Single Slider
The slider takes everything great about the tender and stacks it on a toasted brioche bun with crunchy dill pickles and fresh kale slaw. Seven spice levels, $0 heat upcharge. The slider format softens the heat slightly compared to a bare tender โ the bun and slaw act as natural buffers โ making it the better entry point for first-timers.
About the Single Slider
The same Nashville-style fried tender that built the Dave's reputation, now layered inside a toasted brioche bun with crunchy dill pickles and tangy kale slaw โ all seven heat levels, no upcharge.
The brioche bun does more than hold everything together โ it absorbs Dave's Sauce and the juices from the hot tender, creating a base layer of flavor underneath every bite. The pickles add sharp acid contrast that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, while the kale slaw introduces a cool, tangy element that actively lowers the perceived heat. The result is a more nuanced eating experience than the bare tender, where heat intensity is the dominant variable.
At 680 calories versus 550 for a Single Tender, the extra 130 calories comes almost entirely from the brioche bun (approximately 150 calories), with the slaw and pickles adding negligible calories in return for significant flavor and texture payoff. At $4.99 โ just $1.49 more than the tender alone โ you're getting the bun, slaw, and pickles essentially for free, making the slider one of the strongest value propositions on the menu.
What's Inside the Single Slider
Chicken Breast
The same Nashville-style fried tender inside โ thick whole-muscle chicken breast, buttermilk-marinated, seasoned-flour-breaded, fried to a golden crust. Identical to the Single Tender, just housed in a bun.
Brioche Bun
Toasted, slightly sweet, with a soft crumb that absorbs Dave's Sauce and tender juices exceptionally well. The sweetness of the brioche provides a natural counterpoint to the spice rub.
Dill Pickles
Crunchy, briny slices that add acid contrast and cut through the richness of the fried chicken. The pickle brine also acts as a palate reset between bites, preventing heat from stacking too quickly.
Kale Slaw
Cooling, tangy, and slightly creamy โ the kale slaw actively lowers overall heat perception. Research shows cool, moisture-rich foods slow capsaicin absorption, making the slaw a functional buffer, not just a garnish.
Nashville Spice Rub
Dave's proprietary cayenne-forward blend applied hot after frying โ the same rub used on the bare tender. The bun and slaw modify how the heat lands, but the rub itself is identical across both items.
Optional Cheese (+$0.75)
American cheese melted directly on top of the tender inside the bun. The dairy fat in the cheese adds another natural capsaicin buffer, making Hot and above significantly more approachable with the add-on.
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 on a toasted brioche bun. The pickles and slaw shine brightest here without any heat competing for attention.
Lite Mild
A faint warmth that most people won't notice. The brioche sweetness is the dominant flavor at this level โ great for kids.
Mild
Friendly, noticeable warmth. The slaw and pickles keep the heat gentle. The best starting level for first-timers building slider confidence.
Medium ๐ฅ
The most popular level. Real Nashville heat with the bun acting as a buffer โ this is how most regulars order their slider.
Hot
Significant heat that builds through the slider. The kale slaw helps between bites. Consider adding cheese for additional dairy buffering.
Extra Hot
Full-face, lingering heat even with the bun and slaw moderating. Only order if you've handled Hot comfortably before.
Reaper โ ๏ธ
Carolina Reaper extract. The bun and slaw provide marginal relief โ this level is still brutal. Most locations require a signed waiver.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Estimated values โ may vary by location and preparation.
How to Customize
Free Heat, Any Level
All seven spice levels are free. The bun and slaw buffer the heat, so you can push one level higher than you would on a bare tender and still stay comfortable.
Add Cheese (+$0.75)
American cheese melted on top of the tender inside the bun. Adds dairy fat that buffers capsaicin, making it the best add-on for anyone ordering Hot or above.
Extra Pickles (Free)
Ask for extra dill pickles at no charge. The added acid and crunch amplify the contrast against the spice rub and make each bite more dynamic.
Extra Dave's Sauce (+$0.50)
The signature creamy sauce soaks into the brioche beautifully. Order extra on the side and add between bites for a sauce-to-heat ratio you can control yourself.
Swap for Cauliflower ($4.49 Cauli Slider)
Replace the chicken tender with a cauliflower tender for the Cauli Slider at $4.49. Same bun, same slaw, same pickles, same seven heat levels. Vegetarian.
Mix Levels in Same Combo
Order multiple sliders at completely different heat levels within the same combo โ no extra charge. The most popular way to try two levels side by side in one sitting.
Best Pairings
Kale Slaw
Even though slaw is already in the slider, a side order lets you eat additional slaw between bites as a dedicated heat cooldown.
Best Contrast
Dave's Sauce
The brioche bun absorbs Dave's Sauce better than any other format. Always order it alongside โ drizzle directly onto the open bun before closing.
Must Order
Crinkle Fries
The classic pairing. Salty, neutral fries give your palate a break between slider bites, preventing heat from stacking too fast.
Classic
Strawberries & Creme Slusher
The dairy in the creme base actively neutralizes capsaicin. Cold, sweet, and creamy โ the most effective spice relief pairing on the menu.
Spice ReliefFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a Single Slider at Dave's Hot Chicken cost?
A Single Slider costs $4.99 at most Dave's Hot Chicken locations in 2026. That's $1.49 more than the Single Tender ($3.50), but you're getting a toasted brioche bun, kale slaw, and dill pickles included โ making the slider a strong value relative to ordering those components separately. Adding cheese is an additional $0.75.
How many calories are in a Dave's Hot Chicken Single Slider?
A Single Slider contains approximately 680 calories, including the brioche bun, kale slaw, and dill pickles. That's 130 more calories than the Single Tender (550 cal), with almost all of the increase coming from the brioche bun (approximately 150 cal). The slaw and pickles add minimal calories in exchange for significant flavor and texture. Adding cheese adds roughly 100 calories.
How does the slider differ from the tender in terms of heat?
The slider format softens the heat slightly compared to a bare tender. The toasted brioche bun absorbs some of the spice rub's oil-based compounds, and the kale slaw acts as a cool, moisture-rich buffer that slows capsaicin absorption between bites. The pickles also provide acid contrast that resets the palate. In practical terms, Medium on a slider feels closer to Mild on a tender โ making the slider the better entry point for first-timers. If you loved a specific level on a tender, try one level higher on the slider to hit similar intensity.
Is the Single Slider gluten-free?
No. The slider contains gluten in both the brioche bun and the chicken breading. There is currently no gluten-free bun or breading option at Dave's Hot Chicken. The item also contains dairy (buttermilk marinade, optional cheese) and eggs (batter, slaw dressing). It is not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Single Slider?
Yes โ the Cauli Slider ($4.49) uses a cauliflower tender in place of chicken, with the same brioche bun, pickles, and kale slaw at all seven heat levels. It's vegetarian but not fully vegan, as the batter and slaw dressing contain dairy and eggs.
Can I add cheese to the Single Slider?
Yes โ American cheese can be added for +$0.75. It's melted directly on top of the tender inside the bun. Beyond flavor, the cheese adds dairy fat that helps buffer capsaicin, making it especially worthwhile at Hot or Extra Hot. It's the most popular paid add-on for the slider.
What spice level should I start with on the slider?
If you're new to Dave's, start with Mild or Medium. Because the bun and slaw buffer the heat, these levels are more approachable on a slider than on a bare tender. If you've had the tender at Medium before and want a similar experience, try Hot on the slider โ the bun acts as a buffer and brings the perceived intensity down one level.
What's the best way to eat the Single Slider?
Eat it immediately โ the brioche bun softens quickly from the heat of the tender. Open the bun and drizzle Dave's Sauce directly onto the bun before closing for maximum absorption. Eat in full bites so each bite includes bun, slaw, pickles, and tender together โ this is how the flavor components are designed to work in combination. Alternate with a sip of the Strawberries & Creme Slusher or a bite of kale slaw at Hot and above to manage heat buildup.
