Eating out while avoiding gluten can be confusing, especially at restaurants known for crispy, breaded chicken. That is why many customers search for Dave’s Hot Chicken Gluten Free Menu to understand what may work for a gluten-avoiding lifestyle and what should clearly be avoided. It is important to know that the kitchen uses shared equipment and fryers, and the brand does not guarantee allergen-free preparation. Because of this, the information below is best suited for people who are avoiding gluten by choice or for sensitivity reasons, not for those with celiac disease or a medically strict requirement.
Possible Options That May Work for a Gluten Free Diet
These items are often listed without gluten-containing grains in their ingredients. Cross-contact is still possible due to shared preparation areas, so always confirm at the location before ordering.
- Fries
Usually made without wheat ingredients, but commonly cooked in shared fryers alongside breaded items. - Box of Fries
Same ingredients as regular fries with the same fryer considerations. - Pickles and Extra Pickles
Simple ingredients, but handling and shared utensils can introduce cross-contact. - Kale Slaw
Typically free from gluten grains, though it may contain dairy or egg depending on the recipe. - Cheese Fries
Fries topped with cheese sauce, suitable for some gluten-avoiders but not dairy-free and still affected by fryer sharing. - Jalapeño Cheese Sauce
Often acceptable by ingredients, but always ask about current preparation and serving methods. - House Sauce (individual cups)
Sauces can vary by location and recipe, so confirming ingredients is important. - Packaged Drinks
Bottled or canned beverages are usually the lowest-risk choice. - Classic Shakes without cookie or cereal toppings
Basic flavors may work for some customers, but blenders and prep areas are shared.
Items That Commonly Contain Gluten
These items are not suitable for a gluten-free or gluten-avoiding diet due to wheat-based ingredients.
- Breaded chicken tenders, sliders, and bites
- All sandwich buns and slider buns
- Combo meals built around fried chicken
- Mac and cheese
- Cookie, cereal, or crumb-based dessert toppings
Gluten Free Options
This chart highlights items that are commonly considered workable for gluten-avoiding customers based on ingredients, not guaranteed preparation.
| Category | Item | Ingredient Notes | Key Caution |
| Sides | Fries | No wheat ingredients listed | Shared fryer |
| Sides | Box of Fries | Same as fries | Shared fryer |
| Sides | Pickles | Simple ingredients | Shared utensils |
| Sides | Kale Slaw | No gluten grains | Shared prep |
| Sides | Cheese Fries | Fries and cheese sauce | Fryer and dairy |
| Sauces | Jalapeño Cheese Sauce | Often wheat-free | Shared serving tools |
| Sauces | House Sauce Cups | Often wheat-free | Recipe changes |
| Drinks | Bottled or canned drinks | Sealed products | Best low-risk option |
| Shakes | Basic flavors without toppings | No wheat ingredients | Shared blender |
What to Order If You Are Avoiding Gluten?
If you want to keep gluten exposure as low as possible, a simple order is usually the safest approach. Many customers choose fries, pickles, and a packaged drink, or pair fries with kale slaw and skip all breaded items.
For dessert, a basic shake without cookie or cereal toppings is often chosen by gluten-avoiding customers, though it is still important to be aware of shared equipment. When ordering sauces, asking for individual cups can sometimes reduce handling contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this restaurant safe for people with celiac disease?
It may not be suitable because the kitchen uses shared fryers and preparation areas. There is no guarantee that food will be completely free from gluten.
Are the fries gluten-free?
The ingredients typically do not include gluten grains. However, they are often cooked in shared fryers, which can cause cross-contact.
Can I order chicken without the breading?
The chicken is prepared breaded by default, and unbreaded options are not typically available.
Do sauces contain gluten?
Many sauces do not list gluten ingredients, but recipes can change. Always ask staff to confirm the most current ingredient information.
Are milkshakes safe for gluten-avoiding customers?
Basic flavors without cookie or cereal toppings may work for some people. Shared blenders mean there is still a risk of cross-contact.
What is the lowest-risk order available?
Packaged drinks paired with pickles or fries are often considered the lowest-risk combination. This still depends on individual sensitivity and comfort level.
Final Thoughts
Most of the signature chicken items are breaded and not suitable for gluten-free diets. However, customers who are simply avoiding gluten may still find workable options among certain sides, sauces, drinks, and desserts if they are comfortable with shared kitchen risks. When in doubt, asking clear questions at the counter and keeping orders simple can make the experience easier and more predictable.