Single Tender
The purest expression of what Dave's is all about. One thick, juicy strip of Nashville-style fried chicken, coated in the signature spice rub at any of seven heat levels โ from completely heatless to Carolina Reaper extract. The best single item on the menu to judge a spice level before committing to a full combo.
About the Single Tender
The signature item the entire brand is built on. A single serving of one Nashville-style fried chicken tender, coated in Dave's proprietary spice rub at your chosen heat level โ free at every level from No Spice to Reaper.
The tender starts with a thick chicken breast strip marinated in seasoned buttermilk to build moisture and flavor from the inside out. It's then coated in a seasoned flour breading and fried to a deep golden crust โ creating that signature crunch on the outside while staying juicy in the middle. The Nashville spice rub is applied immediately after frying so the heat blooms directly on the hot surface, maximizing both flavor and intensity.
At $3.50 it's one of the best value-per-bite items at any fast-casual chain. Order a single tender before committing to a combo if you're trying a new spice level โ it's the smartest way to calibrate your heat tolerance without overspending. Or stack multiple singles into a custom order by adding extra tenders at $2.99 each.
What's Inside the Single Tender
Chicken Breast
Thick strips of whole-muscle chicken breast โ not processed or reformed. The thicker cut is what gives Dave's tenders their substantial, juicy interior.
Buttermilk Marinade
The chicken is marinated in seasoned buttermilk before breading. The acid tenderizes the meat and the dairy proteins help the breading adhere for maximum crunch.
Seasoned Flour Breading
A seasoned flour coating creates the signature golden, crispy exterior. The breading is thick enough to hold the spice rub but light enough to fry evenly throughout.
Nashville Spice Rub
Dave's proprietary blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices โ applied hot after frying so it blooms directly onto the crust. The heat level determines how much rub is applied.
Frying Oil
The tender is fried in high-heat oil until the breading reaches a deep golden color and the interior hits safe temperature. The oil choice affects texture but contributes minimal flavor.
Salt & Seasonings
Layered throughout the marinade, breading, and spice rub โ which is why the flavor is complex even at No Spice. The sodium content (~980mg) reflects this layered seasoning approach.
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. Juicy, golden, zero heat. Perfect for kids or anyone wanting the texture without the burn.
Lite Mild
A whisper of warmth that most people won't find challenging. The spice rub adds flavor depth without any real heat.
Mild
Friendly, noticeable warmth. The best starting point for first-timers who want to experience the spice rub without committing to real heat.
Medium ๐ฅ
The most popular level. Real Nashville hot chicken โ bold flavor up front with honest heat that builds toward the end of the tender.
Hot
Where the chili heat becomes the dominant flavor. Significant burn by the end of the tender. Have Dave's Sauce or honey ready.
Extra Hot
Full-face, lingering heat that stays with you. Only order this level if you've handled Hot comfortably before.
Reaper โ ๏ธ
Carolina Reaper extract. Most locations require a signed waiver. Significantly more intense than Extra Hot. Always have a milkshake ready.
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. No Spice to Reaper โ pick exactly where you want on the heat scale. Order multiple tenders at different levels within the same combo.
Swap for Cauliflower
Replace chicken with cauliflower for $3.29 โ same breading, same spice rub, same seven heat levels. Vegetarian. Most cauli items contain dairy and eggs.
Add Honey (+$0.50)
Drizzle honey directly over a Hot or Extra Hot tender for the sweet-heat combination regulars call "the Nashville drip." The most popular add-on for tenders.
Add Cheese Sauce
Request cheese sauce on the side or drizzled directly over the tender. The creaminess counters the spice rub and adds richness to the crust.
Extra Dave's Sauce (+$0.50)
The signature creamy dipping sauce. Order it on the side and alternate between dipping and eating dry โ the sauce modulates the heat level bite by bite.
Add Extra Tenders ($2.99/ea)
Stack additional tenders at $2.99 each โ at different heat levels if you want. The most cost-efficient way to build a larger meal without ordering a full Hot Box.
Best Pairings
Kale Slaw
The single best side pairing. The tangy, cool slaw cuts through the spice rub and cleanses the palate between bites.
Best Pairing
Dave's Sauce
The signature creamy dip โ always order it alongside any tender. It modulates the heat level and enhances the crust flavor.
Must Order
Crinkle-Cut Fries
The classic pairing. Salty, crispy fries provide a neutral flavor contrast that lets the tender's spice rub stay center stage.
Classic Combo
Vanilla Shake
For Medium and above โ cold dairy fat is the most effective capsaicin neutralizer. Sip between bites to control the cumulative burn.
Spice ReliefFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a Single Tender at Dave's Hot Chicken cost?
A Single Tender costs $3.50 at most Dave's Hot Chicken locations in 2026. Additional tenders can be added at $2.99 each. Building a combo (2 Tenders + Fries) at $12.99 saves $2โ$3 over ordering ร la carte, so the combo is better value if you're planning to eat more than one tender.
How many calories are in a Dave's Hot Chicken Single Tender?
A Single Tender contains approximately 550 calories. The spice level does not significantly change the calorie count โ the heat rub is a dry surface seasoning, not a calorie-heavy sauce. The 550 calories break down roughly as 32g fat, 35g carbs, and 32g protein.
Which spice level should I choose for my first tender?
Start with Mild or Medium. Mild gives you a real taste of the spice rub without challenging heat. Medium is the most popular choice and delivers the authentic Nashville hot chicken experience. The heat builds as you eat โ what feels mild on the first bite can feel noticeably hotter by the last. Never start at Hot or above if you're new to Nashville hot chicken.
Is the Single Tender gluten-free?
No. The breading contains wheat flour, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. There is currently no gluten-free breading option at Dave's Hot Chicken. The buttermilk marinade also contains dairy, so those with milk allergies should note that the chicken itself is not dairy-free.
Can I get a vegetarian version of the Single Tender?
Yes โ order the Single Cauli Tender ($3.29) from the Dave's NOT Chicken lineup. It uses the same breading, same spice rub, and all seven heat levels. The cauliflower tender is vegetarian but most items still contain dairy and eggs in the batter, so it's not fully vegan.
Does the heat level change the price?
No โ all seven spice levels are included at no extra cost. You can order Reaper for the same $3.50 as No Spice. The only add-ons that cost extra are Dave's Sauce (+$0.50), Honey (+$0.50), Reaper Sauce (+$0.75), and Cheese Sauce.
What is the best way to eat the Single Tender?
Eat it immediately โ the breading is at its crispiest within the first 3โ4 minutes. Alternate bites with a cooling side (kale slaw or a sip of shake) to manage the heat buildup. Drizzle honey on Hot or above for the sweet-heat balance that regulars swear by. Avoid covering it with too much sauce before eating, as it softens the crust.
Can I mix spice levels when ordering multiple tenders?
Yes โ in a combo or a multi-tender order, you can set a completely different spice level on each individual tender at no extra charge. This is one of Dave's most popular features for groups and for people who want to try multiple heat levels in one visit.
