Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

Introduction

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a mouthwatering combination of crispy, golden fried chicken tucked into buttery, flaky biscuits and drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, fried to a crunchy perfection, and paired with the warmth of the biscuits, creating a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. The hot honey adds a kick of heat balanced by a touch of sweetness, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

I first made Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits for a weekend brunch, and they became an instant hit! The contrast of the crispy chicken, tender biscuits, and sticky-sweet honey glaze was pure comfort food bliss. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—you can make the biscuits from scratch or use store-bought, and you can adjust the spice level of the hot honey to suit your taste. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or even a late-night snack, these biscuits are sure to impress every time!

Perfect for:

Casual brunches
Picnics
Comfort food cravings
Weekend breakfasts
Fans of sweet-and-spicy combinations

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits will be a hit:

Sweet and Spicy Perfection: The hot honey glaze is a flavor explosion.
Crispy Chicken: Golden, crunchy chicken pairs perfectly with soft biscuits.
Flaky Biscuits: Homemade or store-bought, the biscuits are buttery and tender.
Comfort Food Classic: This dish reimagines a beloved Southern staple.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A universal favorite for guests of all ages.
Quick to Assemble: With make-ahead options, you can whip them up easily.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Perfectly Portable: Great for picnics or on-the-go meals.
Easy to Scale Up: Simple to double or triple for gatherings.
Versatile Dish: Serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 biscuits
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

The Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
¾ cup cold buttermilk

For the Hot Honey:

½ cup honey
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 tablespoon hot sauce

Optional Add-Ons:

Pickles
Sliced jalapeños
Butter

Ingredient Highlights

Buttermilk: Keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
Chili Flakes: Add a spicy kick to the hot honey.
Cold Butter: Essential for creating flaky biscuit layers.
Hot Sauce: Brings depth and heat to both chicken and honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture. Press to adhere.

Fry the Chicken:

Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry Chicken: Fry chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack.

Make the Biscuits:

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or fingers, blend cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Buttermilk: Gradually stir in buttermilk until a dough forms.
Shape and Bake: Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into a 1-inch-thick rectangle, and cut into 6 biscuits. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden.

Make the Hot Honey:

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, warm honey, chili flakes, and hot sauce over low heat. Stir until combined.

Assemble the Biscuits:

Build Each Biscuit: Split biscuits in half and layer with fried chicken. Drizzle hot honey over the chicken and top with optional add-ons like pickles or jalapeños.

Serve:

Enjoy Warm: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits:

Classic Style: Serve with extra hot honey on the side.
With Coleslaw: Add a scoop of tangy coleslaw for crunch.
As Sliders: Make mini versions for a party platter.
With Sweet Tea: Pair with a chilled glass of sweet tea for a Southern touch.
For Breakfast: Add a fried egg for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
With Grits: Serve alongside creamy grits for a complete meal.
At a Picnic: Pack these for a flavorful, portable treat.
With Maple Syrup: Swap hot honey for maple syrup for a sweeter option.
With Avocado: Add sliced avocado for a creamy twist.
Spicy Deluxe: Top with jalapeños for an extra kick.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Chicken: For a crispy exterior and tender interior, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They stay juicier and more flavorful.
Use Fresh Biscuits: Freshly baked or warm biscuits work best for a soft, flaky texture. You can make your own or use store-bought for convenience.
Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for at least an hour. This adds moisture and a tangy depth to the flavor.
Season the Hot Honey: Adjust the heat level of the honey by adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce. Tailor it to your preferred spice level.
Fry the Chicken in Small Batches: If frying, don’t overcrowd the pan. Frying chicken in small batches ensures it gets crispy and golden brown.
Toast the Biscuits: For an added touch of flavor, toast the inside of your biscuit with a little butter before assembling the sandwich.
Add Crunch with Pickles: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add a few pickle slices to the sandwich. The acidity of the pickles complements the sweetness of the honey.
Use a Thermometer: To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Balance the Sweet and Spicy: If the hot honey is too spicy, balance it with a touch more honey or a bit of lemon juice to mellow out the heat.
Serve Immediately: Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are best served fresh to enjoy the crispy chicken and warm biscuits together before they cool down.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Maple Chicken Biscuits: Replace hot honey with spicy maple syrup.
Cheddar Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar to the biscuit dough for extra flavor.
Grilled Chicken Option: Use grilled chicken for a lighter alternative.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for crispy fried tofu or cauliflower.
Garlic Herb Biscuits: Add minced garlic and fresh herbs to the biscuit dough.
Extra Crunch: Mix crushed cornflakes into the flour coating for extra crispy chicken.
Lemon Honey Glaze: Use lemon-infused honey for a zesty touch.
Buttermilk Ranch Biscuits: Brush biscuits with ranch seasoning for a flavorful upgrade.
Caramelized Onion Topping: Add caramelized onions for sweetness and depth.
Blue Cheese Drizzle: Pair with a drizzle of blue cheese dressing for a tangy contrast.

Special Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet: For evenly fried, crispy chicken.
Pastry Cutter: To blend biscuit dough effortlessly.
Cooling Rack: Keeps fried chicken crisp.
Biscuit Cutter: Ensures uniform biscuit shapes.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought biscuits?
Yes, they’re a convenient option if you’re short on time.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken?
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, simply reduce or increase the cayenne and chili flakes.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
How long can I store the hot honey?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Can I make gluten-free biscuits?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the biscuit dough.
Can I freeze the biscuits?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil for best results.
Can I add cheese to the biscuits?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar or pepper jack works wonderfully.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are the ultimate sweet-and-spicy comfort food, combining crispy, golden fried chicken with buttery, flaky biscuits and a drizzle of hot honey for the perfect kick. Each bite is a delicious blend of crunch, tenderness, and a touch of heat balanced by the sweetness of honey. These sandwiches are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and flavorful.

This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer adding a pickle for tangy crunch, a slice of cheese for extra richness, or experimenting with different levels of heat in the honey, these chicken biscuits are as versatile as they are satisfying. Serve them on their own or with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

I’d love to see how your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’m excited to see your mouthwatering creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know your favorite twists or toppings for this dish!