Dave's Hot Chicken Spice Levels

From "No Spice" to the legendary Dave's Hot Chicken Reaper level, find your perfect heat profile.

Find Your Flavor Profile

From zero heat to total devastation.

0 SHU

No Spice

All the flavor, none of the heat. Perfect for kids or those who just want to enjoy our secret 24-hour marination without the burn.

~500 SHU

Lite Mild

Just a hint of warmth. It's barely there, but adds a nice depth to the hand-breaded chicken.

~1,500 SHU

Mild

A gentle kick. Recommended for beginners who want to experience the Nashville style without breaking a sweat.

~5,000 SHU

Medium

The sweet spot. A solid heat that lingers but doesn't overpower the flavor. Our most popular choice!

~30,000 SHU

Hot

Now we're talking. You'll feel the burn, and you might need a milkshake to cool down. Definitely has a bite.

~100,000 SHU

Extra Hot

Serious heat for serious fans. This is where the sweat starts. Not for the faint of heart.

2,000,000+ SHU

THE REAPER

Devastating. Made with the world's hottest pepper, the Carolina Reaper. We recommend you take it slow.

⚠️ WARNING: SIGNED WAIVER MAY BE REQUIRED AT SOME LOCATIONS

How Spicy is the Dave's Hot Chicken Reaper?

The Reaper is not just a spice level; it's an experience. Made with the Carolina Reaper, which averages 1.5 million to 2.2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), it is significantly hotter than a Habanero or a Jalapeño.

  • 🔥 Heat Level: Extreme. You will feel it instantly.
  • Duration: The burn can last from 15 to 30 minutes.
  • 🥛 Recovery: We recommend a Dave's Milkshake to neutralize the capsaicin.
  • 📝 Waiver: Many locations require a signed waiver because of the extreme heat.

2M+

Scoville Units

Compare that to a Jalapeño at 5,000 SHU!

Which one should you pick?

Our recommendation based on your spice tolerance.