London’s Scorching Fried Chicken Challenge: 24-Hour Burn Requiring a Legal Waiver

Dave’s Hot Chicken Brings Fiery “Reaper” Challenge to London

[Image: A close-up of the "Reaper" chicken tender, glowing red with spices, on a white bread slice.]
The "Reaper" tender, featuring Carolina Reaper pepper, one of the world’s hottest chilies.

The U.S. chain Dave’s Hot Chicken has launched its first UK location in London, introducing Brits to its infamous “Reaper” chicken—a dish so spicy it requires a legal waiver. Known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, the brand has expanded from a Los Angeles parking lot in 2017 to over 200 locations, attracting celebrity fans like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson.

The Reaper Challenge
The star menu item, the Reaper tender, uses Carolina Reaper pepper powder, ranking 1.6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU)—over 300 times hotter than a jalapeño. To put it in perspective, the pepper is second only to the “Pepper X” in global heat rankings. Customers must be 18+ and sign a waiver acknowledging risks like "chest pain, heart palpitations, or allergic reactions" before ordering.

[Image: The sleek exterior of Dave’s Hot Chicken on Shaftesbury Avenue.]
The London branch brings Nashville heat to the UK with its fiery menu.

A Taste Test Turned Trial
Journalist Jonathan Chadwick documented his Reaper experience for MailOnline, describing the tender as a “hellish red” morsel served on white bread with pickles. After signing the waiver, he braced for the heat. The first bite seemed manageable, but within seconds, the burn escalated: “Sweat poured, tears flowed, and my nose ran—I couldn’t wipe my face without smearing spice everywhere,” he recalled. A vanilla milkshake and ice-cold Sprite offered little relief.

[Image: A side-by-side of the mild chicken burger and the Reaper tender.]
Left: The mild chicken burger. Right: The Reaper tender, a fiery contrast.

The Science of Spice
The heat comes from capsaicin, a compound in chilies that triggers pain receptors. While milk’s casein protein can help neutralize it, Chadwick found the provided honey and gloves ineffective. The aftermath was equally intense: stomach cramps and lingering discomfort for hours. Colleagues who sampled the Reaper reported cold sweats and sudden aches, though no severe medical emergencies.

[Image: A milkshake and soda, labeled as "essential heat-fighting tools."]
Vanilla milkshakes and Sprite are recommended to combat the spice.

Is It Worth the Burn?
Despite the ordeal, the chain plans to expand across the UK. While no fatalities have been reported in its U.S. history, Chadwick warns: “Respect the Reaper. It’s not just spicy—it’s a 24-hour ordeal.”

[Image: Carolina Reaper peppers, glossy and menacing.]
Carolina Reaper peppers: Beauty with a fiery bite.

Quick Facts: Carolina Reaper

• Heat Level: 1.6 million SHU (Pepper X, its successor, hits 2.6 million).
• Creator: Ed Currie, a U.S. breeder who also developed Pepper X.
• Fun Fact: The Reaper held the “world’s hottest” title from 2013–2023.

Final Verdict: Dave’s Hot Chicken delivers a thrill for spice enthusiasts, but approach the Reaper with caution—and a gallon of milk.