Sink your teeth into the perfect harmony of crunchy fried chicken, buttery buttermilk biscuits, and a glossy drizzle of sweet‑spicy hot honey. These Southern‑Style Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits take comfort food to the next level, delivering layers of texture and flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re serving it up for a bold brunch crowd or craving a hearty snack with a kick, this recipe blends ease with indulgence—real food that looks and tastes like a star on the plate. The homemade biscuits are flaky and tender, while the chicken stays juicy beneath its craggy, golden crust—and all of it balanced by that sticky hot honey warmth.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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For the Fried Chicken:
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1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 large egg + 2 Tbsp water
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1½ cups all‑purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch (optional, for extra crisp)
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1 tsp kosher salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp smoked paprika (plus a pinch cayenne for heat)
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Oil for frying
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For the Biscuits:
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2 cups all‑purpose flour
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1 Tbsp baking powder
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1 tsp kosher salt
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¼ tsp baking soda
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½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed or grated
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¾ cup cold buttermilk
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¼ cup melted butter, for brushing
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For the Hot Honey:
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½ cup honey
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1–2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
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Directions:
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Fry the chicken: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 365–375 °F. Whisk together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and cayenne. In a separate bowl, whisk egg and water. Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, then again in flour mixture. Fry 2–4 strips at a time until golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
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Make the biscuits: Preheat oven to 450 °F. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Cut butter into dry mix until crumb‑like. Stir in buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface, pat into a rectangle, fold in thirds, and repeat twice. Cut into 10‑12 biscuits. Bake 15–17 minutes until golden. Brush warm with melted butter.
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Prepare the hot honey: In a small saucepan, gently warm honey and red pepper flakes over medium heat for a few minutes. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Cool slightly before serving.
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Assemble: Split biscuits in half. Place a strip of fried chicken on the bottom half, drizzle generously with hot honey, and top with the biscuit crown. Serve with pickles if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: ~35 minutes | Total Time: ~50 minutes
Kcal: approx 550 kcal per sandwich | Servings: 4–6 sandwiches
The Magic of Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a Southern classic that beautifully fuses sweet, spicy, and savory flavors into a dish that is both nostalgic and modern. While fried chicken and biscuits are already beloved staples in American comfort food, the addition of hot honey brings an unexpected twist that transforms a familiar dish into something truly unforgettable. Whether served at brunch, lunch, or dinner, these biscuits bring joy to any table they grace.
Originating from the Southern United States, this dish reflects the region’s deep-rooted culinary traditions—crispy, seasoned chicken, rich buttery biscuits, and bold flavor enhancements. Today, this recipe is experiencing a resurgence across the country, making appearances at gourmet restaurants, food trucks, and home kitchens alike.
What Makes This Dish Special?
What sets Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits apart is the clever contrast of textures and flavors. You get the crunch from perfectly fried chicken, the fluffiness and warmth from fresh buttermilk biscuits, and a hit of sweetness with the heat from the hot honey. It’s a full sensory experience with every bite: the softness of the biscuit cradles the juicy, crispy chicken, while the honey coats everything in a sticky, spicy glaze that lingers pleasantly.
The flavor profile is beautifully balanced—this isn’t overwhelming heat, but rather a slow, warming spice that enhances rather than overpowers. The sweet honey tempers the spice, making the dish approachable even for those who typically avoid heat.
The Role of Buttermilk Biscuits
The biscuit is more than just a vehicle here—it’s an essential part of the dish’s character. Traditional buttermilk biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and slightly tangy, with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. Their soft interior and golden, lightly crisped exterior provide the perfect texture to complement the fried chicken.
Homemade biscuits elevate the entire experience. They act as a warm, pillowy base that absorbs some of the honey, while still holding together the structure of the sandwich. Store-bought or frozen biscuits simply can’t match the flavor and texture of freshly baked ones, making it worth the effort to go homemade.
The Importance of Properly Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is an art form in itself, and for this recipe, it needs to be both crispy and juicy. The chicken should be marinated or soaked in buttermilk, which tenderizes the meat and imparts a tangy flavor. The flour coating can be seasoned in various ways—adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper allows you to adjust the flavor intensity to your preference.
A key tip for success is double dredging: coating the chicken in flour, dipping it in egg wash, and then coating it again before frying. This results in that craggy, golden crust that crackles when you bite into it. The crunch is essential, as it contrasts perfectly with the soft biscuit and sticky hot honey.
How Hot Honey Changes the Game
Hot honey might be the smallest component of this dish in volume, but it has the biggest flavor impact. It’s simple—just honey infused with chili flakes and often a splash of vinegar—but it brings complex notes of sweetness, heat, and acidity.
Drizzling the hot honey over the chicken just before serving lets it soak slightly into the crispy breading, enhancing both taste and texture. It provides that satisfying sticky glaze that ties the whole sandwich together. Plus, it’s highly customizable. You can make your own hot honey to control the heat level and even add ingredients like smoked chili or rosemary for extra flair.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are versatile. You can serve them as an indulgent weekend brunch, a hearty lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a gathering. To complete the meal, serve alongside:
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Pickles: Their acidity balances the richness of the chicken and biscuit.
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Coleslaw: Offers a refreshing crunch and contrast in temperature.
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Mac and Cheese: Keeps the Southern comfort theme going with creamy indulgence.
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Fresh Fruit or Salad: Provides a light, refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the sandwich.
You can also get creative—add a fried egg for a breakfast version, or top with arugula for a more elevated twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time to save effort. The biscuits can be made a day in advance and gently reheated. The hot honey keeps well in a sealed jar for weeks, so you can use leftovers in other dishes—try it on pizza, grilled cheese, or roasted vegetables.
Fried chicken is most satisfying when freshly made, but you can fry it in advance and reheat it in the oven to maintain crispiness. To store leftovers, keep chicken, biscuits, and honey separate and assemble just before serving.
A Family Favorite That’s Easily Customizable
One of the biggest advantages of this dish is how customizable it is. You can go as simple or elaborate as you like. Want to spice it up even more? Add jalapeño slices or sriracha to the hot honey. Want it kid-friendly? Use less chili and go for a sweeter honey base. Gluten-free or dairy-free biscuits can be used for dietary needs, and the chicken can be baked or air-fried for a lighter option.
This dish works year-round, too. In cooler months, it’s the ultimate comfort food. In warmer months, it’s the star of your picnic spread or backyard brunch.
The Cultural Appeal of Southern Food
This dish is also a great ambassador of Southern cuisine. Fried chicken and biscuits are more than just food in the South—they’re tradition, identity, and memory. Adding hot honey brings a modern twist to a deeply rooted culinary history.
The popularity of Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits also reflects the current food movement that blends tradition with innovation. It respects the roots of soul food while adapting it to new flavors and contemporary techniques. This makes it attractive not just for Southerners, but for food lovers everywhere.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a celebration of contrast—sweet and spicy, crispy and soft, indulgent and approachable. They hit all the right notes whether you’re hosting brunch, making a comforting dinner, or treating yourself to a flavorful meal at home.
This dish is more than just a sandwich—it’s a Southern tradition reimagined for the modern kitchen. Once you try it, it’s likely to become a staple in your household. And best of all, it’s adaptable, fun to make, and sure to satisfy even the most demanding palates. Add it to your rotation, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the most requested recipe on your table.
