Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits: A Sweet and Spicy Southern Delight

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits bring together the perfect balance of flavors: crispy fried chicken tenders, flaky biscuits, and a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle. This delicious recipe is a fusion of classic Southern comfort food with a twist of heat from the hot honey sauce. The combination of tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with soft, buttery biscuits makes this dish ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The addition of the hot honey sauce—made with pure honey, red pepper flakes, and a touch of apple cider vinegar—adds just the right amount of spice and sweetness to every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something indulgent, Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits will become a fast favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits combine three beloved components: crispy fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and the delightful kick of hot honey. The chicken tenders are perfectly seasoned, fried to golden perfection, and paired with freshly made biscuits that are rich and buttery. The hot honey drizzle, with its balanced sweetness and heat, brings everything together in a way that will have your taste buds dancing. This dish is both comforting and exciting, offering a flavor profile that hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the ingredients are simple yet transformative. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or dinner, Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds chicken tenders (choose uniform size for even cooking)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (regular flour works best)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg (room temperature for better coating)
• Vegetable oil (for frying, needs high smoke point)

For the Biscuits:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (measure by spooning and leveling)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (ensure it’s fresh for proper rise)
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup real buttermilk (not substitute)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

For the Hot Honey:

• ½ cup pure honey (not blended)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (adds brightness)

Variations

• Spicy Adjustments: If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey or add some cayenne pepper to the fried chicken breading.
• Herbed Biscuits: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the biscuit dough for a savory twist.
• Chicken Alternatives: While chicken tenders work perfectly for this recipe, you could swap them for chicken breasts or thighs if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken tenders with plant-based chicken alternatives, use a dairy-free milk for the biscuits, and vegan butter for both the biscuits and the hot honey sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another shallow dish, beat the egg until smooth. Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, dip it into the egg, and then coat it again in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken tenders, frying them in batches if necessary. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the oil and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the buttermilk, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Do not overmix. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times to bring it together. Roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness and cut it into rounds using a biscuit cutter or a glass. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Once done, brush the biscuits with melted butter.

Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken and biscuits are cooking, prepare the hot honey by combining the honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey is warmed through and the red pepper flakes are infused into the sauce. Taste and adjust the level of heat by adding more red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Once the chicken and biscuits are ready, place a biscuit on each plate, top it with a fried chicken tender, and drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the breading adhere better to the chicken, creating a crispier coating.
• Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature consistent to avoid greasy chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Flaky Biscuits: For super flaky biscuits, be sure to keep the butter as cold as possible. The cold butter creates steam while baking, giving the biscuits their light texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in dense biscuits. Gently mix until just combined.
• Customize the Hot Honey: Adjust the sweetness and heat level of the hot honey sauce to your liking. For extra heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

How to Serve

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits can be served on their own or alongside a simple side like coleslaw or a fresh green salad. They make a great main course for brunch, lunch, or dinner. For an extra touch, serve with crispy fries or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The biscuits should be kept in a separate container to maintain their texture. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, and warm the biscuits in the microwave or oven.

Freezing

You can freeze both the fried chicken and the biscuits. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. For best results, freeze the chicken and biscuits separately. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Warm the biscuits in the microwave or oven until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but you will need to cut them into tenders or smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuits in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake them and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in a jar. Simply reheat it before serving.

4. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

While vegetable oil works best due to its high smoke point, you can use canola oil or peanut oil as alternatives.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done frying?

The chicken should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.

6. Can I make the recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the chicken and biscuits to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to use certified gluten-free flour for the best results.

7. How can I make the biscuits fluffier?

To make the biscuits fluffier, make sure to use cold butter and do not overmix the dough. Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it light and airy.

8. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a healthier version of this dish.

9. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey sauce to your desired heat level. You can also add more paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken breading for extra spice.

10. Can I serve this for breakfast?

Yes! Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are perfect for brunch or breakfast. Add a side of scrambled eggs for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a flavorful and indulgent dish that brings together the crispy, savory goodness of fried chicken, the fluffiness of freshly baked biscuits, and the sweet heat of homemade hot honey. Perfect for any meal of the day, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests with its rich, balanced flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a brunch gathering, Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are guaranteed to be a hit!

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