The Vegas Hot Chicken Showdown!

Look, Vegas has always been about excess. We’ve got celebrity chef restaurants, crazy buffets, and

fancy food everywhere you look. But right now, the hottest battle in town isn’t happening at some five-star joint—it’s all about who makes the best spicy chicken sandwich. Everyone’s got opinions, and trust me, people are passionate about their picks. I hit up three spots that keep coming up in conversations: Dave’s Hot Chicken, Houston TX Hot Chicken, and Hencredible. Here’s the real deal on who’s actually winning this whole thing.

Dave's Hot Chicken

Okay, so Dave’s is everywhere now, and honestly? There’s a reason for that. Their Hot Chicken Sandwich is basically what happens when someone actually knows what they’re doing. You get this massive Nashville-style tender that’s perfectly juicy, some crunchy slaw, pickles, and their secret sauce all piled on a brioche bun that doesn’t fall apart in your hands.

Here’s what I love about Dave’s: they don’t mess around with the spice levels. You can go from “No Spice” if you’re boring, all the way up to “Reaper” if you hate yourself. The sandwich just works—crispy outside, tender inside, and the sauce brings this smoky heat that doesn’t make you want to cry (well, unless you go full Reaper). Plus, you actually get your money’s worth with the portion size.

Houston TX Hot Chicken

These guys showed up with some serious Texas attitude, and you know what? They back it up. Their spicy chicken sandwich is all about going big—thick, juicy chicken with breading that has some serious crunch to it. It’s more like traditional Southern fried chicken compared to Dave’s Nashville style, but that’s not a bad thing.

The cool part is all their house sauces. Honey butter? Yes please. Jalapeño ranch? Sign me up. You can basically customize your heat experience, which is pretty awesome. The sandwiches are huge too—like, you could probably split one if you wanted. The only thing is, their spice levels are kind of all or nothing. You’re either playing it safe or going nuclear, without much in between.

Hencredible

So Hencredible doesn’t have the big name recognition, but don’t sleep on them. This is a Vegas-grown spot, and locals are obsessed for good reason. Their spicy chicken sandwich has an asian twist to it...in a good way. The chicken comes out perfectly fried every time—crispy but never greasy, which honestly shouldn’t be that hard but somehow lots of places mess it up.

What really sets them apart is their spice game. They’re doing something with cayenne, chili powder, and this subtle sweetness that keeps you guessing. It’s not just “hot for the sake of hot”—there’s actual flavor happening. Plus, they get creative with toppings like spicy aioli and pepper jack cheese without making it feel fancy and pretentious.

The locals have basically adopted Hencredible as their secret weapon, and I get it. Quick service, fair prices, and they’re clearly putting thought into their packaging and overall branding. It’s getting close enough to give Dave’s a real run for their money.

The Bottom Line

Dave’s still takes the crown, but barely. Houston TX brings the heat with Texas flair, and Hencredible is proof that sometimes the best spots are the ones right in your backyard. Honestly, Vegas is pretty lucky to have all three because no matter what you’re in the mood for, someone’s got you covered.

If you have a favorite spicy chicken sandwich spot, let us know!