Name: Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed; 3/4 cup buttermilk; Store-bought biscuits (optional, for convenience); 1/2 cup honey; 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess); Pinch of salt

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Meet your new brunch obsession: Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits. Imagine ultra-crispy, juicy fried chicken nestled inside a tender, buttery biscuit, all finished off with a generous drizzle of sticky-sweet hot honey that packs just the right amount of kick. This bold Southern classic comes together with straightforward steps and a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for a special weekend breakfast or need a show-stopping snack, these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits deliver pure comfort with every single bite.

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits comes from a lineup of simple, honest ingredients—each playing a key role in creating big, layered flavor. Fresh poultry, basic baking essentials, and pantry spices all work together to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless skinless cuts stay juicy and cook quickly; thighs are especially tender but breasts work well too.
Buttermilk (for chicken): Tenderizes and infuses the chicken with subtle tang; soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
All-purpose Flour (for chicken & biscuits): Gives structure to both the biscuits and crispy crust on the chicken.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and color to the chicken’s coating.
Garlic Powder: Punches up the savoriness in the chicken breading.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish—don’t skimp!
Vegetable Oil: For frying; use a neutral oil that can handle high heat like canola or peanut oil.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda (for biscuits): Leaveners that ensure the biscuits rise high and stay fluffy.
Unsalted Butter (cold, for biscuits): Creates those irresistible flaky layers; keep it as cold as possible.
Buttermilk (for biscuits): Brings moisture, a tender crumb, and a bit of tang to biscuit dough.
Store-bought Biscuits (optional): Great for saving time—no judgment if you go this route on a busy morning!
Honey: The sweet base for that signature hot honey drizzle.
Red Pepper Flakes: Brings the heat; use more or less depending on your spice preference.
Apple Cider Vinegar (optional): Adds a zippy tang to the hot honey.
Pinch of Salt (for hot honey): Just enough to round out and highlight the sweetness and heat.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Pour buttermilk over the chicken thighs or breasts in a shallow dish, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This cozy soak should last at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it go overnight. The buttermilk works wonders to tenderize the chicken and infuse delicate flavor, ensuring the result is juicy and never dry.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Lift the chicken from the buttermilk, letting extra liquid drip away, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. This coating will form that irresistible, crispy crust once fried.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the breaded chicken. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is where your kitchen starts smelling absolutely incredible!

Step 4: Make the Biscuits

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour—aim for a chunky, crumbly texture. Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Pat the dough onto a floured surface, then cut out biscuits about an inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 425°F until beautifully golden, about 12 to 15 minutes. Don’t be afraid to use quality store-bought biscuits if you’re in a pinch—they’re totally delicious too!

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan, gently heat honey over low heat. Stir in the red pepper flakes (and apple cider vinegar if you’re using it), along with a pinch of salt. Simmer for just a minute or two. The result is a glistening, fragrant honey that’s both spicy and sweet, with a hint of tang if you added vinegar. Let it cool slightly before drizzling so it thickens up and clings perfectly.

Step 6: Assemble the Biscuits

Split your warm biscuits in half. Lay a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half, then douse it generously with your homemade hot honey. Cap each with the top half of the biscuit, and serve while everything is delightfully warm and sticky. The combination of crunchy, tender chicken, buttery biscuit, and fiery honey will make you swoon.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

Garnishes

For a little extra flair and a pop of freshness, add a few fresh pickle slices or a sprinkle of chopped chives on top of your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits. Some folks love a thin slice of jalapeño for added heat, or a quick brush of melted butter over the biscuit tops for that bakery-style sheen. These little extras elevate both appearance and flavor in the final bite.

Side Dishes

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are dynamite on their own, but they’re even better with classic Southern sides. Creamy coleslaw or a cooling cucumber salad will balance the heat, while buttery grits or cheesy breakfast potatoes add extra comfort. If you’re serving at brunch, a bright fruit salad and fresh-squeezed orange juice round out the spread beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a little creativity to the table by serving mini Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits as a party appetizer or platter-style for a crowd. Stack them high on a tiered tray, wrap them in parchment for a grab-and-go picnic, or layer with crisp lettuce for a fresh twist. If you’re feeling playful, pair them with little dishes of extra hot honey so everyone can drizzle to taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits (lucky you!), store the chicken and biscuits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay good for up to three days, and the biscuits are best enjoyed within two days for peak fluffiness. Keep the hot honey at room temperature in a small jar or lidded container.

Freezing

Both the fried chicken and biscuits freeze surprisingly well. Let them cool completely, then wrap each item tightly in plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep their best texture for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crisp. Biscuits can be reheated for a few minutes in the oven or toaster oven until just warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch but the oven gives you that just-baked feel. Warm the honey gently before drizzling for the ultimate fresh-from-the-kitchen experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts cook up just as nicely, though they may be a bit leaner. Slice thicker breasts in half so they cook evenly and marinate for the full 30 minutes to keep them juicy and flavorful in your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits.

Do I have to make homemade biscuits?

Not at all! While scratch-made biscuits are wonderfully flaky, a quality store-bought biscuit saves time and is still a perfect vessel for that spicy chicken and hot honey. This dish is about delicious comfort, not about stressing over homemade dough.

Is the hot honey very spicy?

The beauty of homemade hot honey is that you control the heat level. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking—start with less and add more for bolder spice, or even infuse for longer if you love the burn.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix regular milk with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. Stir and let it sit a few minutes to curdle; it works beautifully for both marinating the chicken and in the biscuit dough.

Can I make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits ahead for a party?

Definitely! Fry the chicken and bake the biscuits a day ahead, then reheat just before assembling. The hot honey can be made several days in advance—just warm slightly before serving for ultimate drizzling goodness.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a brunch or craved comfort food without them. They’re crispy, fluffy, sweet, and spicy all at once—and so easy to make at home. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and get ready to serve up a Southern-inspired treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!