Dave’s Hot Chicken: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Dave’s Hot Chicken runs on Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders, so a vegetarian guide to this chain wouldn’t have made sense a few years ago. The cauliflower-based Dave’s Not Chicken line, which launched nationwide in January 2024 after a smaller regional test, changes that. Each location hand-slices fresh cauliflower, then batters and seasons it the same way as the chicken tenders, across all seven spice levels, from No Spice up to the Reaper.

What to order at Dave’s Hot Chicken

Order the Dave’s Not Chicken Tenders, Sliders, or Bites at any spice level you like. Round out the plate with Mac & Cheese or Cheese Fries, and cool off with a Frozen Fruit Slusher or fountain drink, both vegan as served. Kale Slaw and Crinkle-Cut Fries are marked as a check rather than a confirmed yes, so ask about the dressing and the fryer if that matters to you.

What to watch out for

The Not Chicken batter and bun both contain dairy and egg, so none of the cauliflower items are vegan despite being meat-free. Dave’s Sauce and the Cheese Sauce carry mayonnaise or dairy too, and the Premium Soft Creme Slushers and Shakes are built on dairy with no swap offered. The Crinkle-Cut Fries are vegan by ingredient but fried in the same oil as breaded chicken, so ask at the counter if shared frying oil is a dealbreaker for you.