Chicken Biscuit Recipe: Chicken biscuits are the ultimate comfort food. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery biscuit that crumbles perfectly in your mouth, paired with crispy golden chicken that’s seasoned just right. This dish brings together the heartiness of fried or baked chicken with the warm, fluffy goodness of homemade biscuits. Whether you’re preparing breakfast, lunch, or a hearty snack, chicken biscuits hit the spot every single time.
What makes chicken biscuits truly special is their versatility. You can keep them simple with just chicken and biscuits, or you can go all out by adding cheese, pickles, hot sauce, or even gravy. The recipe is straightforward, and you don’t need fancy ingredients—just kitchen basics and a little patience. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make the best chicken biscuits that taste like they came straight out of a southern kitchen.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything step by step, from the ingredients you’ll need to tips for getting your biscuits light and fluffy, plus creative variations you can try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making chicken biscuits, it’s important to prepare your ingredients in advance. Breaking them down into sections makes the cooking process smoother.
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier bites)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk (plus a little extra for brushing)
Optional Add-Ons & Seasonings
- Slices of cheddar cheese
- Pickles
- Honey or hot honey drizzle
- Country gravy
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Biscuits
Step 1 – Preparing the Chicken
Start by washing and trimming the chicken breasts or thighs. Cut them into sandwich-sized portions so they fit perfectly inside the biscuits. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you want maximum flavor and tenderness, leave it overnight in the refrigerator. The buttermilk not only softens the chicken but also helps the coating stick better later.
If you skip the marination step, the chicken may not be as juicy, so don’t rush this part—it’s worth the wait.
Step 2 – Seasoning the Chicken
After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the magic coating that gives your chicken its golden, crunchy exterior.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken. For an extra crispy layer, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again. This double-dip method ensures a thick, crunchy crust once fried.
Step 3 – Making the Biscuit Dough
Biscuits are the heart of this recipe, so they deserve special attention. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add in the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold—that’s what makes biscuits flaky.
Slowly pour in the cold buttermilk and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make biscuits tough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently knead it a few times, and then roll it out about 1-inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out biscuits.
Step 4 – Baking the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the cut biscuits onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they touch slightly (this helps them rise higher). Brush the tops with a little buttermilk for that golden-brown finish. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the biscuits are tall, fluffy, and golden.
As the biscuits bake, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of buttery goodness. Once done, let them cool slightly before slicing them in half.
Step 5 – Cooking the Chicken
While the biscuits bake, heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Place the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake or air fry the chicken. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes or air frying at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes are healthier alternatives that still taste amazing.
Step 6 – Assembling the Chicken Biscuits
Now comes the best part—putting it all together. Slice open a warm biscuit, place a crispy chicken piece inside, and top with your choice of extras: cheese, pickles, or a drizzle of honey. If you want to go Southern-style, pour a spoonful of country gravy over the chicken before topping it with the biscuit lid.
Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your homemade chicken biscuits fresh out of the oven.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Biscuit
The magic of chicken biscuits lies in the small details. It’s not just about putting fried chicken between biscuits—it’s about creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. If you want your chicken biscuits to taste like they came straight from a southern kitchen or your favorite breakfast spot, keep these tips in mind.
Crispy Chicken vs. Grilled Chicken
Most people associate chicken biscuits with fried chicken because of that irresistible crunch. Frying gives you a golden crust with juicy meat inside, but grilled chicken is also an excellent choice if you want something lighter. For grilled chicken, season the meat generously and cook it over medium heat until juicy and charred. Grilled chicken brings a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with buttery biscuits.
If you’re torn between the two, why not try both? Fried chicken for a weekend indulgence and grilled chicken for a quick weekday breakfast sandwich.
Flaky Biscuits Every Time
The key to perfect biscuits is keeping the butter cold. Warm butter melts into the dough too quickly and leaves you with dense biscuits instead of tall, fluffy ones. Use chilled butter straight from the fridge and handle the dough as little as possible. Another tip is to fold the dough over itself a couple of times before cutting biscuits—this creates beautiful layers, much like puff pastry.
Also, don’t twist the biscuit cutter. Just press it straight down and lift it. Twisting seals the edges and prevents biscuits from rising properly.
Flavor Boosting Additions
Want to take your chicken biscuits to the next level? Try brushing the tops of your biscuits with melted garlic butter right out of the oven. Or mix shredded cheddar and chives into the dough for cheesy biscuits. On the chicken side, adding a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to your seasoning mix adds heat that balances perfectly with the buttery biscuit.
For a sweet and savory twist, drizzle your finished chicken biscuit with honey or hot honey. The combination of crispy chicken, soft biscuit, and sticky sweetness is absolutely irresistible.
Variations of Chicken Biscuits
One of the best things about chicken biscuits is how versatile they are. With just a few tweaks, you can turn this recipe into something entirely different. Here are a few delicious variations you’ll want to try.
Spicy Chicken Biscuit
If you love heat, a spicy chicken biscuit will be your new favorite. Add extra cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to your chicken marinade before dredging and frying. For the finishing touch, drizzle hot honey over the chicken once assembled. This combo is a fiery yet balanced bite that spice lovers can’t resist.
Cheesy Chicken Biscuit
Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. You can add shredded cheddar or pepper jack directly into your biscuit dough before baking. Then, once your chicken is fried, top it with a slice of melted cheese before sandwiching it inside the biscuit. The creamy, gooey cheese takes the whole sandwich up a notch.
Southern Buttermilk Chicken Biscuit
This variation is all about tradition. Stick with classic buttermilk biscuits and double-coat your chicken in seasoned flour for an extra crunchy crust. Serve with country-style white gravy on top, and you’ve got yourself a southern comfort meal that rivals any diner.
What to Serve with Chicken Biscuits
Chicken biscuits are hearty on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and drinks can turn them into a complete meal.
Side Dishes
- Hash Browns or Home Fries: Crispy potatoes are always a winning side.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw balances out the richness of the biscuit and chicken.
- Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, melon, or orange slices add freshness and lighten up the meal.
- Mac and Cheese: If you’re going full comfort food, creamy mac and cheese pairs beautifully with chicken biscuits.
Drinks that Pair Well
- Sweet Tea: The southern classic—refreshing and slightly sweet.
- Iced Coffee or Latte: Perfect if you’re having chicken biscuits for breakfast or brunch.
- Fresh Lemonade: A zesty, bright drink that cuts through the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Sometimes, you’ll have leftovers (though they disappear quickly in most households). Here’s how to store and reheat them so they taste just as good the next day.
Refrigeration
Store leftover chicken and biscuits separately in airtight containers. This keeps the biscuits from getting soggy. They’ll last in the fridge for about 3 days.
Freezing for Later
Both biscuits and chicken freeze beautifully. Wrap biscuits tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. For chicken, freeze after cooking and cooling completely. Store up to 2 months.
Best Way to Reheat
- Biscuits: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore fluffiness.
- Chicken: Reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave to maintain crispiness. About 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) works perfectly.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Here’s a general estimate per serving (one chicken biscuit):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450–500 kcal |
| Protein | 25–30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35–40 g |
| Fat | 20–25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 700–800 mg |
Note: These values vary depending on portion size, frying method, and add-ons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though chicken biscuits are a relatively simple dish, a few mistakes can make the difference between “good” and “amazing.” Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Overmixing the Biscuit Dough
This is probably the number one mistake. When you stir biscuit dough too much, the gluten in the flour develops, and you end up with dense, tough biscuits instead of light and fluffy ones. Always mix just until the dough comes together. A little roughness is okay—it’s better than overworked dough. - Using Warm Butter for Biscuits
Warm or melted butter will blend into the flour instead of creating layers, resulting in flat biscuits. Always start with cold butter straight from the fridge. If your kitchen is hot, even chill your mixing bowl for extra insurance. - Skipping the Buttermilk Marinade for Chicken
Buttermilk isn’t just a flavor booster—it tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick. If you rush through this step, your chicken may turn out dry or bland. Ideally, marinate overnight for the best results. - Overcrowding the Frying Pan
When frying chicken, placing too many pieces in the oil lowers the temperature. Instead of crispy chicken, you’ll get soggy, greasy bites. Always fry in batches, giving each piece space to cook evenly. - Not Preheating the Oven Properly
Biscuits rely on a blast of high heat to rise tall and golden. If your oven isn’t fully preheated, they may turn out flat and pale. Always give your oven enough time to reach the right temperature before baking. - Assembling Too Early
Putting hot chicken inside biscuits before serving can cause steam, making the biscuit bottoms soggy. Let both the chicken and biscuits rest for a few minutes before assembling for the best texture.
By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you’ll set yourself up for consistently amazing chicken biscuits every time you make them.
FAQs about Chicken Biscuit Recipe
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the biscuits ahead and freeze them. The chicken can also be fried or baked in advance, then reheated in the oven or air fryer when ready to serve.
2. What type of flour is best for biscuits?
All-purpose flour works perfectly, but if you want extra tenderness, you can use a blend of all-purpose and cake flour. Self-rising flour is also a great shortcut.
3. Can I use store-bought biscuits?
Absolutely. While homemade biscuits taste best, store-bought ones are a time-saving alternative. Just bake according to package directions and assemble with your chicken.
4. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
The secret is a double-dip coating: dip the chicken in buttermilk, then dredge in seasoned flour, back into the buttermilk, and once more in flour before frying. Frying in hot oil (around 350°F) also ensures crispiness.
5. Can I turn this into a breakfast version?
Definitely! Add a fried egg, slice of cheese, or even a drizzle of maple syrup to turn your chicken biscuit into a breakfast sandwich.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate chicken biscuit recipe, broken down step by step. From marinating and seasoning the chicken to cutting and baking those golden, fluffy biscuits, every step plays a role in building this comfort food classic. What’s great about chicken biscuits is that they aren’t just delicious; they’re customizable. You can keep them simple or dress them up with cheese, hot honey, or gravy.
Whether you’re whipping them up for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, chicken biscuits always deliver. They’re hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Plus, once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with endless variations—from spicy to cheesy to Southern-style.
So the next time you’re craving a warm, comforting meal, skip the drive-thru and make these homemade chicken biscuits instead. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.
