Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, crispy, and buttery, look no further than Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits. Imagine succulent fried chicken hugged by a pillowy soft biscuit, drenched in a golden drizzle of chili-flecked honey. Every bite delivers a playful harmony of heat and sweetness that will have you swooning, whether you’re making these for a slow brunch or as a show-stopping party bite. You’ll soon see why Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits have become a favorite comfort food I return to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits lies in the simplicity of its components — each ingredient plays a key role, promising real flavor and incredible texture. Gather everything below and you’ll discover just how accessible and crave-worthy this recipe can be!
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs remain tender even after frying; you can substitute with breasts but thighs are our top pick.
- Buttermilk: Essential for marinating the chicken, adding tang and breaking down the meat for extra tenderness.
- All-Purpose Flour (for dredging): This is what gives the fried chicken its irresistibly crunchy exterior.
- Paprika: Brings gentle warmth and a touch of color to the chicken coating.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth to every bite.
- Salt: Absolutely crucial — seasoning both the chicken and the biscuits to wake up all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Gives a subtle kick to the chicken without overpowering other spices.
- Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep, even frying with a neutral flavor that lets other ingredients shine.
- All-Purpose Flour (biscuits): The backbone of tender, flaky homemade biscuits.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the biscuits rise tall and fluffy.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Creates those dreamy pockets of flakiness — keep it cold for the best results.
- Buttermilk (biscuits): Adds both moisture and tang to the dough; also helps the biscuits brown beautifully.
- Store-Bought Biscuits: A handy shortcut if you’re pressed for time — zero shame in making it easy.
- Honey: The star of your spicy drizzle — use a good quality honey for the most luscious results.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provides the punchy heat in your hot honey; adjust to taste for mild or fiery biscuits.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (optional): Brings welcome tang and brightness to the honey drizzle.
- Pinch of Salt (honey): Just a little balances out all the sweetness and heat.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by selecting boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. If you want truly tender and flavorful chicken for your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, give the pieces a gentle pat dry before moving forward. This readies the meat for an ultra-tenderizing bath in buttermilk and helps the coating stick better later.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Soak your chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, though letting it lounge overnight in the fridge is even better for flavor and juiciness. The buttermilk not only imparts tang, but makes the chicken beautifully tender. Remember, more marinating time equals more magic!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, mix your flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge generously in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even, craggy coating that will crisp up stunningly in the oil.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil for shallow frying, so aim for about a half-inch depth. Once the oil shimmers, fry the chicken until golden brown — about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked pieces to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil. Crispy perfection is well within your reach!
Step 5: Make the Biscuits
If you’re making biscuits from scratch (highly recommended!), begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl. Next, add cold, cubed butter and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles crumbly sand.
Step 6: Mix and Shape the Biscuits
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until just combined — don’t overwork the dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface, knead just enough to bring it together, then pat into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Use a round cutter to punch out tall, proud biscuits. Gather scraps and repeat as needed.
Step 7: Bake the Biscuits
Arrange biscuits on a baking sheet with edges just touching, then pop into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 12–15 minutes. Watch as they rise and turn golden, filling your kitchen with the ultimate cozy aroma.
Step 8: Make the Hot Honey
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey. Add in your red pepper flakes, vinegar (if using), and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for about 1–2 minutes to infuse the flavors, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. This is the sticky, spicy magic that ties everything together!
Step 9: Assemble the Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Slice each biscuit in half horizontally. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half, generously drizzle with your homemade hot honey, and crown with the top half. Serve these beauties warm and watch them disappear — they’re irresistible right out of the oven!
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Garnishes
For a pretty presentation and a pop of flavor, consider a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes, a little fresh thyme, or a quick brush of melted butter on the warm biscuit tops. If you like a tiny bit of creamy coolness, add a smear of honey butter or a dollop of tangy slaw right under the chicken.
Side Dishes
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits shine alongside classic Southern sides. Think creamy coleslaw, crisp pickles, or a heap of roasted sweet potatoes. For breakfast, pair them with scrambled eggs and a little fruit salad. These morsels fit in anywhere, from brunch spreads to game-day feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits slider-style at parties, pile them high on a brunch board, or tuck one into a lunchbox for an over-the-top treat. For maximum fun, set up a DIY biscuit bar: offer different hot honey options, assorted pickles, and even a few flavored butters so everyone can build their dream bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store the cooled biscuits and fried chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the hot honey in a lidded jar at room temperature or lightly chilled, and recombine everything just before eating for the freshest taste and best texture.
Freezing
Both the biscuits and the chicken freeze wonderfully: wrap individually and place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. For a spontaneous batch of Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, simply thaw the components as needed, then warm and assemble before drizzling on the honey.
Reheating
To revive leftover chicken, reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy (about 10 minutes). Biscuits warm up well after a brief visit to the oven or toaster. Microwave the hot honey for just a few seconds to loosen it up, and you’re back in business with all the fresh-from-the-oven vibes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought biscuits for Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
Absolutely! Store-bought biscuits make this recipe even faster. That said, homemade biscuits add a special touch worth trying at least once — they’re fluffier and have a flavor you simply can’t replicate from a can.
How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?
You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon for a subtle kick, or up to two for a fiery finish. Tailor the heat to your crowd’s preferences — it’s your kitchen, your rules!
Can I make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend (for both chicken and biscuits). Just check that your baking powder and baking soda are also certified gluten-free.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Create a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir, let it sit for five minutes, and use as you would traditional buttermilk.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Definitely! For a lighter approach, arrange the coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F until cooked through and crisp, about 20–25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried homemade Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, now is the time! This recipe delivers soft, steamy biscuits topped with perfectly juicy chicken and an unforgettable drizzle of fiery honey. Bring these to your next brunch, dinner, or gathering and prepare for smiles, happy sighs, and lots of recipe requests. Enjoy every last sweet-and-spicy bite!
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Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits that combine savory fried chicken with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle, sandwiched between tender, flaky homemade biscuits.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for tenderizing)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Hot Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Coat: In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Biscuits: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add cold butter and work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until just combined. Shape dough, cut biscuits, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Make the Hot Honey: Heat honey in a saucepan, stir in red pepper flakes, vinegar, and salt. Simmer briefly, then cool slightly.
- Assemble the Biscuits: Slice biscuits, place fried chicken, drizzle with hot honey, and top with the other biscuit half. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a quicker option, store-bought biscuits can be used instead of making them from scratch.
- Adjust the spice level of the hot honey by varying the amount of red pepper flakes used.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit sandwich
- Calories: Approximately 600
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, Fried Chicken Biscuits, Southern Comfort Food
