Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits The Perfect Comfort Food

Southern comfort food at its finest – these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits bring together the crispy crunch of fried chicken tenders, the fluffiness of freshly baked buttermilk biscuits, and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy hot honey. The combination is nothing short of irresistible and makes for the perfect meal for any occasion – from a cozy dinner at home to a weekend picnic with family and friends.

What Makes Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits So Special?

This dish is a twist on two Southern staples: fried chicken and biscuits. While both are delicious on their own, together they create an elevated comfort food experience. Hot honey – a sweet, spicy drizzle that adds an extra layer of flavor – is the game-changer, setting this recipe apart from others. Whether you’re craving a savory snack, or planning a weekend brunch, these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits deliver a satisfying, indulgent bite every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

Here’s a quick overview of the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe a success:

1. For the Fried Chicken:

Chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips)
All-purpose flour
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika
Egg and water (for dredging)
Oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying)

2. For the Buttermilk Biscuits:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder, salt, baking soda
Butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
Buttermilk
Unsalted butter (for brushing on top after baking)

3. For the Hot Honey:

Honey
Crushed red pepper flakes
Apple cider vinegar (to add a bit of tang)

Each of these ingredients plays a key role in building the perfect flavor balance. The crispy chicken is golden and savory, while the biscuits are soft and buttery. The hot honey introduces just the right amount of heat to complement the richness of the dish. Don’t rush through these steps; fresh ingredients and proper preparation will ensure you end up with the best possible results!

Breaking Down the Recipe: How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

Making Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits is a multi-step process that might seem complicated at first, but with the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll end up with a meal that’s worth every minute. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it just right.

Step 1: Preparing the Fried Chicken

The fried chicken is the heart of this recipe, and getting it crispy and juicy is key. Here’s how to make sure your chicken turns out perfectly:

Ingredients for the Chicken:

1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken tenders (or cut chicken breasts into strips)
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 large egg + 2 tbsp water
Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Instructions for Frying the Chicken:

Prep the Oil: Heat a large pot or deep fryer with about 2 inches of oil. The oil should be hot enough to fry the chicken without burning it. Aim for a temperature of 365–375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a pinch of flour into the oil. If it sizzles right away, it’s ready.
Season the Flour: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The combination of these spices will give your chicken that classic Southern flavor.
Dredge the Chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Dip each piece of chicken first into the seasoned flour, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour. Be sure to coat the chicken thoroughly at each step for that signature crispy coating.
Fry the Chicken: Gently place the coated chicken into the hot oil, frying 2-4 pieces at a time, depending on the size of your pot. Fry the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Drain the Chicken: Once fried, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This ensures they stay crispy.

Step 2: Baking the Buttermilk Biscuits

No Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits would be complete without buttery, flaky biscuits. These biscuits are soft, tender, and provide the perfect base for your fried chicken and hot honey.

Ingredients for the Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes or grated
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)

Instructions for Making the Biscuits:

Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. These ingredients help the biscuits rise and give them a light texture.
Cut in the Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes, or use a box grater to shred it. This helps incorporate the butter evenly into the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a rubber spatula until the dough just comes together. Don’t overwork the dough – the key to flaky biscuits is handling the dough as little as possible.
Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle, then fold it in thirds, like folding a letter. Turn the dough 90 degrees and fold it again. Repeat this process two more times to create layers in the biscuits.
Cut and Bake the Biscuits: Using a 2.5-inch biscuit cutter, cut out the biscuits. Be sure to press straight down without twisting the cutter to ensure the biscuits rise properly. You should be able to make 10-12 biscuits. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown on top.
Brush with Butter: Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted unsalted butter. This adds a rich, buttery finish.

Step 3: Preparing the Hot Honey Sauce

Hot honey is the secret ingredient that takes these chicken biscuits to the next level. This sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce is quick and easy to make, but adds so much flavor that it’s worth the extra effort. Here’s how to make the hot honey sauce:

Ingredients for Hot Honey:

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

Instructions for Making the Hot Honey:

Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and crushed red pepper flakes. The red pepper flakes will infuse the honey with a spicy kick, while the honey provides a sweet base that balances the heat.
Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure that the honey doesn’t scorch. Allow the honey to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes. This step helps to infuse the flavors of the pepper flakes into the honey.
Add Vinegar: Once the honey is hot and the pepper flakes have infused, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. The vinegar adds a tangy kick that enhances the sweetness and gives the sauce a more complex flavor profile.
Cool and Store: Allow the hot honey to cool to room temperature. You can use it right away or store it in a glass container for later use. It can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can have this delicious drizzle on hand for future meals.

The hot honey sauce is what ties everything together in this dish. Its combination of sweetness and heat perfectly complements the crispy chicken and buttery biscuits.

Assembling the Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

Once all the components are ready – the fried chicken, the buttermilk biscuits, and the hot honey – it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. This is the moment where everything comes together, and the flavors meld into the ultimate comfort food.

Assembly Steps:

Slice the Biscuits: Start by splitting your freshly baked biscuits in half. The buttery, flaky layers should be perfectly tender and ready to hold the fried chicken.
Add the Fried Chicken: Place a crispy piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each biscuit. Make sure the chicken is still warm so that it melts into the biscuit.
Drizzle with Hot Honey: Generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken. Be sure to cover the chicken completely, allowing the honey to pool slightly in the biscuit.
Top with Pickles (Optional): For an extra burst of flavor, add a few slices of tangy pickles on top of the chicken. The acidity of the pickles contrasts beautifully with the richness of the fried chicken and the sweetness of the hot honey.
Close the Biscuits: Place the top halves of the biscuits on top of the chicken and hot honey. Press gently to hold everything together.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately while the chicken is hot and the biscuits are fresh. These are perfect for a Southern-style meal, whether you’re serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

While this recipe is fairly simple, a few tips can help you achieve even better results:

Use Fresh Biscuits: Freshly baked biscuits are key to the success of this recipe. You can make the biscuit dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake them, but nothing beats biscuits made just before serving.
Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: The oil for frying the chicken should be at the right temperature – too hot, and the chicken will burn; too cool, and the chicken will be soggy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays between 365°F and 375°F for the perfect golden brown chicken.
Choose the Right Chicken: If using boneless skinless chicken breasts, slice them into strips of equal thickness for even cooking. Chicken tenders are also a great option and often cook more evenly.
Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey can be adjusted to suit your taste. For a milder version, use less pepper, or omit it entirely for a purely sweet honey drizzle.
Add a Little Garlic: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder to the hot honey mixture. It gives the honey a savory edge that pairs nicely with the fried chicken.

Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a great way to indulge in some Southern comfort food without ever leaving the house. The combination of crunchy fried chicken, soft and buttery biscuits, and the sweet-spicy hot honey drizzle makes each bite memorable. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, game day, or a family dinner, these biscuits are sure to be a hit.

Not only do they taste incredible, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a meal that rivals any Southern restaurant or fast food chain. Plus, with the ability to control the ingredients, you can feel good about serving a homemade, healthier alternative to fast food versions.

Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

While these biscuits are delicious on their own, there are a few ways to elevate the meal even further:

Serve with a Side Salad: A light, fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the fried chicken and biscuits. Try a simple mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette.
Pair with Southern Sides: To complete your Southern-inspired meal, serve your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or mac and cheese. You can’t go wrong with these classic comfort food accompaniments.
Add a Cold Beverage: A cold, refreshing drink is the perfect complement to these savory biscuits. Lemonade, iced tea, or a cold brew coffee would all make excellent choices.

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe Card

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

1.5 to 2 pounds chicken tenders (or 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 large egg
2 tbsp water
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil (for frying)

For the Buttermilk Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)

For the Hot Honey:

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

Instructions

Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pot to 365°F (185°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg and water. Dredge chicken strips in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat with flour again.
- Fry chicken in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Biscuits:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk until a dough forms. Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently fold it three times, and roll it out. Cut out biscuits using a 2.5-inch cutter.
- Place biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden. Brush with melted butter.
Make the Hot Honey:
- In a saucepan, combine honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in apple cider vinegar, and let cool to room temperature.
Assemble:
- Split each biscuit in half and place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half. Drizzle with hot honey and top with pickle slices if desired. Place the top half of the biscuit on top.

Notes

Biscuits: For fluffier biscuits, handle the dough gently and don’t overwork it. Fresh buttermilk is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Hot Honey: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference. The hot honey can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Fried Chicken: Ensure your oil is hot enough to fry the chicken quickly and evenly. If the oil temperature is too low, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.