Oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water! There’s something magical about crispy fried chicken paired with the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey, all wrapped up in a buttery biscuit. Honestly, it’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Plus, this dish brings back memories of family gatherings where we’d all dive into a plate of these biscuits, each bite making us groan with happiness. Now, it’s your turn to experience that joy in your own kitchen!
You see, I love making this dish not just because it’s delicious but also because it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, a cozy dinner, or just as a treat for yourself, these Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are sure to make you the star of the meal! Let’s dive into making these scrumptious biscuits together!
What’s in Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
– Chicken Thighs or Breasts: I prefer using boneless and skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender even after frying. Breast meat works too, but can dry out if overcooked.
– Buttermilk: This is the magic ingredient! It tenderizes the chicken and gives it a wonderful flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
– All-Purpose Flour: Used for both coating the chicken and making biscuits. Make sure to have a good brand – Bob’s Red Mill has never let me down!
– Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper): These guys add a delightful depth of flavor to both the chicken and the biscuits. Feel free to get a bit adventurous with the spices!
– Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying the chicken. It has a high smoke point, which is key for that perfect golden-crispy crust.
– Honey: The star of the Hot Honey! Use a good quality honey for maximum flavor; I always go for raw honey if I can find it.
– Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: This is where you can control the heat! Add more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
– Baking Powder: Essential for making the biscuits rise and become fluffy.
– Cold Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and flaky texture to the biscuits. Don’t skip this – cubing the butter ensures it stays cold until it hits the oven.
Is Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits Good for You?
Let’s be real: this dish is definitely indulgent, but there are some hidden benefits!
– Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. Plus, the spices and flavorings add very few calories but tons of taste!
– Buttermilk: This tangy dairy product is lower in fat than regular cream and is packed with probiotics that are great for gut health.
– Honey: While it’s still sugar, honey has some antioxidants and provides a natural energy boost. Just watch your portion sizes if you’re keeping an eye on sugar intake.
– The only downside? Well, because of the frying, it’s definitely a bit on the heavier side. But hey, everything in moderation, right? A little deliciousness every now and then is good for the soul!
Ingredients
– **For the Chicken**:
– 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– **For the Hot Honey**:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– **For the Biscuits**:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
1. **Prepare the Chicken**:
– Start by marinating those beautiful chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better if you can wait! This step makes such a difference, trust me.
– In a separate bowl, mix together your flour, spices, salt, and pepper.
– Get your oil heating up, about 1 inch deep, in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Press it in a bit to coat really well!
– Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, let it drain on some paper towels.
2. **Make the Hot Honey**:
– In a small saucepan, combine honey and crushed red pepper flakes over low heat. Just warm it through, stir to combine, and then remove from heat. If you like it spicier, this is where you take it up a notch!
3. **Prepare the Biscuits**:
– Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Get excited—biscuits are coming!
– In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Then cut in your cold butter until it’s nice and crumbly.
– Stir in the buttermilk until just combined—don’t overmix!
– Knead it gently and pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
– Cut out your biscuits using a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass (my go-to when I can’t find the cutter). Place them onto a lined baking sheet.
4. **Bake the Biscuits**:
– Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown.
5. **Assemble the Biscuits**:
– Slice those warm biscuits in half. Place a luscious piece of fried chicken on the bottom, drizzle generously with your hot honey, and top with the biscuit lid!
6. **Serve**:
– And now, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Serve them warm and enjoy every single bite of your Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits.
Little Tips for a Big Flavor
– If you want to get even more adventurous, try adding a slice of cheese to the biscuits before you add the chicken or swap out the chicken for crispy tofu for a veggie option!
– Don’t have buttermilk? Use milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice instead.
– The hot honey can also be drizzled over pizza, fried eggs, or roasted veggies for an added kick!
Let me just say, you’re going to love this recipe! It’s easy to whip up and the results are simply irresistible. Make sure to share your experience with me when you try it—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking, my friend!