Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits – Crispy, Spicy & Buttery Perfection

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of crispy fried chicken, soft buttery biscuits, and a drizzle of hot honey. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors—savory, spicy, sweet, and slightly tangy—all wrapped into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re making these for a cozy weekend brunch, a special breakfast-for-dinner moment, or just because you’re craving comfort food, these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits will hit the spot every single time.

Southern-style biscuits and fried chicken are classics on their own, but when you put them together and add a sticky, spicy-sweet honey glaze, it takes things to another level. The biscuit is soft, flaky, and buttery, providing the perfect base for the crunchy, golden-brown fried chicken. The chicken itself is juicy and tender, coated in a crispy, seasoned crust that stays crunchy even under the hot honey drizzle. And speaking of hot honey—it’s a simple yet game-changing condiment that brings a touch of heat and a deep, rich sweetness to every bite.

This recipe is great for anyone who loves comfort food but still wants something elevated and packed with bold flavors. It’s also incredibly versatile. Want to serve it as a sandwich? Just add a little slaw or a slice of cheddar cheese. Need a kid-friendly version? Tone down the spice in the hot honey. However you choose to serve these, one thing is certain—these biscuits will disappear fast.

If you’ve never made biscuits from scratch or fried chicken at home, don’t worry! This recipe breaks down every step to make it easy, foolproof, and totally doable, even if you’re new to cooking. By the end, you’ll have a plate of homemade hot honey chicken biscuits that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits. They’re packed with flavor, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why this recipe is worth trying:

1. Crispy, Juicy Fried Chicken – The chicken is double-dredged in a seasoned flour mixture to create a perfectly crispy coating that locks in all the juices. It stays crispy, even after drizzling the hot honey.
2. Flaky, Buttery Biscuits – Homemade biscuits are easier than you think, and they’re so much better than store-bought. They have a golden, crisp exterior with a soft, layered interior that melts in your mouth.
3. Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey – The honey glaze is made with just three ingredients and adds the perfect amount of heat without being overpowering. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
4. Perfect for Any Meal – These biscuits are great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. Serve them as a sandwich, as a side with eggs, or on their own for a satisfying meal.
5. Customizable and Versatile – Whether you prefer baking instead of frying, adding extra toppings, or making a gluten-free version, this recipe can be adapted to fit your taste and dietary needs.
6. Impressively Homemade – If you’ve never made biscuits or fried chicken from scratch, now is the time! This recipe makes it easy, and the result is better than anything from a restaurant or fast food joint.

Health Benefits

While fried chicken and biscuits might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about healthy eating, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, making it a better alternative to fast food or takeout. Here’s why:

1. Made from Scratch – Unlike store-bought biscuits or fast food fried chicken, this recipe doesn’t contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or unhealthy additives. Everything is made fresh with simple, wholesome ingredients.
2. High in Protein – The chicken provides a good amount of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles while keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
3. Healthy Fats – Using high-quality oils for frying (like avocado or peanut oil) ensures a better fat profile compared to the processed oils found in fast food

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

This recipe makes 8 hot honey chicken biscuits, perfect for serving 4 people (2 biscuits per person). Here’s what you need to know about the preparation and cooking times:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (2 Biscuits with Chicken and Hot Honey)

• Calories: 680 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fats: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 900mg

Ingredients List

The Fried Chicken

• 1 ½ to 2 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp water
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (for frying)

The Buttermilk Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into cubes
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup melted butter (for brushing)

The Hot Honey

• 1 cup honey
• 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Optional Toppings

• Pickle slices (for a tangy crunch)
• Soft scrambled eggs (for a breakfast-style sandwich)
• Cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. If using chicken breasts, slice them into 1-inch thick tenders. Pat dry with a paper towel.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and water.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
4. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, then back into the flour mixture for a double coating.

Fry the Chicken

1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 365-375°F.
2. Carefully place 2-4 pieces of chicken at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Buttermilk Biscuits

1. Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add cold butter cubes and work them into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in buttermilk just until combined.

Shape and Bake the Biscuits

1. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently pat it into a ¾-inch thick rectangle.
2. Fold the dough over itself in thirds, like folding a letter. Flatten and repeat this process two more times to create flaky layers.
3. Using a 2.5-inch biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out biscuits. Gather and re-roll the scraps as needed, but try not to overwork the dough.
4. Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they touch slightly for extra soft sides.
5. Bake at 450°F for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
6. Immediately brush with melted butter for extra richness.

Make the Hot Honey

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the honey and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes to infuse the spice.
2. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. This adds a slight tang and balances the sweetness.
3. Let the hot honey cool before using. If storing, keep it in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Assemble the Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

1. Split each biscuit in half using a serrated knife.
2. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each biscuit.
3. Generously drizzle with hot honey, letting it soak into the crispy chicken.
4. (Optional) Add pickle slices, a slice of cheese, or soft scrambled eggs for extra layers of flavor.
5. Top with the other biscuit half and serve immediately while warm.

How to Serve

Hot honey chicken biscuits are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few serving suggestions:

• Breakfast Style: Add soft scrambled eggs and a slice of cheese to turn this into a breakfast sandwich.
• Brunch Spread: Serve alongside creamy grits, fresh fruit, or a simple arugula salad for balance.
• Casual Lunch/Dinner: Pair with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra hot honey on the side or a small bowl of ranch dressing to cool down the heat.
• Kid-Friendly Option: Leave out the spice in the honey and serve with regular honey or maple syrup instead.

Pairing Suggestions

A meal this flavorful deserves the perfect drink or side dish to complete the experience. Here are some great pairing options:

Drinks

• Sweet Tea: A Southern classic that balances the heat from the hot honey.
• Fresh Lemonade: The tartness helps cut through the richness of the biscuits and fried chicken.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: A slightly bitter coffee pairs well with the sweet-spicy flavors.
• Sparkling Water with Citrus: A refreshing, light option if you want to keep things simple.

Side Dishes

• Coleslaw: The creamy crunch complements the crispy chicken and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness enhances the honey while adding some extra nutrients.
• Mac and Cheese: Because why not? A creamy, cheesy side dish makes this meal even more indulgent.
• Pickled Vegetables: Pickled onions, jalapeños, or cucumbers add a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the dish.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Fried Chicken: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Biscuits: Keep leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Hot Honey: Store in a jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Instructions

• Fried Chicken: After frying, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy again.
• Biscuits: Freeze baked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Reheating Instructions

• For Fried Chicken: To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the chicken soggy.
• For Biscuits: Wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave for 15-20 seconds if in a hurry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overworking the Biscuit Dough

• The key to flaky biscuits is handling the dough as little as possible. Overmixing leads to dense, tough biscuits instead of light, fluffy layers.

2. Not Using Cold Butter in the Biscuits

• Cold butter is crucial for creating those signature flaky layers. If your butter starts to soften, chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking.

3. Frying the Chicken at the Wrong Temperature

• If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy. Maintain an oil temperature of 365-375°F for best results.

4. Skipping the Double Dredge on the Chicken

• A second coating of flour helps create an extra crispy, crunchy crust. Don’t skip this step!

5. Adding Hot Honey Too Early

• If you drizzle the hot honey too soon, the crispy chicken may become soggy. Add it just before serving to keep the crunch intact.

Pro Tips

1. Use a Thermometer for Frying

• A kitchen thermometer helps ensure your oil stays at the perfect frying temperature (365-375°F). This guarantees crispy, golden chicken every time.

2. Freeze Butter for Flakier Biscuits

• Grating frozen butter into the flour instead of cutting it in with a knife helps create more layers in your biscuits.

3. Let the Chicken Rest After Frying

• Resting the fried chicken on a wire rack (instead of paper towels) keeps the coating crispy and prevents steaming.

4. Adjust the Spice Level in the Hot Honey

• For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder version, use less spice or mix in a little maple syrup.

5. Make it Ahead

• You can prepare the biscuit dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep easier!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought biscuits?

Yes! While homemade biscuits are best, refrigerated biscuit dough works as a quick alternative.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra crispiness, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour for both the biscuits and the chicken breading. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of liquid to the biscuit dough.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now that you know how to make the best Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, it’s time to head to the kitchen and give them a try! These biscuits are perfect for any occasion, and once you taste the crispy fried chicken with sweet-spicy hot honey, you’ll be hooked.

Try the recipe and let me know how it turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious creations!

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