Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits – Crispy, Sweet & Spicy

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of crispy fried chicken, buttery biscuits, and a drizzle of sweet and spicy honey. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether for a cozy weekend brunch, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something indulgent. These Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits take that classic Southern comfort food to the next level, balancing crispy, juicy chicken with soft, flaky homemade biscuits and a sticky, fiery honey glaze.

The first time I made these biscuits, I was looking for a homemade alternative to the fast-food versions that always left me wanting more. I wanted something with real, homemade flavor—perfectly seasoned chicken, fresh-from-the-oven biscuits, and a hot honey sauce that had just the right amount of kick. After some experimenting, I found the ideal combination of flavors and textures. The result? A dish that makes you close your eyes with every bite and wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.

What makes this recipe truly special is the balance of flavors. The fried chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, thanks to a well-seasoned flour coating and a double-dredging technique. The biscuits are rich and flaky, made from simple ingredients but with a technique that ensures they come out soft and buttery every time. And the hot honey? It’s the magic touch, bringing just enough heat to contrast with the sweetness, coating everything in a glossy, sticky glaze that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

This recipe is simple enough for a weekend treat but impressive enough for a special brunch spread. You can even prepare parts of it ahead of time to make it even easier. Whether you serve these biscuits for breakfast, brunch, or a casual dinner, they’ll be a crowd favorite. Let’s get started on making these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes when it comes to flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The crispy, savory fried chicken pairs beautifully with the slightly sweet and buttery biscuits. Add in the hot honey drizzle, and you have the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors.
2. Crispy & Juicy Chicken – Thanks to the double-dredging technique, the chicken gets an ultra-crispy coating while staying juicy inside. The secret? A mix of flour, seasonings, and just the right frying temperature.
3. Flaky Buttery Biscuits – These homemade biscuits are soft, fluffy, and full of buttery goodness. No need for store-bought biscuits when you can make these fresh in under 30 minutes!
4. Easy to Make – While it may look fancy, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. If you’ve never made fried chicken or biscuits before, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every step.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the hot honey and biscuits ahead of time, and even marinate the chicken overnight, making this a great option for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
6. Customizable Heat Level – Love it extra spicy? Add more chili flakes to your hot honey. Prefer it milder? Reduce the spice to suit your taste.

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a touch of heat, this recipe is for you!

Health Benefits

While this dish is definitely indulgent, there are a few surprising health benefits in some of the ingredients used:

1. Honey’s Natural Goodness – Honey isn’t just for sweetness; it’s also packed with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. It can help soothe a sore throat, aid digestion, and even provide an energy boost.
2. Lean Protein from Chicken – Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps with muscle growth and repair. Choosing chicken tenders or boneless breasts keeps the meal satisfying without being overly heavy.
3. Whole Ingredients – Unlike store-bought biscuits filled with preservatives, these homemade biscuits use fresh ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk, making them a better alternative.
4. Spice for Metabolism – The red pepper flakes in the hot honey contain capsaicin, which has been shown to boost metabolism and even reduce appetite.
5. Healthy Fats – While frying does add fat, using a good-quality oil like peanut or canola oil provides a stable fat source with a high smoke point, reducing harmful oxidation.

This isn’t an everyday meal, but when you do indulge, you’re at least getting some natural, wholesome ingredients in the mix!

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 sandwiches

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: ~650 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g

Ingredients List

The Fried Chicken:

• 1.5 to 2 lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 large egg + 2 tablespoons water (beaten)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for extra tenderness)
• Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil (for frying)

The Buttermilk Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup cold butter (shredded or cubed)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (for brushing)

The Hot Honey:

• 1 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Fried Chicken

1. If using chicken breasts, slice them into tender-sized strips to ensure even cooking.
2. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight for extra tenderness.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, back into the buttermilk, and then into the flour again for a double coat.
5. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 365-375°F. Fry 2-4 pieces at a time until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Make the Biscuits

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Slowly pour in buttermilk, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
5. Turn onto a floured surface and fold the dough into thirds, repeating twice. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness and cut biscuits using a floured biscuit cutter.
6. Place biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter while warm.

3. Prepare the Hot Honey

1. Heat honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Let cool to room temperature.

4. Assemble the Biscuits

1. Split biscuits in half.
2. Place a piece of fried chicken inside.
3. Drizzle generously with hot honey.
4. Serve with pickles for an extra crunch.

How to Serve

• Serve warm for the best flavor
• Pair with a light coleslaw or a fresh fruit salad
• Add a side of fries or roasted potatoes for a complete meal

Pairing Suggestions

These Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are already a flavor-packed meal on their own, but if you’re looking to round out the experience, here are some fantastic side dishes and drink pairings to complement them:

Best Side Dishes

1. Creamy Coleslaw – The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw balances the heat and sweetness of the hot honey. A simple slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing works perfectly.
2. Buttery Grits – For a true Southern-style meal, serve your biscuits with creamy, cheesy grits on the side.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the spicy honey glaze.
4. Crispy Fries or Potato Wedges – A classic pairing! Whether you go for traditional fries or thick-cut wedges, they’ll soak up the extra honey for a delicious bite.
5. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of berries, citrus, and melon can add a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken and biscuits.

Best Drink Pairings

1. Iced Sweet Tea – The slight bitterness of black tea with a hint of sugar makes it the perfect Southern-inspired pairing.
2. Lemonade with Mint – A cold, refreshing lemonade cuts through the richness of the dish.
3. Sparkling Water with Citrus – If you prefer something light, a fizzy citrus-infused water is a great choice.
4. Homemade Peach Iced Tea – The sweet and fruity flavors of peach tea complement the honey and spice perfectly.
5. Coffee or a Latte – If you’re serving this for brunch, a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte makes a great pairing.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make parts of it ahead of time or store leftovers for later. Here’s how to keep your biscuits and fried chicken tasting fresh:

How to Store Leftovers

• Biscuits: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
• Fried Chicken: Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Hot Honey: This sauce lasts for several weeks in a jar at room temperature. If it thickens, simply warm it up slightly before serving.

How to Freeze for Later

If you want to enjoy this meal later, freezing is a great option:

• Fried Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, place it on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
• Biscuits: Wrap biscuits individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Hot Honey: No need to freeze! Just store it in a sealed jar at room temperature.

Best Ways to Reheat

• Fried Chicken: To keep it crispy, reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Biscuits: Warm biscuits in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.
• Hot Honey: If it thickens too much, microwave it for 10-15 seconds or warm it on the stove over low heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Skipping the Buttermilk Marinade
   • Marinating the chicken in buttermilk isn’t just for flavor; it helps tenderize the meat and creates a juicier texture. If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 15 minutes, but overnight is even better.
2. Not Keeping the Butter Cold for Biscuits
   • Cold butter is the key to flaky biscuits! If your butter is too warm, it will melt into the dough before baking, leading to dense, flat biscuits. Use very cold butter and work quickly.
3. Overcrowding the Pan When Frying
   • Adding too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy or greasy chicken. Fry in small batches to keep the oil at the right temperature.
4. Not Letting the Chicken Rest After Frying
   • Letting the fried chicken sit for a few minutes before assembling your sandwich allows the juices to redistribute and prevents it from drying out.
5. Overmixing the Biscuit Dough
   • Overworking the dough leads to tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients come together, then handle the dough gently to keep it light and fluffy.

Pro Tips for Success

To make the absolute best Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, here are a few pro tips:

1. Use a Wire Rack for Draining Fried Chicken
   • Instead of draining on paper towels, place the fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This keeps the coating crispy and prevents it from getting soggy.
2. Grate the Butter for Easy Biscuit Mixing
   • Instead of cutting butter into the flour with a pastry cutter, try grating the butter using a box grater. This distributes the butter evenly for perfect biscuits.
3. Double-Coat the Chicken for Extra Crispiness
   • For the crispiest chicken, dip each piece in the flour mixture twice. This creates an extra thick, crunchy coating.
4. Let the Biscuit Dough Rest Before Baking
   • Allowing the dough to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and baking will help the biscuits rise higher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.

Can I use store-bought biscuits?

Absolutely! While homemade biscuits taste better, you can use store-bought biscuit dough for a quicker version.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, buttery, and sweet with just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special gathering, or just because you’re craving comfort food, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Now it’s your turn to give this recipe a try! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below, share your experience, and tag me if you post a picture of your biscuits on social media. Happy cooking!

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