If you are craving a dish that harmonizes spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with a comforting, buttery bite, then this Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe is absolutely for you. Each juicy, crispy chicken thigh is soaked in tangy buttermilk, then fried to golden perfection before being nestled inside fluffy homemade biscuits. The magic happens when those are drizzled generously with a warm, sticky hot honey glaze, bringing a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or spoiling yourself, this recipe combines classic Southern charm with a lively kick that’s impossible not to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each one playing a vital role in crafting the ultimate Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe. From the tenderizing power of buttermilk to the comforting richness of homemade biscuits, every element combines to create perfect texture, flavor, and color.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these are the perfect cut for frying and soaking up the marinade.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps break down proteins for ultra-moist chicken.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for a crisp coating on the chicken and the fluffy biscuit dough.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Gives biscuits their characteristic rise and light crumb.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth to the flour seasoning.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds depth and savory aroma to the coating mix.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the beautiful flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cubed): For flaky, tender biscuits bursting with buttery goodness.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Incorporated into the biscuit dough for tenderness and tang.
- 1/2 cup honey: Sweet and floral, it’s the base of the luscious hot honey sauce.
- 1 – 2 tsp red pepper flakes: Adjustable heat level to suit your spice preference.
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional): Brightens the hot honey sauce with added acidity.
- Pinch of salt: Balances flavors in the hot honey glaze perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal contrast when sprinkled over the finished dish.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken thighs in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This not only keeps the meat juicy and tender but also infuses it with a gentle tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
While the chicken marinates, mix together the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend adds layers of flavor to every crispy bite and forms the perfect golden crust when fried.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan until hot. Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, coating thoroughly, then fry until it’s golden brown and crisp on both sides. This step locks in those delectable flavors and textures we love.
Step 4: Mix and Prepare Biscuit Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cold cubed butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk just until the dough comes together — be careful not to overmix, or your biscuits won’t be as tender.
Step 5: Bake the Biscuits
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter or drinking glass. Place the dough rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until fluffy and golden brown on top. The aroma will have your kitchen calling you over!
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the biscuits bake, gently warm the honey with red pepper flakes in a small pan over low heat. If you like, whisk in apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt for some brightness and balance. This sauce is a total game changer, bringing heat and sweetness together with irresistible flair.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the finished hot honey chicken biscuits with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich sauce and crispy chicken perfectly. A little extra drizzle of the hot honey sauce right before serving amps up the flavor and makes the presentation shine.
Side Dishes
Serve with simple, clean sides to let your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe star shine. Consider a light green salad with vinaigrette, coleslaw for crunch and acidity, or roasted vegetables for a warm complement. Mac and cheese or crispy waffle fries make great indulgent companions, too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the biscuits in half and layer the chicken inside like a sandwich, topping with pickles or slaw for crunch. You can also serve them open-faced on a platter for a shared appetizer or brunch centerpiece. Drizzle extra hot honey across the plate for a restaurant-worthy touch that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover biscuits and fried chicken separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. The biscuits maintain their softness, and the chicken stays crispy if reheated properly. Keeping them apart avoids sogginess and lets you enjoy the magic again later.
Freezing
You can freeze both biscuits and cooked chicken for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready for a quick bite, simply thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat the biscuits in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature to restore their flaky texture. Warm the chicken in a skillet or oven to keep the coating crispy. Finally, drizzle with fresh hot honey sauce right before serving to bring the flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but boneless skinless chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicier and more tender during frying. Breasts can dry out more easily but will still work if you’re careful with cooking time and marinating well.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe?
The heat level depends on how much red pepper flakes you use. Start with 1 teaspoon if you want a mild kick, and increase to 2 teaspoons or more for bolder heat. The honey sweetness balances the spice beautifully.
Can I use store-bought biscuits for this recipe?
Absolutely, using pre-made biscuits saves time and still tastes great. However, homemade biscuits bring a fresh, flaky texture that elevates the dish overall. Either way, the hot honey and crispy chicken are the real stars.
Is there a vegan or vegetarian version?
For a plant-based twist, try using fried cauliflower steaks or chickpea patties in place of chicken, and choose a vegan biscuit recipe. The hot honey sauce can be swapped with a maple syrup and chili flake glaze to keep that sweet and spicy vibe.
What can I serve with the leftovers?
Leftover Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits make great breakfast sandwiches with eggs, or you can chop and toss the chicken into a salad. Toast leftover biscuits to accompany soup or chili for a comforting meal anytime.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of crispy fried chicken, buttery biscuits, and that luscious hot honey drizzle. This Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe is a celebration of comforting textures and bold flavors that hits all the right notes every single time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it—your friends and family will thank you for it!
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Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
This Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits recipe combines crispy fried chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk with fluffy homemade biscuits drizzled with a spicy and sweet hot honey sauce. The biscuits are tender and buttery, baked to golden perfection, while the chicken delivers a flavorful, crunchy bite that pairs beautifully with the warm honey infused with red pepper flakes. A perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and comforting textures makes this dish an irresistible meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Coating and Frying
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (separate from coating flour)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 – 2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust heat level to preference)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will coat the chicken before frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere well. Fry the chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Biscuit Dough: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 3/4 cup buttermilk and stir just until dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits tender.
- Form and Bake Biscuits: Turn dough out onto a floured surface, gently pat or roll to about 1-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, gently warm honey and stir in red pepper flakes to infuse spiciness. Add apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt if using, stirring to combine. Remove from heat once warm.
- Assemble and Serve: Place warm biscuits on plates, top with fried chicken thighs, then drizzle generously with hot honey sauce. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for longer (up to overnight) for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in honey sauce to control heat level to your preference.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best frying results and even heat distribution.
- Do not overwork biscuit dough to keep biscuits light and flaky.
- Serve with a side of greens or slaw for a balanced meal.
