Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a Southern-inspired comfort dish with a bold twist. Fluffy buttermilk biscuits sandwich crispy fried chicken cutlets, all finished off with a lip-smacking hot honey butter that melts right into the warm bread.

Whether you’re serving them for a cozy brunch, a special dinner, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite. The mix of textures—from tender chicken to flaky biscuit—paired with that honeyed heat creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Pair it with sweet tea or a tangy slaw for a true down-home meal.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • 3/4 cup cold buttermilk

  • 1 tablespoon honey (for biscuit dough)

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small cutlets

  • 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating chicken)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Vegetable oil for frying

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Biscuits: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk and honey just until combined.

  2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold it over itself 3 times, then pat it back down. Cut out biscuits using a 2.5-inch round cutter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

  3. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, marinate chicken cutlets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

  4. In another bowl, mix flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, and dredge in seasoned flour.

  5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

  6. Make the Hot Honey Butter: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Heat until butter melts and the mixture is smooth.

  7. Assemble: Slice warm biscuits in half, place a crispy chicken cutlet inside, and drizzle with hot honey butter. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 495 kcal | Servings: 6

A Southern Favorite with a Fiery Twist

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food that brings together the flaky goodness of homemade buttermilk biscuits, crispy golden fried chicken, and a luscious drizzle of hot honey butter. This mouthwatering combination strikes the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, savory, and buttery richness. Whether served for brunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, this dish is sure to impress anyone who loves bold flavors with a Southern soul.

What sets this dish apart is how each component is carefully crafted to complement the others. The biscuits are soft, flaky, and buttery with a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The chicken is marinated and seasoned to perfection before being fried until golden brown, giving it a deliciously crunchy crust and juicy center. And the real magic comes from the hot honey butter—a blend of sweet honey and fiery hot sauce that coats every bite in irresistible flavor.

The Origin of Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

While the exact origin of this specific dish is difficult to pin down, it’s undoubtedly inspired by traditional Southern cooking and the growing popularity of hot honey as a condiment. Fried chicken on a biscuit is a beloved staple in the American South, particularly in states like Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. These dishes are often associated with hearty breakfasts, comforting lunches, or soul food suppers.

Hot honey, on the other hand, has more modern roots. It gained widespread popularity thanks to culinary entrepreneurs and foodies who sought to add a little spicy kick to the sweetness of honey. The combination became a trend and is now used in everything from pizza to cheese boards. When drizzled over fried chicken, it creates an explosive flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

This recipe brings all of that rich tradition and modern flair into one bite.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

The Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit isn’t just about one flavor—it’s a layered, textured experience from top to bottom. The warm biscuit brings buttery, slightly salty notes that pair beautifully with the chicken’s crunch and savoriness. The chicken is seasoned with spices like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, which give it a bold, slightly smoky flavor that holds up well against the biscuit.

Then comes the hot honey butter. The combination of sweetness from the honey and heat from the hot sauce creates a complex taste that dances on the palate. It’s the kind of sauce that enhances the flavor of everything it touches without overpowering it.

Overall, this dish strikes an addictive balance between comfort and excitement. It’s hearty, satisfying, and just adventurous enough to feel like something new and special.

Perfect Occasions to Serve

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for brunch menus, especially when paired with mimosas or sweet tea. They can be served as mini sliders for parties or full-sized biscuits for a sit-down dinner. You can even make them part of a Southern-themed meal alongside collard greens, mac and cheese, or a classic coleslaw.

They’re also ideal for tailgates, potlucks, or any casual gathering where finger foods are appreciated. Plus, since they can be made ahead and reheated, they’re a great option for meal prepping or serving a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a must-try:

  • Flavor Explosion: The interplay of sweet, spicy, savory, and buttery makes every bite memorable.

  • Comfort Food Appeal: This dish is indulgent in the best way, offering warmth, richness, and crunch.

  • Versatility: You can adjust the spice level, use different types of honey or hot sauce, and customize the chicken seasoning.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or a picky eater, this dish is universally loved.

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the biscuits and chicken can be made in advance, and the hot honey butter can be stored and reheated easily.

Tips for Success

To make your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits truly stand out, here are some useful tips:

  • Use Cold Butter for Biscuits: This ensures flakiness. When the cold butter melts in the oven, it creates steam that helps the dough puff up beautifully.

  • Don’t Skip the Marinate: Letting the chicken sit in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the coating stick and fry up crisp.

  • Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For maximum crispiness, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and dredge again before frying.

  • Use a Thermometer for Frying: Keep your oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t become greasy.

  • Make the Hot Honey Butter Last Minute: For the freshest flavor, melt the butter and combine it with honey and hot sauce just before serving.

  • Add Fresh Herbs: For a twist, sprinkle some fresh thyme or chives into the biscuit dough or on top after assembly.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some creative ways to adapt it to your liking:

  • Spicy Maple Drizzle: Substitute the honey with maple syrup and add chili flakes for a different sweet-heat vibe.

  • Add Cheese to the Biscuits: Shredded cheddar or pepper jack can add even more depth and richness.

  • Try with Boneless Thighs: For juicier, more flavorful chicken, opt for boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts.

  • Make It Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with crispy fried cauliflower steaks or plant-based nuggets and still enjoy the hot honey butter.

  • Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the biscuits and dredging flour to cater to gluten-sensitive diets.

  • Mini Biscuit Sliders: Perfect for parties or game day, make smaller biscuits and use chicken tenders for bite-sized fun.

Serving Suggestions

For a full meal, consider pairing Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits with:

  • Southern-style coleslaw – the crunch and acidity balance the richness

  • Roasted sweet potatoes – a naturally sweet side that complements the honey

  • Pickles – for a tangy, zesty contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken

  • Fresh fruit salad – to lighten the meal and cleanse the palate

To drink, classic options like iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold beer work beautifully. For brunch, a Bloody Mary or mimosa is the perfect pairing.

Nutritional Considerations

While Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are indulgent, they can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. For a lighter version:

  • Bake instead of fry the chicken using a wire rack for crispiness

  • Use low-fat buttermilk and butter alternatives

  • Opt for whole wheat flour in the biscuits for added fiber

  • Adjust the amount of honey and hot sauce based on your dietary needs

This meal provides a good amount of protein from the chicken and, depending on your sides, can be made more fiber-rich and nutrient-dense.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. With their warm, buttery biscuits, crunchy fried chicken, and the unforgettable sweet-and-spicy glaze, they’re the kind of dish that brings people together and leaves a lasting impression. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they embody the heart of Southern comfort food with a modern twist.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its versatility, ease of customization, and unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting brunch, or looking to treat yourself, Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are guaranteed to satisfy. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, bring the heat, and let your kitchen smell like the soulful, spicy magic of the South.

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