices that provide a tangy crunch to cut through the spice
- One serving of signature Dave’s sauce — a creamy, ranch-style dip with just the right kick for dipping tenders or fries
This combination of tenders with sliced bread pickles creates the classic Dave’s experience. The bread and pickles aren’t afterthoughts — they’re essential for balancing the heat and texture. Many regulars swear by the ritual: dip a tender in Dave’s sauce, layer it on the toast with a pickle slice, and take that first unforgettable bite.
Pro Tip: If you’re sharing, split the tenders and let everyone fight over the fries. The combo is designed for both solo satisfaction and group fun.
2026 Pricing: How Much Does Dave’s Hot Chicken 2 Tenders with Fries Cost?
As of April 2026, the Dave’s #1 combo is priced at an average of $12.99 at most company-owned locations across the US. This makes it one of the strongest value plays in the Nashville hot chicken category.
However, prices can vary:
- In-store or app orders: Usually $12.99
- Delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub: $14.89 – $15.49 (due to fees and markups)
- High-cost cities or airports: Slightly higher
For context, here’s how it compares in the broader menu:
| Item | Average Price 2026 | Calories Range | Best For | Spice Options |
| Dave’s #1: 2 Tenders with Fries | $12.99 – $15.49 | 980 – 1,540 | Quick lunch, sharing, parties | All 7 levels |
| Dave’s #2: 2 Sliders with Fries | $14.99 – $17.89 | 1,270 – 1,620 | Sandwich lovers | All 7 levels |
| Dave’s #3: 1 Tender + 1 Slider | $13.99 – $16.69 | 1,000 – 1,490 | First-timers, mix & match | All 7 levels |
| Dave’s Not Chicken (Cauli) #1 | $16.99 | 800 – 1,100 | Vegetarian / plant-based | All 7 levels |
| Hot Box – Tenders (feeds 3-6) | ~$50.00 | 4,900+ | Group challenges & parties | Mix & match |
Prices are national averages and may fluctuate by location. Always check the official app or your local store for the most accurate pricing.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Prices Calories Breakdown (2026 Data)
One of the most common searches is “Dave’s Hot Chicken prices calories” — and for good reason. Here’s the verified 2026 picture based on official nutrition guides and independent trackers:
- Base calories (No Spice or Lite Mild): Around 980 – 1,420
- With higher spice levels (Mild to Reaper): 1,230 – 1,540
- Protein: Approximately 56g — impressively high for a fast-casual meal, making it surprisingly filling
- Fat: 58 – 90g
- Carbs: 78 – 119g
- Sodium: 3,620 – 4,160mg (watch this if you’re sodium-sensitive)
A single tender alone contributes roughly 490 calories (including breading and sauce elements), while the fries add another 320–420 calories depending on portion.
Key Insight: Spice level does impact calories slightly due to oil absorption and sauce variations, but the biggest jump comes from Reaper-level preparations. If you’re tracking macros, the combo delivers solid protein but is higher in fat and sodium — perfect for an indulgent treat rather than everyday dieting.
Allergen Alert: Contains wheat (in breading and Texas toast) and soy (in frying oil and sauce). Cross-contamination is possible in shared fryers.
For lighter options, consider swapping fries for kale slaw (~120 calories) or adding mac & cheese (~380–400 calories) for a creamy contrast.
The 7 Spice Levels Ranked: Find Your Perfect Heat
Dave’s Hot Chicken is famous for its bold heat game. Here are the 7 spice levels from safest to most extreme:
- No Spice — Kid-friendly and still full of flavor. Great for families or first-timers.
- Lite Mild — Gentle warmth with minimal burn.
- Mild — Noticeable kick but very approachable.
- Medium — The sweet spot for most people. Excellent flavor with a solid 6/10 heat build-up.
- Hot — Real sweat-inducing heat that lingers.
- Extra Hot — Intense burn that tests your tolerance.
- Reaper — Made with Carolina Reaper peppers (1.6–2 million Scoville units). Many locations require a signed Reaper waiver (must be 18+). This is the true TikTok challenge level — extreme heat with serious flavor underneath.
My Recommendation: If it’s your first time, start with Medium. You can always level up next visit, but you can’t dial down the heat once it’s served. For parties, mix levels across the group to create variety and friendly competition.
Reader Question: “How spicy is Medium really?”
It delivers flavorful heat without overwhelming pain — perfect for enjoying the tenders and fries without reaching for milk every bite.
Turning One Combo into a Party: Hot Boxes, Roulette & Viral Challenges
The Dave’s Hot Chicken 2 Tenders with Fries shines brightest when shared. For bigger groups, upgrade to a Hot Box – Tenders (around $50, feeds 3–6 people). You can mix spice levels for maximum fun.
Even better? The Hot Box Roulette — random spice distribution where someone inevitably draws the Reaper. These moments create legendary TikTok videos and unforgettable group stories.
Ideas to maximize the experience:
- Split tenders and let everyone build their own toast sandwiches.
- Hold a sauce-dipping contest or fries-eating challenge.
- Film reactions for your own #DavesReaperChallenge or #HotBoxRoulette content.
One standard combo easily serves two people comfortably, making it budget-friendly for casual hangs.
Dave’s Not Chicken (Cauli Version) & Other Menu Highlights
Vegetarian or plant-based eaters aren’t left out. The Dave’s Not Chicken cauli tenders version of the #1 combo costs around $16.99 and delivers 800–1,100 calories with nearly identical crunch and spice options. Many say the texture is shockingly close to real chicken.
Other strong pairings include:
- Mac & cheese swap (creamy cooling effect)
- Cheese fries upgrade
- Kale slaw for a lighter, refreshing side
In 2026, limited-time collabs and new sides continue to rotate, but the core #1 combo remains the bestseller for a reason.
Best Value Analysis: Is It Worth It?
At $12.99 base price, the Dave’s Hot Chicken 2 Tenders with Fries offers excellent value — generous portions, high-quality ingredients, and that signature Nashville heat that keeps people coming back.
Compared to competitors, you get more protein and bolder flavor at a competitive price point. Add the rewards program (detailed below) and group ordering, and the effective per-person cost drops even further.
Value Verdict: One of the best fast-casual Nashville hot chicken deals available in 2026, especially when you factor in the experience and shareability.
Frequent Fryer Rewards: Earn Free Food While You Eat
Download the official Dave’s Hot Chicken app and join the Frequent Fryer program — it’s one of the strongest loyalty setups in the category.
How it works:
- Earn 10 points for every $1 spent (in-store, app, or online)
- First-time users often get a free drink welcome offer
- Redemption tiers:
- 300 points → Free side or drink
- 600 points → Shake, cheese fries, or single tender
- 1,200+ points → Full combo rewards (including another #1)
App-only offers, early access to new items, and occasional merch drops (like plushies) make it even more rewarding. Group orders accelerate point earning, and split payments are seamless.
Pro Tip: Always order through the app when possible to maximize points and unlock exclusive deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current price of Dave’s Hot Chicken 2 Tenders with Fries in 2026?
It starts at $12.99 at most locations, rising to $14.89–$15.49 on delivery apps.
How many calories are in Dave’s 2 Tenders with Fries?
Between 980 and 1,540 calories depending on the spice level chosen (No Spice is lowest; Reaper is highest).
What exactly comes with the Dave’s #1 combo?
Two chicken tenders, seasoned crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, dill pickles, and signature Dave’s sauce.
How many spice levels does Dave’s Hot Chicken offer?
Seven levels: No Spice, Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra Hot, and Reaper.
Do you need a waiver for Reaper spice?
Yes — many locations require an 18+ signed waiver due to the extreme heat.
Are the fries at Dave’s seasoned?
Yes, the crinkle-cut fries are perfectly seasoned and highly addictive.
Is the 2 Tenders with Fries combo good for sharing?
Absolutely. It comfortably serves two people or can be part of a larger Hot Box order for groups.
How spicy is the Medium level?
It’s a balanced 6/10 — flavorful heat that builds without being overwhelming for most people.
What sauce comes with the tenders?
Creamy signature Dave’s sauce, ideal for dipping both tenders and fries.
Can I customize the combo?
Yes — mix spice levels, swap sides (kale slaw or mac & cheese), or add extras like cheese fries.
How does the Dave’s Not Chicken cauli version compare?
It offers similar heat and crunch at 800–1,100 calories — a great plant-based alternative.
How do I earn free items with the app?
Join Frequent Fryer, earn 10 points per dollar spent, and redeem at various point tiers for free food and drinks.
Final Thoughts:
The Dave’s Hot Chicken 2 Tenders with Fries continues to stand out as a flavorful, shareable, and surprisingly versatile meal. From casual solo lunches to epic group Reaper challenges, it delivers every time.
The combination of solid pricing, generous portions, high protein, customizable heat, and a rewarding loyalty program makes it a standout choice in the competitive fast-casual scene.
Your next step is simple:
- Download the Dave’s Hot Chicken app for rewards and easy ordering.
- Locate your nearest store or place a delivery order.
- Decide your spice level — start safe or go bold for the story.
Now it’s your turn. Drop a comment below: What spice level are you planning to try first — Medium for balance or Reaper for glory? Have you already experienced the #1 combo? Share your thoughts, favorite pairings, or TikTok reaction stories.
Tag your friends, plan that group order, and turn your next meal into an unforgettable spicy adventure.
Stay spicy, eat responsibly, and enjoy every bite of that legendary Nashville heat.
