There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of fried chicken wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the warm, flaky scent of freshly baked biscuits. It reminds me of family gatherings where laughter fills the air and everyone eagerly anticipates the next delicious bite. I created this Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits recipe after a particularly tiresome week, craving a satisfying homemade meal that could rekindle those joyful memories.
Imagine biting into a tender piece of crispy fried chicken, perfectly nestled between buttery, golden biscuits, all drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds; it strikes that perfect balance of flavors that makes it a standout at any dinner table. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a hearty meal at home, these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are your go-to solution. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up—no culinary degree required! Let’s dive into this comforting recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why love Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
Comforting Flavors: The sweet and spicy hot honey glaze elevates the classic flavors of fried chicken and biscuits to a whole new level.
Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the satisfaction of cooking from scratch! Each component, from the crispy chicken to the flaky biscuits, is made with love.
Versatile Delight: Serve them for brunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer—these biscuits are a hit for any occasion!
No Fuss Cooking: With straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to create a gourmet meal without complicated techniques.
Crowd Favorite: Impress guests with this irresistible combo that blends comfort and elegance. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken
• Chicken tenders – Using chicken tenders ensures tenderness and juicy flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Essential for a crispy coating that adheres perfectly.
• Kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken, making every bite savory.
• Black pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic powder – Provides a fragrant touch that elevates the taste.
• Smoked paprika – Imparts a lovely smokiness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• Large egg – Acts as a binding agent to help the flour stick to the chicken.
• Water – Thin the egg wash for easier dredging.
• Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil – Perfect for deep frying, creating that golden crunch.
For the Buttermilk Biscuits
• All-purpose flour – The foundation of the biscuits, giving them their structure.
• Baking powder – Ensures the biscuits rise and become light and fluffy.
• Kosher salt – Balances sweetness and adds overall flavor.
• Baking soda – Aids in leavening and browning the biscuits.
• Cold butter – Creates that flaky texture we love in biscuits; keep it chilled!
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang for richness in flavor.
For the Hot Honey Glaze
• Honey – Sweetness that beautifully complements the savory chicken.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – A spicy kick that takes the hot honey to the next level.
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds acidity that enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
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Heat the Oil:
Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of oil and set it over medium heat. This will create the perfect frying environment, allowing your chicken to crisp beautifully. -
Prepare the Chicken Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together 1-1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp. of salt, 1/4 tsp. of black pepper, 1/4 tsp. of garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp. of smoked paprika. In another bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 2 tablespoons of water. -
Dredge the Chicken:
Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip them in the egg wash before returning them to the flour mixture for a second coating. Set aside and let the layers adhere. -
Fry the Chicken:
Check if the oil has reached a temperature of 365-375°F—drop a bit of flour in to test. Fry the chicken in batches, 2-4 pieces at a time, until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. -
Drain the Chicken:
Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step helps keep your chicken crispy while you continue cooking. -
Prep the Oven for Biscuits:
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. -
Make the Biscuit Dough:
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 Tbsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. baking soda. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in buttermilk until a soft dough forms. -
Shape the Biscuits:
On a lightly floured surface, scoop the dough and gently work it together into a rectangle. Fold in thirds, turn, and flatten again. Repeat this process two times for extra flakiness. -
Cut the Biscuits:
Using a floured 2.5-inch biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits and reshape scraps if needed. Aim for 10-12 biscuits for your meal! -
Bake the Biscuits:
Bake the biscuits for 15-17 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown. Remove them from the oven and brush with melted butter for added richness. -
Make the Hot Honey:
In a small saucepan, combine honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat, then remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Cool to room temperature. -
Assemble the Dish:
Split the baked biscuits in half, place a piece of fried chicken on each bottom half, drizzle generously with hot honey, and serve with pickle slices if desired.
Optional: For an elegant touch, add fresh herbs on top before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Room Temperature: Keep leftover hot honey chicken biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days; this ensures they stay fresh and delicious.
Fridge: Store any unconsumed biscuits or chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness, around 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze the fried chicken and biscuits separately for up to 3 months. Wrap each item tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen hot honey chicken biscuits, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven until warm and crispy, about 20 minutes at 350°F.
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at 365-375°F for perfectly crispy chicken. Too cool, and it will absorb excess oil; too hot will burn the coating.
Dredging Technique: When dredging the chicken, make sure to shake off excess flour after each coat. This helps create that signature crunch in your hot honey chicken biscuits.
Flaky Biscuits: For the best biscuits, work your cold butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is crucial for achieving the flaky texture.
Biscuit Cutting: Use a floured biscuit cutter without twisting it. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent rising. You want those light and fluffy layers!
Hot Honey Balance: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes in the hot honey glaze to your spice preference. Start with less if you’re unsure; you can always add more!
Serving Suggestion: These hot honey chicken biscuits are wonderful on their own but can be even more delightful served with pickles or slaw for added crunch and flavor diversity.
Hot Honey Variations
There’s no limit to how you can make this delightful recipe truly your own!
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Spicy Honey:
For an extra kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the hot honey glaze for a fiery finish! -
Maple Drizzle:
Swap honey for maple syrup for a sumptuous twist that adds earthy sweetness to the chicken. -
Herbed Biscuits:
Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your biscuit dough for a fragrant, flavorful upgrade. -
Cheddar Inclusion:
Stir in sharp cheddar cheese in the biscuit dough for a rich and savory addition that will have everyone coming back for more. -
Garlic Butter Brush:
Instead of plain melted butter, mix it with minced garlic before brushing over your biscuits for a savory kick. -
Air Fryer Option:
Skip the frying pan and try air frying the chicken at 400°F for a healthier, equally crispy version. -
Vegetable Swap:
Use cauliflower or zucchini slices instead of chicken for a vegetarian take on this comforting dish. -
Cornbread Base:
Replace the biscuits with cornbread for a Southern twist that pairs beautifully with the hot honey glaze.
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are perfect for meal prep, helping you save valuable time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the fried chicken up to 24 hours in advance; simply fry and then refrigerate it in an airtight container. The buttermilk biscuit dough can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, bake the biscuits fresh in the oven while gently reheating the fried chicken to maintain its crispy quality. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting homemade meal ready to impress your family in no time!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked biscuits mingling with the satisfying crunch of fried chicken, coaxing everyone to the table for a hearty meal.
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Creamy Coleslaw: This crisp, tangy side cuts through the richness of the chicken and biscuits, adding a refreshing bite.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Buttery and smooth, they create a comforting contrast to the crispy chicken, making every forkful a testament to home-cooked love.
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Savory Green Beans: Lightly sautéed with garlic or roasted with a touch of olive oil, they bring a nutritious crunch without overshadowing the main event.
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Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet and crumbly, cornbread complements the fried chicken’s savory notes, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
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Pickle Chips: These tangy delights enhance the flavor of the dish while adding an exciting crunch that plays beautifully against the softness of the biscuits.
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Sweet Tea or Lemonade: A chilled glass of sweet tea or homemade lemonade offers the perfect refreshing sip, cutting through the savory layers of this meal.
Whether you choose one or two sides or create a full spread, these pairings elevate your meal and invite warmth and comfort to your table.
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for the Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
Absolutely! I recommend using chicken tenders for this recipe as they are uniformly tender and juicy. Alternatively, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch thick strips. Both options will work beautifully, ensuring that each bite is satisfying and flavorful.
How should I store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
For ideal freshness, store any leftover biscuits or fried chicken in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to maintain their deliciousness longer, refrigerate them for up to 3 days, and I suggest reheating them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore that delightful crispiness.
Can I freeze the Hot Honey Chicken and biscuits?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the fried chicken and biscuits separately in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to keep them safe from freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat everything in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until they’re warm and crispy.
What can I do if my biscuits didn’t rise?
Very common! If your biscuits didn’t rise, it might be due to old baking powder or baking soda. Always check your leavening agents for freshness—replace them if they’re past their expiration date. Ensure you’re cutting in the butter correctly to create the flaky texture and avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to dense biscuits.
Are there any dietary considerations for Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
Yes! If you have dietary restrictions, these biscuits can be adapted. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, for dairy-free needs, you can use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk and substitute dairy butter with a plant-based option. Always double-check all ingredients for potential allergens, especially if serving guests!
What should I do with leftover hot honey?
If you find yourself with leftover hot honey, don’t let it go to waste! You can store it in an airtight jar in the pantry for up to 3 months. It’s fabulous drizzled over breakfast items like pancakes and waffles, or even mixed into salad dressings for that sweet and spicy kick. The more, the merrier!
Savor Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits That Beat Takeout Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of oil and set it over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, mix together 1.5 cups of flour, 1 tsp of salt, 0.25 tsp of black pepper, 0.25 tsp of garlic powder, and 0.25 tsp of smoked paprika. In another bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip them in the egg wash before returning them to the flour mixture for a second coating. Set aside.
- Check if the oil has reached 365-375°F and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp baking soda. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in buttermilk until a soft dough forms.
- On a floured surface, scoop the dough and gently work it into a rectangle. Fold in thirds, turn, and flatten again. Repeat this two times.
- Using a floured 2.5-inch biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits and reshape scraps if needed.
- Bake the biscuits for 15-17 minutes until lightly golden brown, then brush with melted butter.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer, then stir in apple cider vinegar. Cool to room temperature.
- Split the baked biscuits in half, place a piece of fried chicken on each bottom half, drizzle generously with hot honey, and serve.