1 Tender & 1 Slider + Fries
The ultimate first-timer order and the best way to experience both of Dave's signature formats in a single meal. The tender shows the spice rub at full intensity while the slider's bun and slaw create a slightly more buffered version of the same heat. Order them at the same level to compare, or set them a level apart to find your sweet spot. At $13.99 it's the best intro combo on the menu.
About the 1 Tender & 1 Slider + Fries
This combo exists to answer the question every first-timer asks: tender or slider? The answer is you don't have to choose. The tender delivers the spice rub in its purest form โ nothing between you and the heat but crispy breading. The slider wraps that same heat inside a pillowy brioche bun with pickles and kale slaw, softening the intensity and spreading it out across the bite. Ordering both at the same heat level reveals how dramatically the format changes the experience. Setting the tender one level above the slider is the classic move for finding your actual ceiling โ if the tender feels like too much, the slider will be just right, and vice versa.
At $13.99 this is the most educational dollar you can spend at Dave's Hot Chicken. Two individual items (tender $3.50 + slider $4.99) plus fries and sauce would cost more ordered separately. The combo packs 1,310 calories and ~66g of protein โ enough for a complete meal. The official calorie figure reflects a slightly smaller fry portion than you'd get ordering fries ร la carte (which run closer to 440 cal on their own), but the tender at ~550 cal and slider at ~680 cal are full-size items.
What's Included the 1 Tender & 1 Slider + Fries
Nashville Tender
Pure spice rub experience โ no bun buffer. A thick, juicy strip of whole-muscle chicken breast with seasoned flour breading and Dave's proprietary Nashville hot rub applied hot after frying. Set this at your target heat level or one above.
Dave's Slider
The same Nashville heat wrapped in a brioche bun with pickles and kale slaw. The bun absorbs some of the spice rub and the slaw adds cooling tang, creating a noticeably different โ and slightly more forgiving โ experience than the bare tender.
Crinkle-Cut Fries
Seasoned crinkle-cut fries fried to a golden crisp. The ridges hold seasoning and the thicker cut means a fluffy interior under the crispy exterior. In a combo the portion is slightly smaller than the ร la carte side order.
Dave's Sauce (Included)
The signature creamy dipping sauce โ tangy, slightly sweet, and rich enough to dial back the heat on either item mid-meal. It's included in the combo at no extra charge. Order an extra side if you dip heavily.
The 7 Dave's Spice Levels
Every tender and slider comes in one of seven heat levels at no extra cost. The heat builds as you eat โ order one level below what you think you can handle.
No Spice
Pure crispy chicken flavor on both items. Zero heat โ great for kids or anyone who wants the experience without any burn.
Lite Mild
A whisper of warmth. The spice rub adds flavor depth on both items without any real heat. Most people won't find it challenging.
Mild
Friendly, noticeable warmth. A great level to set the slider if you're running the tender at Medium โ the contrast will be instructive.
Medium ๐ฅ
The most popular choice for both items. Real Nashville hot chicken heat โ bold flavor up front, honest burn that builds toward the end.
Hot
Chili heat becomes the dominant flavor. The slider's bun and slaw provide some buffer at this level; the tender at Hot hits harder.
Extra Hot
Full-face, lingering heat. Only set either item here if you've handled Hot comfortably before. Dave's Sauce or honey is essential.
Reaper โ ๏ธ
Carolina Reaper extract. Most locations require a signed waiver. Have a milkshake ready before your first bite of either item.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Estimated values โ may vary by location and preparation.
How to Customize
Different Level per Item (Free ยท Most Popular)
Set a completely different heat level on the tender vs. the slider at no extra charge. This is the #1 reason regulars order this specific combo โ it's the most efficient way to compare Dave's two formats and find your heat ceiling.
Add Cheese to Slider (+$0.75)
Melted cheese on the slider adds richness and helps buffer the spice, especially at Medium and above. A great addition if you're running the slider at a higher heat level.
Extra Pickles on Slider (Free)
The briny tang of extra pickles cuts through the richness of the brioche and enhances the heat contrast. Easy upgrade โ just ask at the counter.
Add Kale Slaw (+$3.49)
A side of kale slaw is the most effective palate-cleansing pairing for this combo. The tangy, cool slaw resets your heat perception between the tender and slider โ especially useful if you're mixing levels.
Swap Either for Cauli Version
Swap the chicken tender, the slider chicken, or both for cauliflower at the same spice levels. Same breading, same heat, vegetarian. Most cauli items still contain dairy and eggs.
Best Pairings
Kale Slaw
The essential side for this combo โ especially when mixing heat levels. The tangy, cool slaw resets your palate between the tender and slider bites.
Best Pairing
Dave's Sauce
Already included, but order an extra side if you dip heavily. Works on both the tender and the fries for consistent heat management across the whole meal.
Already Included
Vanilla or Strawberry Shake
For Medium and above โ cold dairy fat is the most effective capsaicin neutralizer. A small shake pairs perfectly when mixing levels on this combo.
Spice Relief
Honey for the Tender
Drizzle honey over the tender at Hot or above for the classic sweet-heat balance Dave's regulars call "the Nashville drip." The slider handles itself; the tender is where honey shines.
Regulars' PickFrequently Asked Questions
How much does the 1 Tender & 1 Slider + Fries combo cost?
The 1 Tender & 1 Slider + Fries combo costs $13.99 at most Dave's Hot Chicken locations in 2026. Ordering the tender ($3.50), slider ($4.99), and a side of fries ($3.99) separately would cost significantly more, and the combo includes Dave's Sauce. It's the best-value way to try both formats in one visit.
How many calories are in the 1 Tender & 1 Slider + Fries combo?
The official combo figure is 1,310 calories. This reflects a slightly smaller fry portion than you'd get ordering fries ร la carte. The tender contributes approximately 550 calories, the slider approximately 680 calories, and the combo fries portion adds the remainder. Dave's Sauce contributes a small additional amount. Spice level does not significantly change the calorie count.
Why is this the best first-timer order at Dave's Hot Chicken?
Because it lets you experience both of Dave's signature formats side by side in a single meal. The tender delivers the spice rub in its purest, most intense form โ nothing between you and the heat. The slider wraps that same heat in brioche, pickles, and kale slaw, softening and spreading the intensity across the bite. Ordering both reveals how dramatically the format changes the experience, which is the most useful information you can have before deciding what to order on your next visit. No other combo teaches you more about the menu for the same price.
Can you set a different spice level on the tender and the slider?
Yes โ absolutely, and this is the #1 reason to order this specific combo. Both the tender and the slider can be set to any of the seven heat levels independently at no extra charge. The most popular approach: tender at Medium, slider at Mild. This reveals how the format changes the intensity of the same rub. More experienced diners set the tender one level above the slider as a heat calibration tool. It's the smartest use of this combo.
What are the allergens in this combo?
Both the tender and the slider contain gluten (breading and bun), dairy (buttermilk marinade and brioche bun), and eggs (batter). The kale slaw in the slider may contain additional allergens. All items are prepared on shared equipment and are not suitable for those with celiac disease or severe dairy or egg allergies. The cauliflower swap is vegetarian but most cauli items still contain dairy and eggs. Dave's Sauce contains dairy. Always check with your location for the most current allergen information.
How does this compare to 2 Tenders + Fries or 2 Sliders + Fries?
The 1 Tender & 1 Slider + Fries is specifically designed for format comparison โ it's the only combo that gives you both items. 2 Tenders + Fries ($12.99) is the better option if you've already decided you prefer the tender format and want more protein at a lower price. 2 Sliders + Fries ($13.99) is better if you prefer the slider experience and want the bun-and-slaw buffer on both items. If you've never been to Dave's before, start with this combo โ then order the format you prefer on your next visit.
