If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and crunch, look no further than Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits – Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy Comfort Food Recipe. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken soaked in a tangy buttermilk bath, fried to crispy perfection, and sandwiched inside buttery, flaky biscuits that are baked fresh. The crowning glory is a drizzle of homemade hot honey glaze that delivers the ideal marriage of sweetness with a lively kick of spice. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate and an instant favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one is essential in creating that harmony of crispy texture, bold flavor, and soft crumb that defines these biscuits and their spicy chicken filling. You’ll find pantry staples and fresh additions that come together beautifully with minimal fuss.
- Chicken breast or tenders (1 pound): Choose tender pieces for juicy chicken that cooks quickly and stays moist after frying.
- Buttermilk (1 cup + ¾ cup): The acid tenderizes the chicken and creates tender biscuits with a subtle tang.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon + 1 to 2 teaspoons): Adds a spicy zip to the marinade and the hot honey glaze.
- All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups total): Forms the crispy coating for chicken and the soft structure of the biscuits.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Lends savory warmth to the chicken’s seasoning.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Salt (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Balances all flavors and enhances taste throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a touch of heat and complexity to the coating.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who want their comfort food with an extra punch.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Helps biscuits rise to tender, flaky perfection.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to give biscuits a light crumb.
- Cold unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, cubed): Key to flaky biscuits and rich flavor.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil to fry chicken to a golden, crispy finish.
- Honey (½ cup): Sweetens the spicy glaze with gentle floral notes.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Adds an aromatic heat to the hot honey sauce.
- Softened butter (for biscuit tops): Creates a beautiful golden sheen on freshly baked biscuits.
- Pickles or slaw (optional for garnish): Brightens the dish with a crisp, acidic contrast.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits – Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of hot sauce in a bowl. Add your chicken pieces and ensure they’re fully submerged. This marinade not only infuses gentle heat but also tenderizes the chicken, setting the foundation for that juicy, flavorful bite. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours — patience here rewards you with succulent chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Next, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently fold just until combined—overworking the dough can make biscuits tough. Roll it out to about ¾ inch thickness, cut into 8 biscuits, and place them in the fridge to chill. This rest time helps the butter stay cold, leading to ultra-flaky layers.
Step 3: Season and Coat the Chicken
Combine 1 ½ cups flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper in a shallow dish. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the seasoning mix, pressing firmly so the coating sticks. This crust is where the magic happens: it locks in the juiciness and brings that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully lower the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until the coating turns a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil, ensuring each piece stays crisp and not soggy.
Step 5: Bake the Biscuits
While the chicken rests, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the chilled biscuits on a baking sheet and brush the tops with softened butter for a golden, inviting finish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they puff up and glow with a warm hue. Let them cool just a touch while you prepare the final ingredient that brings this recipe to life.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan set over low heat, gently warm together the honey, 1 to 2 teaspoons of hot sauce (tailor the heat to your taste), and red pepper flakes. Stir as the flavors meld into a luscious, sticky glaze. This is the bold, sweet heat that ties the whole Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits – Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy Comfort Food Recipe together.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Slice the biscuits in half and layer on the crispy chicken. Generously drizzle with the hot honey sauce for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor. Cap with the biscuit top and add pickles or slaw if you like for a refreshing accompaniment that cuts through the richness.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits – Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
A few crisp dill pickles or a tangy slaw complement the spicy-sweet chicken beautifully, adding a crunchy acidity that balances the richness. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can also enliven the dish with pops of color and brightness.
Side Dishes
Pair these biscuits with simple sides like creamy coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or even a light garden salad to complete the meal. For a heartier option, crispy fries or sweet potato wedges are crowd-pleasers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these biscuits into sliders by making smaller biscuit rounds and serving mini portions. Alternatively, stack multiple layers with different sauces like ranch or garlic aioli for playful variety. A drizzle of extra hot honey on the serving plate never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, keep your leftover Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 2 days. Separate the biscuit and chicken if possible to maintain maximum crispness before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze baked biscuits and cooked chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to revive crispiness, and warm biscuits wrapped in foil alongside. Fresh drizzle of hot honey after reheating will refresh the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and extra juiciness. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs are thicker and require thorough cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While this recipe shines with chicken, you can substitute crispy fried cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian twist and still enjoy the same hot honey glaze and flaky biscuit satisfaction.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate and adjustable. You can dial back the cayenne and hot sauce for a milder heat or ramp it up with extra red pepper flakes if you love your food fiery.
Can I make the biscuits from scratch without buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes, and use it as a great buttermilk substitute in the biscuit dough.
What is the best oil for frying chicken?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil with a high smoke point for the best frying results. These oils keep the chicken crispy without burning or imparting unwanted flavors.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make these irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits – Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy Comfort Food Recipe, you’re well on your way to enjoying a dish that feels like the ultimate comfort food treat. With its crispy chicken, flaky biscuits, and luscious hot honey glaze, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Grab your apron and get ready to delight your taste buds—you won’t regret it!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits – Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings (4 to 6 biscuits)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
Delicious Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits featuring crispy fried chicken marinated in spicy buttermilk and nestled inside flaky, buttery homemade biscuits. These sweet, spicy, and savory comfort food treats are topped with a warm honey-hot sauce drizzle and optional pickles or slaw for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade and Coating
- 1 pound chicken breast or chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Serving and Garnish
- Softened butter for biscuit tops
- Pickles or slaw (optional)
- Extra hot honey for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken breast or tenders with 1 cup buttermilk and 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to tenderize and infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ¾ cup cold buttermilk until just combined. Fold and roll the dough out, cut into 8 biscuits, and chill while preparing the chicken coating.
- Make Chicken Coating: In a shallow dish, mix 1½ cups all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Bake the Biscuits: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chilled biscuit dough on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until biscuits are golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally until combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble Biscuits: Slice each biscuit in half horizontally. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of the biscuit. Drizzle with the warm hot honey sauce and top with the biscuit top. Optionally add pickles or slaw for garnish and extra hot honey for serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure tenderness; longer marinating times will increase flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken.
- Chill biscuit dough before baking to help create flaky layers.
- Pickles or slaw add a refreshing contrast but are optional based on preference.
