If you are craving something that perfectly combines sweet, spicy, crispy, and buttery all in one bite, you have come to the right place. This Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches Recipe brings together tender, juicy fried chicken soaked in buttermilk, layered on a flaky biscuit, and drizzled with a lip-tingling hot honey sauce. The mix of crunchy chicken, soft biscuit, and the subtle kick of heat makes this dish an irresistible Southern-inspired comfort food that feels like a warm hug with a fiery twist. Whether for brunch, lunch, or a satisfying dinner, these sandwiches will quickly become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make the magic happen in this recipe, each playing a crucial role. From the juicy chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk to the balance of spices and the sweet heat of the hot honey, every element enhances the flavor and texture of your sandwich.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These bring rich flavor and juiciness that stay tender after frying.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Essential for tenderizing and adding a subtle tang to the chicken.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that seals in moisture.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the fried chicken’s crust.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides smoky aroma and vibrant color to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth to the spice mix.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Offers just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild peppery bite to the crust.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- 4 buttermilk biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are the perfect sandwich base.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: To brush on biscuits for extra richness and golden color.
- Hot Honey: Made with ½ cup honey, 1½ teaspoons hot sauce, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, this sauce creates the signature sweet and spicy drizzle.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing your boneless chicken thighs into a bowl filled with buttermilk. This soaking process is key for juicy, tender chicken, so refrigerate and let the flavors infuse for at least one hour, or even better, overnight. The acidity in the buttermilk gently breaks down the protein, ensuring every bite is unbelievably soft and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This combination brings a crispy, well-seasoned crust, with just a little kick from the cayenne to balance the sweetness to come. When you’re ready, dredge each piece of marinated chicken in this flour mixture, pressing firmly to make sure the coating clings well for that perfect crunch.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for frying — hot enough to crisp the crust quickly without burning it or leaving the chicken undercooked. Fry each thigh for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Carefully drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the coating crisp.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken fries, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently, stirring until everything melds into a smooth, spicy syrup. This simple sauce is the star of the show, balancing sweetness with a pleasant heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Slice your buttermilk biscuits in half and brush the insides generously with melted butter. This small step adds rich flavor and prevents the biscuit from getting soggy. Place a crispy chicken thigh on the bottom half, then drizzle with a good helping of the hot honey sauce. Top with the biscuit lid, press gently, and get ready to savor every phenomenal bite.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like crunchy pickle slices or a scoop of creamy coleslaw takes these sandwiches to the next level. The pickles bring a tart snap while the coleslaw contributes a fresh crunch and cool balance to the fiery honey. Feel free to experiment with lettuce or thinly sliced red onions for added texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Complement your sandwiches with classic Southern sides such as crispy French fries, hush puppies, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides enhance the overall meal experience without overshadowing that glorious hot honey chicken flavor. A cold glass of sweet tea is also a quintessential accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, turn these sandwiches into sliders using mini biscuits and bite-sized chicken pieces. You can even drizzle the hot honey sauce on the side for guests to add as much or as little as they like. Serving them on rustic wooden boards or wrapped in parchment paper makes for charming presentation full of Southern charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sandwiches left, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, though for best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy them the day they are made.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken and biscuits separately. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Avoid freezing the hot honey sauce, as it’s best prepared fresh for maximum flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Toast the biscuits separately with a brush of butter. Reheat the hot honey sauce gently on the stove or microwave before assembling your sandwich anew for that perfect combo of crispy, warm, and sweet heat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs remain juicier and more forgiving during frying, chicken breasts or tenders can be used if you prefer white meat. Just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The sauce has a moderate spicy kick thanks to the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, but the honey’s sweetness tempers the heat. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce or flakes based on your tolerance for spice.
Is it okay to use store-bought biscuits?
Yes, store-bought biscuits work perfectly and save time. Opt for buttermilk biscuits to stay true to the authentic flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch and biscuits are gluten-free. This may slightly alter the texture but the flavors will still shine.
What’s the best oil for frying this chicken?
Vegetable oil is preferred for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can also use peanut oil or canola oil if you have them on hand.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make these irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches Recipe, it’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to this crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy fried chicken, flaky buttery biscuits, and that vibrant hot honey drizzle is simply unbeatable. Dive in, enjoy the burst of flavors, and watch this recipe become a cherished favorite on your menu rotation!
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Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits are a delightful Southern-inspired comfort food featuring crispy fried chicken thighs drenched in a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce, sandwiched between buttery buttermilk biscuits. Perfect for a flavorful lunch or dinner, they bring a balance of heat, sweetness, and savoriness in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Biscuits and Butter
- 4 buttermilk biscuits (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Hot Honey Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1½ teaspoons hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl with the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth suitable for frying (about 2 inches). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain temperature.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the heated oil. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently and warm until the sauce becomes fluid and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Biscuits: Slice the biscuits in half horizontally. Brush the inner sides generously with melted butter to add richness and flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each biscuit. Drizzle generously with the warm hot honey sauce. Top with the biscuit halves and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Add pickles or coleslaw inside the sandwich for an added crunchy texture and tangy contrast.
- Chicken breasts or tenders can be used instead of thighs if preferred, adjusting frying time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained to prevent greasy or undercooked chicken.
- For milder heat, reduce the cayenne pepper in the coating and the amount of hot sauce in the honey drizzle.
