Dave’s Hot Chicken is the giant of the category, with nearly 400 US locations built on two items: tenders and sliders. Crimson Coward is smaller, with 20+ locations, but it’s one of the few hot chicken chains that is 100% halal at every location. So which should you pick? For flavor, menu range and peace of mind on halal, we’d choose Crimson Coward. Here’s why.
Disclosure: the author provides business services to Crimson Coward.
Quick Verdict
Our pick: Crimson Coward. Guaranteed halal everywhere, fresh, never-frozen chicken with a 24-hour rub, and a much bigger menu. Dave’s wins on sheer number of locations and a simple, fast menu.
At a Glance
| Crimson Coward | Dave’s Hot Chicken | |
|---|---|---|
| Halal | 100% halal, every item, every location | No chain-wide halal statement on its website; varies by location |
| Locations | 20+ in CA, TX, VA, MD, WA, DE | Nearly 400 in the US, plus international |
| Heat levels | 5: Country to Burrrrn, Baby, Burn | 7: No Spice to Reaper (waiver) |
| Core menu | Sandwiches, tenders, wings, sliders, nugs, burgers, loaded fries | Tenders, sliders, Dave’s Bites |
| Founded | 2019, California | 2017, East Hollywood, Los Angeles |
Dave’s details are from its official website and public location data, checked October 2026.
Halal
This is the question we get most. Dave’s Hot Chicken’s official website and FAQ don’t include a chain-wide halal statement, and third-party halal directories report that status varies from location to location. If you eat halal, you’d need to check with each individual store. Crimson Coward removes the guesswork: the whole menu is halal at every location, so you can order anything, anywhere.
We cover this in more detail in our guide: Is Dave’s Hot Chicken halal?
Chicken and Flavor
Both chains fry crisp, properly spicy Nashville-style chicken. Crimson Coward stands out for how much it tells you about its bird: fresh, never-frozen chicken, non-GMO, raised without hormones or antibiotics and sourced directly from the farmer. Its Crimson Rub goes on 24 hours before frying, so even the no-heat level has real flavor. Dave’s is famous for its bold spice blends and its generous, saucy sliders.
Heat Levels
Dave’s has seven levels, from No Spice to Reaper, which requires a signed waiver. Crimson Coward has five heat levels: Country (no heat), Mild, Medium, Hot and Burrrrn, Baby, Burn. Both go seriously hot at the top. The practical difference: at Crimson Coward any heat level goes on any item, from Nashville hot chicken tenders to the sNash burger.
Menu
Dave’s keeps it famously simple: tenders, sliders and bites. That’s great when you know what you want. Crimson Coward gives you more: the Crimson sandwich, hot chicken sliders, Nashville hot wings, Crimson Nugs, chicken and waffles, Joey-Eat-Fries, a Crimson Burrito and sNash smash burgers. If you’re feeding a group, there’s also hot chicken catering.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Crimson Coward if you want halal you can trust at every location, documented chicken quality and more variety.
- Choose Dave’s if there isn’t a Crimson Coward near you and you just want tenders and sliders fast.
Check the Crimson Coward locations page to see if there’s one near you, and see our full list of restaurants like Dave’s Hot Chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dave’s Hot Chicken halal?
Dave’s Hot Chicken’s official website does not include a chain-wide halal statement, and halal status is reported to vary by location. Check with your local store. Crimson Coward is 100% halal at every location.
Is Crimson Coward better than Dave’s Hot Chicken?
For halal diners and anyone who wants more menu variety, yes. Crimson Coward is halal everywhere, uses fresh never-frozen chicken and offers sandwiches, wings, nugs and burgers as well as tenders and sliders.
Which is spicier, Dave’s or Crimson Coward?
Both go very hot. Dave’s top level, Reaper, needs a waiver. Crimson Coward’s hottest level is Burrrrn, Baby, Burn.