Dave’s Hot Chicken is a popular fast-casual restaurant that specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken. With its roots in Los Angeles, Dave’s Hot Chicken has gained a loyal following for its deliciously spicy and flavorful chicken. The restaurant offers a variety of menu items, including sandwiches, tenders, and wings, all made with their signature hot chicken. Whether you’re a fan of mild heat or crave something insanely spicy, Dave’s Hot Chicken has something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Dave’s Hot Chicken is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken.
- The restaurant was founded in 2017 by three friends who were inspired by the spicy chicken they tried in Nashville.
- The secret recipe of Dave’s Hot Chicken involves marinating the chicken in a blend of spices and buttermilk before frying it to perfection.
- The menu of Dave’s Hot Chicken includes various chicken dishes, sandwiches, and combos, as well as vegetarian options.
- The heat levels of Dave’s Hot Chicken range from “Mild” to “Reaper,” with each level offering a different level of spiciness.
The History of Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken started as a food truck in Los Angeles in 2017. The founders, Arman Oganesyan and Tommy Rubenyan, were inspired by the Nashville hot chicken they had tried during a trip to Tennessee. They decided to bring this unique and flavorful dish to the streets of LA. The food truck quickly gained popularity, with long lines of customers eager to try their hot chicken.
Due to the overwhelming demand, Dave’s Hot Chicken expanded from a food truck to multiple brick-and-mortar locations. Today, they have several locations across California and even one in Las Vegas. The success of Dave’s Hot Chicken can be attributed to their commitment to quality ingredients, exceptional customer service, and of course, their mouthwatering hot chicken.
The Secret Recipe of Dave’s Hot Chicken
The secret recipe of Dave’s Hot Chicken is what sets it apart from other hot chicken establishments. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and buttermilk before being coated in a seasoned flour mixture. It is then fried until crispy and golden brown. The result is tender and juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy exterior.
The level of spiciness at Dave’s Hot Chicken is achieved through their unique spice blend. They offer five different heat levels: mild, medium, hot, extra hot, and insane. Each level builds on the previous one, with the insane level being the hottest. The spice blend includes a combination of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other secret ingredients. The result is a fiery and flavorful chicken that keeps customers coming back for more.
The Menu of Dave’s Hot Chicken
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter Bird | 6.99 | 350 | 28 | 22 | 10 |
| Half Bird | 11.99 | 700 | 56 | 44 | 20 |
| Whole Bird | 21.99 | 1400 | 112 | 88 | 40 |
| Tenders (3 pcs) | 6.99 | 330 | 27 | 21 | 9 |
| Tenders (5 pcs) | 10.99 | 550 | 45 | 35 | 15 |
| Tenders (10 pcs) | 20.99 | 1100 | 90 | 70 | 30 |
| Slider | 2.99 | 150 | 12 | 9 | 5 |
| Fries | 2.99 | 320 | 3 | 16 | 40 |
| Coleslaw | 2.99 | 150 | 1 | 12 | 10 |
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a variety of menu items to satisfy any craving. Their menu includes hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, and wings. The sandwiches are made with a generous portion of hot chicken served on a buttery bun with pickles and their signature slaw. The tenders are perfect for those who prefer boneless chicken, while the wings are great for sharing or as a snack.
In addition to their hot chicken options, Dave’s Hot Chicken also offers vegetarian and vegan options. They have a plant-based chicken substitute made from soy protein that is seasoned and fried to perfection. This allows those with dietary restrictions or preferences to enjoy the same delicious flavors as their meat-eating counterparts.
The Heat Levels of Dave’s Hot Chicken
One of the highlights of Dave’s Hot Chicken is the range of heat levels they offer. Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer milder flavors, there is an option for everyone. The heat levels range from mild to insane, allowing customers to choose their preferred level of spiciness.
The mild level offers a subtle kick of heat without being overpowering. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavors of the hot chicken without too much spice. The medium level increases the heat slightly, adding more depth of flavor.
For those who enjoy a good amount of heat, the hot and extra hot levels are great choices. These levels provide a satisfying burn without being too overwhelming. Finally, for the brave souls who can handle extreme spiciness, there is the insane level. This level is not for the faint of heart and is sure to leave your taste buds on fire.
The Sides and Sauces of Dave’s Hot Chicken
To complement their hot chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a variety of sides and sauces. The sides include options like fries, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. These sides are the perfect accompaniment to the hot chicken, providing a balance of flavors and textures.
In addition to the sides, Dave’s Hot Chicken also offers a selection of sauces. These sauces range from mild to hot and can be drizzled over the chicken or used as a dipping sauce. Some popular sauce options include ranch, honey mustard, and their signature hot sauce. These sauces add an extra layer of flavor and heat to the already delicious hot chicken.
The Locations of Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken currently has several locations across California and one in Las Vegas. Their original location in Los Angeles is still going strong, serving up their famous hot chicken to loyal customers. They have since expanded to other cities in California, including North Hollywood, Koreatown, and Pasadena.
The success of Dave’s Hot Chicken has led to plans for future expansion. They have announced that they will be opening new locations in other states, including Texas and New York. This expansion will allow even more people to experience the deliciousness of Dave’s Hot Chicken.
The Reviews of Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken has received rave reviews from both customers and food critics alike. Customers praise the restaurant for its flavorful chicken, crispy coating, and generous portion sizes. Many have also commented on the friendly and efficient service provided by the staff.
Food critics have also taken notice of Dave’s Hot Chicken. The restaurant has been featured in various publications and has received positive reviews for its authentic Nashville-style hot chicken. Critics have praised the restaurant for its commitment to quality ingredients and its ability to deliver consistent flavors.
Personal experience: As someone who loves spicy food, I was excited to try Dave’s Hot Chicken. I opted for the medium heat level, wanting a good amount of spice without overwhelming my taste buds. The chicken was incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of heat and seasoning. The crispy coating added a satisfying crunch to each bite, while the tender meat inside was juicy and delicious. The pickles and slaw on the sandwich provided a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the chicken. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience, and I can’t wait to go back and try their other menu items.
The Benefits of Eating Spicy Food
In addition to being incredibly delicious, spicy food also offers several health benefits. Consuming spicy food has been shown to boost metabolism, aiding in weight loss and weight management. The capsaicin found in chili peppers, which gives them their heat, has been found to increase calorie burning and fat oxidation.
Spicy food can also help reduce inflammation in the body. Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and sinusitis. It can also help improve digestion by increasing blood flow to the stomach and promoting the release of digestive enzymes.
Furthermore, spicy food can provide pain relief. Capsaicin has been used topically in creams and ointments to help relieve pain from conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, and shingles. It works by desensitizing nerve receptors, reducing the sensation of pain.
Why You Should Try Dave’s Hot Chicken
In conclusion, Dave’s Hot Chicken is a must-try for any fan of spicy food or fried chicken. With its roots in Los Angeles, this fast-casual restaurant has gained a loyal following for its deliciously spicy and flavorful hot chicken. From their secret recipe to their range of heat levels, Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a unique dining experience that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you prefer a mild kick or crave something insanely spicy, Dave’s Hot Chicken has something for everyone. Their menu includes sandwiches, tenders, and wings, all made with their signature hot chicken. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their mouthwatering flavors.
With multiple locations across California and plans for future expansion, Dave’s Hot Chicken is becoming a staple in the fast-casual dining scene. So why not give it a try? Experience the deliciousness of Dave’s Hot Chicken for yourself and discover why it has become a favorite among customers and food critics alike.
Looking for more mouthwatering chicken options? Check out this article on the top 10 fried chicken joints in Los Angeles, featuring Dave’s Hot Chicken as one of the must-try spots. From their signature spicy chicken sandwich to their perfectly seasoned tenders, Dave’s Hot Chicken has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Discover more about the best fried chicken in LA here and get ready to satisfy your cravings!
FAQs
What is Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Dave’s Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken. It was founded in Los Angeles in 2017 by three friends.
What is Nashville-style hot chicken?
Nashville-style hot chicken is a type of fried chicken that is marinated in a spicy blend of seasonings and served with white bread and pickles. It originated in Nashville, Tennessee in the 1930s.
Where are Dave’s Hot Chicken locations?
As of 2021, Dave’s Hot Chicken has over 20 locations in the United States, primarily in California. They also have locations in Nevada, Texas, and Illinois.
What is on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu?
The menu at Dave’s Hot Chicken features chicken tenders, sliders, sandwiches, and plates, all served with a choice of heat level ranging from “no heat” to “reaper.” They also offer sides such as fries, mac and cheese, and coleslaw.
Is Dave’s Hot Chicken a franchise?
Yes, Dave’s Hot Chicken offers franchise opportunities for those interested in opening their own location.