The aroma of freshly baked biscuits can transport me to cozy Sunday mornings, where laughter and good food fill the air. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, an irresistible twist on classic Southern comfort food. Imagine sinking your teeth into flaky, buttery biscuits cradling crispy fried chicken tenders, all drizzled with a spicy sweet hot honey sauce. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also can be whipped up quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or fun-filled weekend gatherings. Trust me, this homemade creation will put any fast-food option to shame, elevating your meals with fresh, quality ingredients. Ready to dive into this delicious adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Why are these biscuits a must-try?
Irresistible Combination: The warmth of flaky biscuits paired with crispy fried chicken creates a delightful bite that’s hard to resist.
Quick Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can bring this Southern delight to your table in no time. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering!
Unique Flavor Kick: The addition of spicy hot honey elevates each bite, blending sweet and heat in a way that leaves you wanting more.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting friends or just indulging yourself, these biscuits are sure to impress. Pair them with tangy pickles and lemonade for a refreshing twist!
Easy Substitutions: Customize your experience by swapping chicken for turkey or experimenting with various spices in the hot honey. Whatever your preferences, this recipe adapts to your taste, just like my Garlic Parmesan Chicken or a hearty Chicken Noodle Soup.
Dive into a dish that’s not just food, but an experience!
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
• Chicken Tenders – This primary protein can be swapped with large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips for a hearty alternative.
• All-Purpose Flour – Essential for dredging and gives the biscuits structure; no direct substitutions are recommended.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor well; can use table salt if needed, but in a smaller quantity.
• Black Pepper – Adds mild heat; try white pepper for a different shade of spiciness.
• Garlic Powder – Provides depth; fresh garlic is a nice touch but may alter the texture slightly.
• Smoked Paprika – Infuses a subtle smoky flavor; regular paprika can be a substitute, if desired.
• Egg – Binds the coating effectively; a flax egg is a great vegan alternative.
• Oil (Vegetable/Canola/Peanut) – Used for frying the chicken; choose any high smoke point oil for the best results.
For the Biscuits
• Baking Powder – This leavening agent is essential for rising; do not substitute it.
• Baking Soda – Works in tandem with baking powder to help your biscuits rise.
• Cold Butter – Creating that coveted flaky biscuit texture; feel free to use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tang; mix milk with a teaspoon of vinegar as a quick substitute.
For the Hot Honey
• Honey – The sweet base for the spicy drizzle; maple syrup can be used for a different flavor twist.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Provides the perfect heat in the hot honey; adjust to taste or omit for a milder sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the sweetness; lemon juice can serve as a substitute.
With these ingredients for your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, you’ll create an irresistible dish that is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Step 1: Fry the Chicken
Begin by heating oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F to 375°F. While the oil warms, coat your chicken tenders in a mix of seasoned flour, dip them into beaten egg, and then return them to the flour for an extra layer of crunch. Fry the chicken in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown, ensuring they’re cooked through. Transfer the crispy tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Make the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, folding it over three times. Roll it out to about 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Hot Honey
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently until the mixture is warm and the flavors meld, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil—you’re looking for a warm, syrupy consistency that retains its sweetness with a hint of spice, perfect for drizzling on your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits.
Step 4: Assemble the Biscuits
Once your biscuits are baked and have cooled slightly, split them in half. Place a generous piece of your crispy fried chicken on the bottom half of each biscuit. Drizzle the warm hot honey over the chicken to amplify the flavors. Cap each biscuit with the top half, and for an extra touch, serve them with pickles on the side for a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the honey.
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled biscuits wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Biscuit Leftovers: Biscuits can be made in advance and kept at room temperature for about 1 day. To refresh, reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Reheating Chicken: If only the chicken is left, warm it in the oven on a baking sheet at 375°F for about 10 minutes until heated through without losing moisture.
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
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Right Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is between 365°F to 375°F for perfectly crispy chicken tenders. Using a thermometer helps avoid undercooked or burnt bites.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Fry chicken in batches! Overcrowding can drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy rather than crispy chicken tenders.
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Gentle Biscuit Handling: Handle your biscuit dough delicately—overworking it can yield tough biscuits instead of flaky, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
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Substitutions Matter: If substituting ingredients, choose those that maintain similar textures and flavors. For the hot honey, adjusted spiciness can significantly change your dish.
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Rest After Frying: Allow fried chicken to rest on a paper towel-lined plate after frying. This step lets excess oil drain, keeping your biscuits light and fluffy.
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Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat in your hot honey by adding more or fewer crushed red pepper flakes, ensuring it complements your family’s taste buds perfectly.
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits: Flavorful Variations
Feel free to play around with these variations and substitutions to create a version of Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits that’s uniquely yours!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut or almond milk mixed with vinegar instead of buttermilk, and opt for vegan butter.
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Spice Level Adjustments: Try a mix of chipotle powder or cayenne instead of crushed red pepper flakes for a smokier or spicier kick.
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Add a Sweet Twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of peach or mango jam into the hot honey for a fruity sweetness that’s simply divine.
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Herbed Biscuits: Blend in fresh herbs like chives or rosemary into the biscuit dough for an aromatic flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
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Meat-Free Option: Replace chicken tenders with crispy fried eggplant slices or cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian twist.
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Crispy Coating Crunch: Add crushed cornflakes or panko to the flour coating for extra crunch and texture on your chicken tenders.
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Zesty Sauce Alternative: Consider swapping the hot honey drizzle with a spicy chipotle mayo or a garlic aioli for a completely new flavor profile.
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Fun Serving Options: For a party, turn these biscuits into bite-sized appetizers using cocktail-sized biscuits and chicken pieces, drizzled with hot honey for easy snacking.
These variations allow you to customize the dish based on your taste and dietary preferences. If you love the idea of flavor twists, you might also enjoy my Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce or the hearty High Protein Chicken for versatile meals!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides and pairings that complement the enticing flavors of crispy chicken and sweet-hot honey.
- Tangy Pickles: The crunch and zest of pickles cut through the richness of the biscuits, adding a refreshing balance to each bite.
- Refreshing Lemonade: A cool, citrusy drink that brightens the palate and complements the spicy sweetness of the hot honey beautifully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that enhances the Southern vibe of your meal.
- Coleslaw: Fresh, crunchy slaw offers a contrasting texture and tangy flavor, lightening up the dish and making every bite a joy.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet and buttery, this classic pairing adds a seasonal touch and cheerful color to your meal, making it feel like a feast.
- Biscuits and Gravy: If you can’t get enough of those buttery biscuits, a hearty sausage gravy will make them even more irresistible—double the comfort!
- Sweet Tea: A Southern staple, this sweet and refreshing drink harmonizes with the spicy notes of the hot honey, creating a perfect sip between bites.
- Apple Pie: End your meal with a slice of warm apple pie. The sweet and spicy cinnamon apples complement the dish’s heat, rounding out the experience with a homely touch.
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can fry the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them crispy. Likewise, the biscuits can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; simply reheat them in the oven for 5-10 minutes before serving to restore their flakiness. For the hot honey, prepare it beforehand and store it in a jar—just warm it up slightly before drizzling over the assembled biscuits. This way, you can enjoy a delicious homemade feast without the stress of last-minute cooking!
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken tenders are ideal for their tenderness and easy handling, you can substitute them with large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips. This option offers a heartier bite without compromising on flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring those delightful textures come back to life!
Can I freeze Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
Very! For freezing, wrap the assembled biscuits tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F to bring back their warm, flaky goodness.
What should I do if my biscuits turn out tough?
If your biscuits are tough, it might be due to overworking the dough. I recommend gently mixing the ingredients and folding the dough just three times to maintain that flakiness. Next time, try using a light touch as you combine the ingredients!
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Of course! For a dairy-free option, swap the butter with vegan butter and use non-dairy milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar instead of buttermilk. If you’re looking for a vegan meal, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein and opt for a flax egg instead of a chicken egg!
Can I adjust the spice level in the hot honey?
Absolutely! You can customize the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the hot honey. Start with a smaller amount if you’re unsure, and keep tasting until you reach your desired level of spice. The more the merrier, as long as it suits your taste buds!
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits: The Ultimate Comfort Food Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F to 375°F. Coat chicken tenders with seasoned flour, dip in beaten egg, and return to flour. Fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 450°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in buttermilk until just combined. Fold dough three times, roll to 1-inch thickness, cut rounds, and bake for 15-17 minutes.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until warm and syrupy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Split baked biscuits and place crispy fried chicken on the bottom half of each biscuit. Drizzle hot honey over chicken, cap with top half, and serve with pickles.
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