Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit: The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Spicy & Crispy

There’s something special about waking up to the smell of crispy fried chicken and warm, buttery biscuits. I still remember the first time I made a hot honey chicken biscuit in my own kitchen. It wasn’t planned—I was just trying to recreate that perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and crispy I’d tasted at a small Southern diner on a road trip through Tennessee. But as I took my first bite, the golden biscuit crumbling just enough to soak up the fiery-sweet honey glaze, I knew I had stumbled onto something magical.

That’s why I had to perfect this recipe. And now, I’m sharing it with you. Whether you’re making these for a cozy breakfast, a weekend brunch, or just because you’re craving something outrageously delicious, this guide will show you exactly how to create the ultimate hot honey chicken biscuit—from scratch.

Introduction to Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit

What is a Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit?

A hot honey chicken biscuit is the perfect marriage of crispy fried chicken, golden buttermilk biscuits, and a sweet-heat honey glaze. The biscuit is flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of soft, while the fried chicken is crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside. But what truly sets this apart? The hot honey—a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce that drips into every layer, balancing the rich flavors with a kick of heat.

The Rising Popularity of Sweet & Spicy Breakfasts

Southern breakfasts have always been about comfort and bold flavors, but in recent years, the sweet and spicy trend has taken over menus everywhere. From Nashville hot chicken to spicy maple syrup, people love the mix of sweet and heat. The hot honey chicken biscuit takes this trend to a new level, making it a must-try for food lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s the perfect combination of crispy, buttery, spicy, and sweet.
• You can customize the heat level to suit your taste.
• The homemade biscuit and fried chicken elevate it beyond anything you’d get at a drive-thru.
• It’s an easy make-ahead meal, great for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

Now that you know why this dish is so special, let’s break down everything you’ll need to make it.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Nothing beats the perfect balance of sweet heat, crispy chicken, and a buttery biscuit. But before we start cooking, let’s break down the essential ingredients and explore some substitutions in case you want to tweak the recipe.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit

To make a hot honey chicken biscuit that rivals the best Southern diners, you need:

• Chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
• Buttermilk – Essential for tenderizing the chicken and giving it that classic Southern crunch.
• Flour & cornstarch – A mix of both creates a super crispy, golden coating.
• Hot sauce & spices – Adds bold flavor to the marinade and coating.
• Biscuits – Homemade buttermilk biscuits are best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
• Honey & chili flakes – The key to the signature hot honey sauce!

Substitutes for a Healthier or Spicier Twist

Want to switch things up? Try these easy swaps:

• For a healthier version: Air-fry or bake the chicken instead of deep-frying.
• For extra spice: Add cayenne pepper or use a hotter chili-infused honey.
• For a gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and almond flour for the biscuit.

Choosing the Right Honey & Hot Sauce Combination

The honey and hot sauce pairing makes or breaks this dish. Some of the best choices include:

• Classic: Mike’s Hot Honey + Frank’s RedHot
• Sweet & smoky: Clover honey + Chipotle hot sauce
• Extra spicy: Ghost pepper honey + Sriracha

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a hot honey chicken biscuit from scratch might sound intimidating, but trust me—it’s easier than you think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crispy, buttery, sweet, and spicy masterpiece in no time.

Making the Perfect Buttermilk Biscuit from Scratch

A great biscuit is soft, flaky, and buttery. Here’s how to get it right:

1. Mix dry ingredients – Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and a pinch of sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter – Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend cold butter into the flour.
3. Add buttermilk – Stir gently until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix!
4. Roll & cut – Roll out the dough and cut biscuits using a round cutter.
5. Bake until golden – 400°F for about 12–15 minutes.

How to Get Crispy, Juicy Fried Chicken Every Time

For that irresistible crunch, follow these key steps:

1. Marinate in buttermilk – Let the chicken soak in buttermilk + hot sauce for at least an hour (overnight is best).
2. Coat in seasoned flour – Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne for extra crispy breading.
3. Double-dip for crunch – Dip in buttermilk again, then flour for a thicker, crunchier crust.
4. Fry until golden – Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until crispy.

Preparing the Signature Hot Honey Sauce

This sweet-spicy glaze ties everything together! Just whisk together:

• ½ cup honey
• 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for extra richness)

Drizzle over hot, crispy chicken right before serving.

Assembling the Ultimate Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit

Now, the best part—building your sandwich:

1. Slice open a warm biscuit and spread with butter.
2. Place crispy fried chicken right in the center.
3. Drizzle generously with hot honey sauce.
4. Top it off with pickles or extra honey for extra flavor layers.

And there you have it—the ultimate hot honey chicken biscuit!

Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about how to take your hot honey chicken biscuit to the next level. These tips will help you achieve fluffier biscuits, crispier chicken, and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

How to Make Your Biscuit Extra Fluffy

A dry, dense biscuit? No thanks! Follow these tricks for light, airy biscuits every time:

• Use cold butter – Cut butter into small cubes and chill it before mixing. This creates pockets of steam that make biscuits rise.
• Don’t overwork the dough – Stir until just combined. Overmixing leads to tough biscuits.
• Layer for flakiness – Fold the dough over itself a few times before rolling it out.
• Bake at high heat – A 400-425°F oven helps the biscuits rise quickly for the best texture.

Getting the Chicken to the Perfect Crispiness

No one wants soggy fried chicken! Here’s how to keep it crispy:

• Double-dip in flour – For extra crunch, coat the chicken, dip it in buttermilk again, and dredge in flour a second time.
• Let the coating set – After breading, let the chicken sit for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the flour stick better.
• Fry at the right temperature – Keep the oil at 350°F. Too low? The chicken absorbs oil. Too high? It burns before cooking inside.
• Drain properly – Place fried chicken on a wire rack, not paper towels, to avoid sogginess.

The Secret to a Balanced Sweet-Heat Flavor

Getting the hot honey just right is key. Here’s how to tweak it to match your heat tolerance:

• For mild heat – Use regular honey + a splash of hot sauce.
• For medium heat – Mix hot honey + red pepper flakes.
• For extra heat – Use ghost pepper honey or add cayenne pepper.
• For smoky sweetness – A touch of smoked paprika in the honey adds depth.

Now that you know the secrets to perfection, let’s explore some fun ways to customize this dish!

Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about a hot honey chicken biscuit is that it’s so easy to customize. Whether you want to turn up the heat, make it healthier, or add a regional twist, here are some creative variations.

Spicy Nashville-Style Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit

Love the heat of Nashville hot chicken? Here’s how to turn up the spice:

• Add cayenne to the flour mixture – 1-2 teaspoons give it an extra kick.
• Use spicy buttermilk – Mix hot sauce + cayenne into the buttermilk marinade.
• Make a hot oil drizzle – Heat butter, cayenne, smoked paprika, and honey, then drizzle it over the fried chicken.

Pro Tip: Serve with pickles for that classic Nashville flavor.

Southern-Style Buttermilk vs. Flaky Layered Biscuits

Not all biscuits are created equal! Here’s how to pick the right one:

• Buttermilk biscuits – Classic, soft, and buttery. Perfect for soaking up hot honey.
• Flaky layered biscuits – More like puff pastry. Light, airy, and extra crispy.
• Drop biscuits – The easiest option! Just mix and spoon onto a baking sheet—no rolling required.

Keto & Gluten-Free Adaptations

Want to enjoy a hot honey chicken biscuit without the carbs or gluten? Try these swaps:

• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour for both the biscuit and the breading.
• Low-Carb/Keto – Make almond flour biscuits and use crushed pork rinds instead of flour for the chicken coating.
• Baked Instead of Fried – For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

No matter how you tweak it, this dish is always a winner. Now, let’s talk about what to serve with it!

Pairing & Serving Ideas

A hot honey chicken biscuit is already a showstopper, but the right side dishes and drinks can elevate your meal even more. Whether you’re serving this for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, here are the best pairings to make it a well-rounded feast.

The Best Sides to Serve with a Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit

Want to turn this into a full meal? Try these Southern-inspired sides:

• Cheesy Grits – Creamy, buttery grits balance out the spicy sweetness.
• Crispy Home Fries – Toss potatoes with paprika and fry until golden.
• Coleslaw – A tangy slaw adds crunch and cools down the heat.
• Honey Butter Cornbread – If you love extra sweetness, this one’s a must!
• Fresh Fruit Salad – Light and refreshing, it cuts through the richness.

If you’re looking for more easy Southern breakfast ideas, check out this Sausage Breakfast Muffins Recipe. These pair perfectly with the bold flavors of a hot honey chicken biscuit!

Perfect Drinks to Complement the Sweet & Spicy Flavor

The right drink can bring out the best in your hot honey chicken biscuit. Here are some top picks:

• Sweet Tea – A Southern classic! The cool, sweet tea balances the heat.
• Iced Coffee – The bitterness of cold brew complements the sweet honey glaze.
• Sparkling Lemonade – A little tartness enhances the flavors.
• Mimosa or Bloody Mary – If you’re serving this for brunch, go all in!

Making It a Complete Meal

Want to turn this into a hearty brunch platter? Serve your biscuit sandwich with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and crispy bacon on the side.

Now that you’ve got pairing ideas, let’s talk about how to store leftovers without losing that amazing crunch!

Storage & Reheating Tips

So, you’ve made the best hot honey chicken biscuit, but what if you have leftovers? No worries! With the right storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor or crispiness.

How to Store Leftover Biscuits and Chicken

To keep everything fresh:

• Biscuits – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
• Fried Chicken – Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Pro Tip: If you want to keep the hot honey sauce fresh, store it separately in a jar at room temp for 2 weeks!

The Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing Crispiness

Nobody wants soggy biscuits or chicken! Here’s the best way to reheat each part:

• Biscuits – Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or pop in the air fryer.
• Chicken – Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring back the crunch.

Freezing and Meal Prep Tips

Want to make these ahead of time? Here’s how:

• Freeze biscuits and fried chicken separately in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat biscuits in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
• Reheat frozen chicken by baking at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Now that you know how to store and reheat, let’s answer some common questions people ask about hot honey chicken biscuits!

Frequently Asked Questions

Every time I make a hot honey chicken biscuit, people ask me the same burning questions. So, I’ve put together the most common FAQs to help you troubleshoot and customize your recipe!

1. What makes hot honey different from regular honey?

Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili peppers or hot sauce. It adds a spicy kick that makes it perfect for fried chicken, pizza, and biscuits. You can make your own by mixing honey with red pepper flakes, cayenne, or sriracha!

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

Yes! If you want a lighter version of this hot honey chicken biscuit, here’s how to bake it:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Coat the chicken with buttermilk and a flour mixture just like in the frying method.
• Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Pro Tip: For an even crispier texture, spray the chicken lightly with cooking oil before baking!

3. What’s the best way to make the biscuits from scratch?

The secret to fluffy, buttery biscuits is:

• Cold butter – Keep it extra cold so it melts while baking, creating flakiness.
• Minimal handling – Overworking the dough makes biscuits tough.
• Layering the dough – Folding it over itself creates those beautiful, flaky layers.

If you want an even easier option, you can use a drop biscuit recipe instead!

4. How spicy is a hot honey chicken biscuit, and can I adjust the heat level?

The spice level is totally customizable!

• Mild – Use regular honey + a small splash of hot sauce.
• Medium – Mix hot honey with red pepper flakes.
• Spicy – Use ghost pepper honey or add extra cayenne.
• Extra Hot – Drizzle on spicy chili crisp or habanero honey for a serious kick.

Final Tip: If you’re serving these to a crowd, offer the hot honey on the side so everyone can control their spice level!

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Breakfast Treat

A hot honey chicken biscuit is more than just a sandwich—it’s a Southern comfort food classic that blends sweet, spicy, crispy, and buttery goodness into one perfect bite.

Whether you’re making this for a cozy weekend brunch, meal prepping for busy mornings, or just treating yourself, you now have everything you need to create the best version at home.

Try it out and let me know how yours turns out! Would you go for a mild honey drizzle or a fiery Nashville-style kick? Drop your thoughts below!