Dave’s Hot Chicken has been on a roll since its humble beginnings as a parking lot pop-up in Los Angeles. With its signature Nashville-style hot chicken, cult-like following, and celebrity investors like Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, and Maria Shriver, it’s no wonder they now boast over 100 locations across 4 countries. A few years into their meteoric rise, they debuted a vegetarian option, swapping out the chicken for cauliflower. Dubbed “Dave’s Not Chicken,” this dish offers all the bold flavors and textures of their classic hot chicken—minus the meat. If you don’t live near a Dave’s or simply want to re-create the experience at home, this recipe is your answer.
Cauliflower tenders:
For the cauliflower “tenders,” which are essentially steaks, I used 2 small heads, 1 to 1 1/2 lb. each, to ensure they fit neatly on the bun. When cutting the steaks, make sure to cut them from the center where the stem holds the florets together. Save the loose florets to bread and fry as bonus bites! If only large cauliflower is available, cut 2 center steaks, then halve them.
Crispy crust:
For maximum crunch, I went with a double dredge—it takes a bit more time but is totally worth it. Each steak gets dipped in the buttermilk mixture, dredged in seasoned flour, then the process is repeated. Letting the coated cauliflower rest for 30 minutes at room temperature helps create a sturdy, crispy crust.
Spice level:
Dave’s also stands out for its seven spice levels, ranging from “No Spice” to the daring “Reaper,” which features the Carolina Reaper, the world’s hottest chile pepper. For context, the Reaper is twice as hot as the infamous ghost pepper! For this recipe, I went light on the spice, using 1 Tbsp. cayenne in the spice blend to achieve a medium-hot heat. Want more heat? Add 1 to 2 more Tbsp., or turn it up even further with a spicier powdered chili. Maybe you can get your hands on some of that fiery Reaper chili powder if you really want to bring the heat.
Storage:
For ease, prep components like the kale slaw and creamy sauce ahead of time. The slaw keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the sauce lasts up to 5 days.
Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!
