Dave's Mini Slider
A smaller, lighter version of the full Dave's slider — same Nashville-style fried chicken, same toasted brioche bun, same pickles and kale slaw, but in a compact size that's perfect for kids, lighter appetites, or stacking multiple at different heat levels. At ~360 calories and $4.49 it fills a unique niche on the menu.
About the Dave's Mini Slider
The Mini Slider is ideal for first-timers who want to try two different spice levels without committing to full-size items, or for kids who want the experience in a manageable portion. At roughly half the calories of a full slider, it's also a solid lighter meal option when you want Nashville heat without the full commitment.
The Mini Slider delivers everything that makes Dave's famous — Nashville-style fried chicken on a toasted mini brioche bun, layered with crunchy dill pickles and kale slaw — in a compact form that makes ordering two at different heat levels a genuinely smart strategy. It's the easiest way to compare Mild and Medium side by side, or let a younger diner get the full Dave's experience at No Spice while you go hotter on your order.
The ~360 calorie estimate reflects the smaller chicken piece and bun — proportionally scaled down from the full slider but keeping the same fried technique, same spice rub, and the same toasted bun finish that gives every Dave's slider its signature bite. The cheese add-on (+$0.75) fits the Mini just as well as the full size, and the kale slaw provides the same cool, tangy contrast that makes the heat feel intentional rather than overwhelming.
What's Inside the Dave's Mini Slider
Chicken Breast (Smaller Cut)
The same whole-muscle chicken breast used in the full slider, trimmed to a smaller portion. Same fried technique — buttermilk marinade, seasoned flour breading, deep-fried to a golden crust — just a compact piece sized for the mini bun.
Mini Brioche Bun
Proportionally smaller than the full slider bun but toasted to the same golden finish. The buttery, slightly sweet brioche balances the spice rub and holds up to the slaw and pickles without getting soggy.
Dill Pickles
Crisp dill pickle slices — the same tangy, briny layer as the full slider. The acidity cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and provides a cooling counterpoint to the Nashville spice rub.
Kale Slaw (Smaller Portion)
A scaled-down portion of the signature kale slaw — cool, tangy, and slightly creamy. The slaw is the best built-in heat buffer in any Dave's slider and works especially well in the compact Mini format.
Nashville Spice Rub
The same proprietary blend of cayenne, paprika, garlic, and spices used on every item at Dave's — applied hot directly after frying. The Mini gets the full rub treatment at whatever heat level you choose, from No Spice to Reaper.
Optional Cheese Add-On (+$0.75)
Melted cheese available as an add-on for $0.75. The creaminess counters the spice rub perfectly and adds richness to the smaller bun — proportionally, cheese makes a bigger flavor impact on the Mini than on the full slider.
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 — order one level below what you think you can handle.
No Spice
Pure crispy chicken flavor on a toasted mini brioche bun. Zero heat. The ideal choice for kids or anyone discovering Dave's for the first time.
Lite Mild
A hint of warmth that adds flavor depth without real heat. The spice rub is present but gentle — great for building confidence before going higher.
Mild
Friendly, noticeable warmth. The best starting point for first-timers. On the Mini, Mild reads as approachable without being timid — you'll taste the rub and feel a gentle glow.
Medium 🔥
The most popular level. Real Nashville hot chicken heat on a compact slider — bold flavor with honest burn that builds through the bun. The kale slaw keeps it balanced.
Hot
Where the chili heat becomes dominant. The smaller bite size means the heat per bite is intense — have Dave's Sauce or honey ready before you start.
Extra Hot
Full, lingering heat on a small bun means no escape between bites. Only order this if you've handled Hot on a full slider comfortably before.
Reaper ☠️
Carolina Reaper extract on a Mini Slider. May require a signed waiver at some locations. Significantly more intense than Extra Hot. A milkshake is non-negotiable.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Estimated values — may vary by location and preparation.
How to Customize
Free Heat, Any Level
All seven spice levels are free on the Mini Slider. Pick any level from No Spice to Reaper at no extra charge. Order two at different levels to compare heat side by side.
Add Cheese (+$0.75)
Melted cheese on the Mini Slider makes a proportionally bigger flavor impact than on the full size — the smaller bun means the creaminess covers more of every bite. A strong upgrade for $0.75.
Extra Pickles
Ask for extra dill pickles on the Mini Slider. The additional brine and crunch provide a bigger flavor contrast against the spice rub — especially effective at Medium and above.
Order Two at Different Levels
The Mini Slider's best feature is mix-and-match heat. Order one at Mild and one at Medium to find your sweet spot, or let different members of your group each get their preferred heat without sharing a full-size item.
Swap for Cauli Mini
Replace the chicken with a cauliflower piece for a vegetarian version — same mini brioche bun, same pickles, same kale slaw, same seven heat levels. Vegetarian but contains dairy and eggs.
Best Pairings
Kale Slaw
The perfect side for the Mini Slider. The cool, tangy slaw contrasts the spice rub and provides texture variety alongside the compact bun.
Best Pairing
Dave's Sauce
Order Dave's Sauce on the side for dipping. On the Mini, the sauce modulates heat level bite by bite — especially useful when ordering two Minis at different heat levels.
Must Order
Crinkle Fries (Split a Side)
Split a side of crinkle fries with your order — the neutral, salty crunch lets the Mini Slider's spice rub stay center stage without calorie overload.
Classic Combo
Rocket Creme Slusher
A cold, creamy slusher is the ideal heat buffer for Mini Sliders at Medium and above — sip between bites to reset your palate and keep the heat enjoyable.
Spice ReliefFrequently Asked Questions
How much does Dave's Mini Slider cost?
Dave's Mini Slider costs $4.49 at most Dave's Hot Chicken locations in 2026. You can order two at different heat levels for under $9, which makes it one of the best value heat-comparison options on the menu. Cheese is available as an add-on for $0.75.
How many calories are in Dave's Mini Slider?
Dave's Mini Slider contains approximately 360 calories. This is an estimate based on the smaller chicken piece and proportionally smaller bun compared to the full slider — the actual count may vary slightly by location and preparation. The spice level does not significantly change the calorie count, as the heat rub is a dry surface seasoning.
How does the Mini Slider differ from the full Dave's Slider?
The Mini Slider is a scaled-down version of the full slider — smaller chicken piece, smaller brioche bun, and a smaller portion of kale slaw. It contains approximately 320 fewer calories than the full slider (~680 cal) and costs $0.50 less. The fried chicken technique, spice rub, pickles, and bun finish are identical — just in a compact format suited for lighter appetites, kids, or mix-and-match ordering.
Is the Mini Slider good for kids?
Yes — the Mini Slider at No Spice is one of the most kid-friendly items on the menu. The smaller bun and chicken piece are easier for younger diners to manage, and No Spice delivers the full crispy chicken experience without any heat. The compact size also means less food waste if a child doesn't finish it.
Can I mix the Mini Slider with full-size items in a combo?
Availability of combo mixing varies by location — ask your cashier whether the Mini Slider can be substituted into a standard combo. Many locations will accommodate a mix-and-match order (e.g., one Mini Slider + one full tender) as a custom combo. Ordering individually is always an option if combo substitution isn't available.
Is the cheese add-on worth it on the Mini Slider?
Yes — the cheese add-on (+$0.75) makes a proportionally larger flavor impact on the Mini Slider than on the full size. The smaller bun means the melted cheese covers more of each bite, adding creaminess that balances the spice rub especially well at Medium and Hot. It's the single best upgrade for the Mini Slider.
