Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Biscuits

Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Biscuits

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy fried chicken nestled between fluffy, warm biscuits, especially when drizzled with a decadent honey butter. This Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Biscuits recipe is comforting yet indulgent, a culinary hug that warms your heart and fills your belly. As you embark on this step-by-step journey, allow your senses to experience the rich, buttery aromas filling your kitchen and the textures that contrast perfectly with each bite. You’ll find the anticipation building as you realize that this dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table.

History / Fun Fact

Chicken and biscuits have a storied place in Southern cuisine, often associated with comforting family gatherings and Sunday dinners. Biscuits, a staple in many households, date back to the early 19th century and were influenced by British biscuit-making traditions. The unique combination of fried chicken and biscuits became popular as a hearty meal option, particularly during the Great Depression when meals needed to be filling and affordable. Today, the duo of crispy fried chicken and fluffy biscuits continues to be a beloved combination, reminding us of home-cooked meals, love, and family togetherness.

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of your biscuits, giving them a rich and tender texture.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: This key ingredient creates lift, ensuring your biscuits are fluffy.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda: Activates and helps provide a golden color and extra lightness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all your ingredients.
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, cold & cubed: Offers a creamy richness that makes the biscuits scrumptiously tender.
• 1 cup cold buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, resulting in soft, delightful biscuits.
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional): Adds a hint of natural sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut in half): Juicy meat that will be flavored and fried to crispy perfection.
• 1 cup buttermilk (for chicken): A marinade that tenderizes the chicken, resulting in mouthwatering flavor.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: A touch of heat that elevates the chicken’s flavor profile.
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour (for chicken): Creates a deliciously crispy coating once fried.
• 1⁄2 cup cornstarch: Helps achieve an extra-crispy texture.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness into the chicken’s crust.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt (for chicken): An essential ingredient to boost taste.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a warming spice to the flavor mix.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A fiery kick to complement the sweetness of honey.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil for frying that allows the chicken’s flavors to shine.
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for honey butter): Creates a luscious drizzle that can’t be resisted.
• 1⁄4 cup honey: Sweet, golden nectar that will transform your fried chicken into a true treat.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for honey butter): A daring addition for those who love a spicy twist.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for honey butter): Adds depth and flavor to the sweet butter.
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt (for honey butter): Balances the sweetness, enhancing the entire dish.

Cooking Time & Tips for Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Biscuits

Creating Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Biscuits can be an act of love that takes from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and whether you opt for a quick or slow preparation. Quick preparation involves making the biscuits and frying the chicken in one session, while a slower approach allows the chicken to marinate overnight, enhancing tenderness and flavor complexity. Always remember preparation is key!

Here are some practical tips for success: Ensure your chicken is adequately marinated to keep it juicy and flavorful. For the best biscuits, work quickly with the cold butter and buttermilk to maintain the dough’s flakiness. Fry the chicken at the right temperature (350°F / 175°C) for a perfectly crispy exterior. Lastly, serve immediately for the best experience; nothing beats the aroma and taste of fresh biscuits and chicken.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1⁄2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—think of sandy textures that will yield tender biscuits. Now, slowly stir in 1 cup of cold buttermilk and, if desired, 1 tablespoon of honey until a dough forms.

2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits, placing them on a lined baking sheet. Bake these glorious rounds for 12–15 minutes until they’re golden brown and make your kitchen smell incredible.

3. Meanwhile, marinate your chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce. Add the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated, and let it soak for at least 30 minutes (longer if possible, like overnight). This step is crucial for maximum flavor and tenderness.

4. Prepare your chicken for frying. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1⁄2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well.

5. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the dredged chicken in the hot oil and fry for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy—imagine that satisfying crunch as you bite into each piece. Let the chicken drain on a wire rack to keep it crispy.

6. While the chicken is cooling, make the honey butter. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.

7. Assemble your dish by splitting the warm biscuits in half and stuffing them lovingly with the crispy fried chicken. Drizzle the spicy honey butter generously over the top. Serve immediately, letting the warm flavors envelop you in their delightful embrace.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Biscuits are perfect for various occasions, from family dinners to brunch gatherings. Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw, perhaps some tangy pickles, or even seasonal veggies to balance out the meal. Feel free to offer up additional hot sauce for those craving a spicy kick! Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend breakfast, these biscuits and chicken will surely leave your guests smiling and satisfied.

Common Mistakes for Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Biscuits

One common mistake is overworking the biscuit dough, resulting in tough biscuits instead of tender ones. Be gentle when mixing and kneading. Another pitfall is frying the chicken at too low a temperature, which can lead to greasy chicken instead of crispy, golden goodness. Always ensure the oil is hot enough. Skipping the marinating step can also compromise tenderness; so don’t rush this essential part!

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour and place them on a baking sheet, drizzling them with a little olive oil before baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes until cooked through. For a whole grain twist, you can swap white flour for whole wheat flour in the biscuits. Vegans can easily replace chicken with crispy tofu marinated in buttermilk alternatives, and plant-based butter can be used in the biscuits and honey butter.

FAQs

1. Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare and cut the biscuits and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time.

2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
   You can make a quick substitute by combining milk with vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for a few minutes before using.

3. How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?
   You can test it by dropping in a small piece of the batter; if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.

4. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving.

5. How long can I store leftovers?
   Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for best flavor.

6. Can I skip the hot sauce?
   Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to leave it out of both the marinade and the honey butter.

Conclusion

This Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Biscuits recipe is a must-try that will captivate your taste buds and warm your heart. With its combination of crunch, fluffiness, and sweetness, it embodies a perfect soul-food experience. Gather your loved ones around the table and let the magic of this dish inspire conversations and create cherished moments. Don’t wait any longer—get into your kitchen, and start cooking this delightful dish today!

Print Recipe

Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken Biscuits

Enjoy the comforting combination of crispy fried chicken nestled between fluffy biscuits, drizzled with decadent honey butter.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course: Brunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Keyword: Biscuits, comfort food, Fried Chicken, Honey Butter, Southern Cuisine

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 650kcal

Ingredients

For the biscuits

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Forms the backbone of your biscuits.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder Creates lift for fluffy biscuits.
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda Provides a golden color and extra lightness.
• 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors.
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold & cubed For creamy richness.
• 1 cup cold buttermilk Adds tanginess and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional) A hint of natural sweetness.

For the chicken

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs Juicy meat for frying.
• 1 cup buttermilk (for chicken) Marinade for tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce Elevates flavor.
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (for chicken) Coating for frying.
• 0.5 cup cornstarch Achieves extra-crispy texture.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Infuses smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt (for chicken) Boosts taste.
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds warming spice.
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adds a kick.
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) Neutral oil for frying.

For the honey butter

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted Creates a luscious drizzle.
• 0.25 cup honey Transforms the chicken.
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for honey butter) For a spicy twist.
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (for honey butter) Adds depth.
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (for honey butter) Balances sweetness.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Slowly stir in cold buttermilk and honey until a dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1-inch thickness.
• Use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits, placing them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

Marinating Chicken

• In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken, ensuring it is coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, longer if possible.

Frying Chicken

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
• Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Let drain on a wire rack.

Making Honey Butter

• In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt until combined.

Assembly

• Split warm biscuits in half and stuff with fried chicken. Drizzle with spicy honey butter and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is adequately marinated for juiciness. Work quickly with cold butter to maintain dough flakiness. Fry at the right temperature for crispiness. Serve immediately for the best flavor.