There’s a special kind of joy in biting into a warm, flaky biscuit topped with crispy fried chicken and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors – buttery, tender, crunchy, sweet, and fiery all in one bite. If you’ve ever dreamed of elevating your comfort food game, Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are the answer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines everything you love about classic southern cooking with a modern twist. The flaky biscuits are buttery and golden, the fried chicken is juicy and perfectly seasoned, and the hot honey adds a kick that ties it all together. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make, with each step broken down for ultimate success.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Biscuits
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups | The base for tender biscuits. |
Baking powder | 1 tbsp | Helps the biscuits rise. |
Sugar | 1 tsp | Adds a touch of sweetness. |
Baking soda | 1/2 tsp | Balances the buttermilk’s acidity. |
Salt | 1 tsp | Enhances the flavor. |
Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Chilled and cubed for flakiness. |
Buttermilk | 3/4 cup (plus extra) | For a tender dough. |
For the Chicken
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Boneless chicken thighs or breasts | 4 | Pound to even thickness. |
Buttermilk | 1 cup | For marinating the chicken. |
Hot sauce | 1 tsp | Adds flavor to the marinade. |
All-purpose flour | 1 cup | For dredging. |
Paprika | 1 tsp | Adds smoky flavor. |
Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Enhances the seasoning. |
Salt | 1 tsp | Balances the spices. |
Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | For a mild kick. |
Vegetable oil | As needed | For frying. |
For the Hot Honey
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Honey | 1/2 cup | The sweet base. |
Red pepper flakes | 1–2 tsp | Adjust for spice preference. |
Apple cider vinegar | 1 tsp | Adds a tangy balance. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it 2–3 times. Pat it into a 1-inch-thick rectangle.
- Fold the dough in half, turn it 90 degrees, and pat it out again. Repeat this 2–3 times for flaky layers.
- Cut out biscuits using a 2 1/2-inch round cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with buttermilk.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Coat and Fry the Chicken
- In another shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain and stay crispy.
4. Make the Hot Honey
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat over low heat, stirring for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
5. Assemble the Biscuits
- Slice each biscuit in half. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half.
- Drizzle generously with hot honey.
- Top with the biscuit lid and serve warm.
Tips for Success
1. Keep Your Butter Cold
Cold butter is key to flaky biscuits. If it starts to soften, chill the dough for a few minutes before baking.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer
Ensure perfectly cooked chicken by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Adjust the Heat of the Hot Honey
Start with 1 tsp of red pepper flakes and increase as desired. Remember, the heat intensifies as the honey sits.
4. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to maintain its crispiness.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Biscuit with Chicken) |
---|---|
Calories | 450–500 |
Protein | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Fats | 20g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 750mg |
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work just as well. Pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover biscuits and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. What can I serve with hot honey chicken biscuits?
They pair wonderfully with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
5. Can I make the hot honey in advance?
Yes, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Warm it slightly before serving.
6. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes in the hot honey or add cayenne pepper to the chicken’s flour coating.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a delightful mix of southern tradition and bold flavors. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its crispy chicken, flaky biscuits, and spicy-sweet drizzle, every bite is pure comfort food bliss.
Try this recipe today and savor the magic of homemade hot honey chicken biscuits!
PrintCrispy Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: : 4 servings
Description
Golden, flaky biscuits topped with crispy fried chicken and drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey—this recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a modern twist. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, these hot honey chicken biscuits deliver a satisfying blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Hot Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk until just combined; do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2–3 times. Pat into a 1-inch-thick rectangle.
- Fold the dough in half, turn 90 degrees, and repeat 2–3 times for flaky layers.
- Cut biscuits using a 2 1/2-inch round cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with buttermilk.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In another shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat.
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain and maintain crispiness.
- Make the Hot Honey:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until warmed through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Biscuits:
- Slice each biscuit in half. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half.
- Drizzle generously with hot honey.
- Top with the biscuit lid and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Increase red pepper flakes in the hot honey or add cayenne pepper to the flour coating for extra heat.
- Baking Alternative: For a lighter option, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make Ahead: Store leftover biscuits and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: Southern