These Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits combine the best of Southern comfort food: crispy fried chicken and buttery, flaky buttermilk biscuits. Drizzled with a spicy hot honey, this dish packs a punch of flavor that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of textures – the crunch of the chicken, the soft crumble of the biscuit, and the sticky-sweet heat of the honey.
Perfect for brunch, dinner, or any time you’re craving something warm and comforting, these chicken biscuits are sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or serving them up for game day, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Serve with a side of tangy pickles for an extra layer of flavor that balances out the rich, savory goodness of this dish.
Full Recipe:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds chicken tenders, or 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch thick strips
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 large egg + 2 tablespoons water, beaten
- Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, for frying
For 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
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Hot Honey:
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- For the Fried Chicken:
- Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of oil and set to medium heat.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a separate large dish, whisk the egg and water. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, coating well. Shake off excess flour and dip in the egg, then back in the flour. Set aside.
- Check oil temperature (around 365-375°F). Add chicken (2-4 pieces at a time) and fry until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cook the remaining chicken in batches. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- For the Buttermilk Biscuits:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut butter into small cubes or use a box grater to shred it. Work butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk using a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently work it together with your hands. Pat the dough into a rectangle and fold it in thirds. Repeat this process two more times.
- Using a floured 2.5-inch biscuit cutter, cut out the biscuits. Continue to gather any scrap pieces of dough, patting it back down to ½-inch thickness, and cutting until you have 10-12 biscuits.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter.
- For the Hot Honey:
- Add honey and pepper flakes to a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Cool to room temperature.
- To Assemble:
- Split biscuits in half. Place a fried chicken piece on top of each half. Drizzle with hot honey. Serve with pickle slices if desired.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Recipe Background and Origin
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits bring together classic Southern flavors in a delightful fusion of crispy fried chicken and tender, flaky buttermilk biscuits. This dish draws inspiration from Southern comfort food traditions, combining the rich, savory notes of buttermilk biscuits with the spicy-sweet kick of hot honey. The concept of pairing fried chicken with biscuits is a staple in Southern cuisine, offering a satisfying and indulgent meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken: For the chicken tenders, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs offer a juicier bite, while breasts are leaner and still provide excellent flavor when fried to perfection.
- Biscuits: The buttermilk biscuits in this recipe are made from scratch, giving them a flaky texture that’s hard to beat. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough as a shortcut.
- Hot Honey: The hot honey sauce is a simple mixture of honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Feel free to adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with adding other spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Frying Oil: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying the chicken due to their high smoke points. Peanut oil is often preferred for its ability to maintain high temperatures without burning, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and remains crispy.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
- Biscuit Dough: When making the biscuit dough, ensure your butter is very cold. This is key to achieving the flaky texture of the biscuits. You can use a box grater to shred the butter directly into the flour mixture, making it easier to incorporate without overworking the dough.
- Frying the Chicken: Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial when frying the chicken. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken cooks through. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Aim for an oil temperature of around 365-375°F and monitor it with a thermometer for best results.
- Assembling the Biscuits: To make the perfect sandwich, split the biscuits in half and place a generous piece of fried chicken on the bottom half. Drizzle with the hot honey immediately to allow it to soak into the chicken and biscuit, infusing them with flavor. Top with tangy pickles to balance the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Serve these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or collard greens. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the biscuits.
- Drinks: Complement the meal with a refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a cool glass of sweet tea. For an adult twist, a crisp beer or a sparkling wine can enhance the dining experience.
- Occasions: These biscuits are versatile and can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They’re also perfect for a picnic, game day, or any gathering where comfort food is the star of the show.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Biscuit Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and chives to the biscuit dough for a spicy and savory twist.
- Maple-Honey Drizzle: For a milder, sweeter flavor, replace the hot honey with a mixture of honey and maple syrup. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, comforting touch.
- Biscuit Sandwich with Slaw: Top the chicken with a quick homemade slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinegar dressing for extra crunch and freshness.
Additional Tips for Success
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftover chicken and biscuits separately in airtight containers. To reheat, warm the biscuits in the oven and the chicken in an air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the biscuits and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and reheat before assembling with the hot honey for an easy, make-ahead meal.
Nutritional Information
While this dish is indulgent, it’s also a satisfying meal packed with protein and a touch of sweetness. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content:
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: High due to the chicken, offering a good source of lean protein.
- Fat: Moderate to high, primarily from the frying oil and butter in the biscuits.
- Carbohydrates: The biscuits contribute to the carb content, providing energy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are the perfect marriage of flavors and textures – crispy, juicy chicken paired with soft, buttery biscuits and a spicy-sweet drizzle that ties everything together. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a comforting homemade meal, this recipe is a must-try. It’s comfort food at its finest, offering a deliciously messy, finger-licking experience that’s worth every bite.
Cultural Significance and History
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a modern twist on classic Southern comfort food, merging the beloved elements of fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits with the contemporary flair of hot honey. Fried chicken has deep roots in Southern cuisine, a dish that reflects the region’s diverse culinary heritage. Originally influenced by African, Scottish, and European cooking traditions, Southern fried chicken became a staple for its crispy texture and rich flavor.
Buttermilk biscuits, on the other hand, have long been a Southern favorite, known for their flaky, buttery layers. The addition of hot honey – a blend of honey and chili flakes – adds a spicy-sweet element that has become increasingly popular in recent years, marrying traditional comfort food with bold, modern flavors. This combination not only honors the South’s culinary traditions but also embraces the innovative spirit of contemporary cooking.
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Oven-Baked Chicken: For a lighter version of this dish, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Coat the chicken tenders with the flour and spice mixture, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with a little cooking oil to help them crisp up and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Air Fryer Method: If you have an air fryer, it’s a great way to achieve a crispy coating on the chicken without deep frying. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, place the coated chicken in the basket, and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning once. Spray lightly with oil for an extra crispy texture.
- Griddled Biscuits: For a slight variation in texture, you can cook the biscuits on a griddle or cast-iron skillet. Place the cut biscuits on a hot, lightly buttered griddle and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Styles
- Breakfast Style: For a breakfast twist, top the chicken with a fried egg and serve with a side of creamy grits or hash browns. This makes for a hearty, indulgent breakfast that will keep you full all morning.
- Southern Picnic Spread: Pair these biscuits with a classic Southern picnic spread including coleslaw, baked beans, and a refreshing cucumber salad. This makes it perfect for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
- Fancy Presentation: For a more upscale presentation, serve the chicken biscuits on a wooden board with small bowls of hot honey, pickles, and various dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to add a touch of elegance.
Nutritional and Dietary Customizations
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for both the chicken coating and the biscuits. Ensure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute the buttermilk in the biscuits with a mixture of almond milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor. Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Low-Carb Version: To reduce the carb content, serve the fried chicken with a low-carb side, like cauliflower mash or a fresh green salad. Alternatively, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for the chicken coating.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Origins of Hot Honey: Hot honey originated in the United States and gained popularity in the culinary world for its ability to add both sweetness and heat to a variety of dishes. It’s a versatile condiment that pairs well with everything from pizza to roasted vegetables.
- Southern Cooking Tradition: Fried chicken and biscuits have been a beloved pairing in the South for generations. The combination was a staple in early Southern households, where both ingredients were readily available and provided a hearty meal.
- Perfect Brunch Dish: Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits have become a popular brunch dish in many modern Southern-inspired restaurants. The blend of savory, spicy, and sweet makes it a favorite for late-morning meals, often paired with a mimosa or Bloody Mary.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits perfectly blend Southern comfort food with a modern twist. Crispy fried chicken, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, and spicy-sweet hot honey create a flavorful, satisfying dish ideal for any meal. Versatile and easy to customize, this recipe is sure to impress, whether for a cozy family dinner or a weekend brunch. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of the South to your table.