If you’re craving the perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken and warm, buttery biscuits, this Chicken Biscuit Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a Southern classic that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite—ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re cooking from scratch or using leftovers, this recipe is easy, fast, and family-approved.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps.
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, flaky biscuits with crispy chicken—what’s not to love?
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty dinner.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with picky eaters.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Use pre-cooked or leftover chicken to save time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 4 pieces |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Unsalted butter (cold) | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Paprika (optional) | 1/2 tsp |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the biscuits.
- Make the Biscuit Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and mix it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the milk, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Biscuits:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
- Roll it out to about 1-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter (or a glass) to cut out circles.
- Place the biscuits on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until crispy and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Assemble the Biscuits:
- Split the biscuits in half and place a piece of fried chicken between each biscuit.
- Serve hot, with optional toppings like honey, gravy, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Biscuit Recipe! Perfect for any meal of the day.
Tips for Best Results
- Use Cold Butter for Biscuits:
Cold butter is key to flaky, tender biscuits. Keep your butter refrigerated until just before mixing, and avoid overworking the dough to maintain those buttery layers. - Don’t Overmix the Dough:
Overmixing creates tough biscuits. Stir the dough just until it comes together—lumps are okay. Gentle handling keeps the biscuits soft and airy. - Marinate the Chicken for Flavor:
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy flavor. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have time. - Double-Coat for Extra Crunch:
For extra crispy chicken, dredge the marinated chicken in flour, dip it back in buttermilk, then coat again in flour. This double-dip method gives it a thick, crunchy crust. - Use a Thermometer for Chicken:
Ensure your chicken is cooked through without drying out. Use a meat thermometer—internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C). - Drain on a Wire Rack:
After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of paper towels. This keeps the coating crisp by allowing air to circulate. - Make Biscuits Ahead:
You can make biscuit dough in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You can also freeze shaped, unbaked biscuits for later. - Customize Your Flavor:
Add spices like cayenne, garlic powder, or thyme to the flour mix for extra flavor. You can also drizzle honey or add pickles when assembling for a flavor kick. - Serve Immediately:
Chicken biscuits are best served fresh and hot. If making ahead, reheat biscuits in the oven and chicken in the air fryer to maintain texture.
Follow these tips for a perfect Chicken Biscuit Recipe every time!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Warm Butter in Biscuit Dough:
Warm or soft butter blends too much into the flour, resulting in dense biscuits. Always use cold butter and handle the dough gently to create flaky layers. - Overworking the Dough:
Mixing or kneading biscuit dough too much develops gluten, which leads to tough, chewy biscuits. Mix just until combined and avoid pressing the dough too hard when shaping. - Skipping the Buttermilk Marinade:
The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken. Skipping this step can result in bland or dry meat. - Not Seasoning the Flour Mixture:
One of the most common mistakes is using plain flour for dredging. Make sure to season your flour with salt, pepper, and spices for flavorful chicken. - Frying with Oil That’s Not Hot Enough:
If the oil isn’t hot (350°F / 175°C), the chicken will absorb too much and turn greasy instead of crisp. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece before frying. - Crowding the Pan:
Adding too much chicken at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches for consistent, crispy results. - Using Only Boneless Breasts:
Boneless chicken breasts tend to dry out quickly. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them better for this recipe. - Forgetting to Rest the Chicken:
Letting the fried chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes keeps it crispy and helps set the crust. Avoid stacking or covering it right away. - Not Serving Immediately:
The texture of both biscuits and fried chicken is best right after cooking. Reheating can make the biscuit dry and the chicken lose its crunch.
Avoid these mistakes for a foolproof, delicious Chicken Biscuit Recipe every time!
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Chicken Biscuit Sandwich:
Serve your chicken biscuit sandwich as is, or enhance it with classic toppings. Add a drizzle of honey or hot sauce for a sweet-spicy contrast. You can also add pickles for a tangy crunch. - With Gravy:
Take your chicken biscuit up a notch by smothering it in creamy sausage gravy or white pepper gravy. This Southern-style addition makes it even more comforting and rich, perfect for breakfast or brunch. - As a Breakfast Sandwich:
Add a fried egg and cheese to your chicken biscuit to create a hearty breakfast sandwich. Serve with a side of hash browns or grits for a complete Southern breakfast. - With Coleslaw or Salad:
A light, tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad pairs perfectly with the richness of the fried chicken and buttery biscuits. It adds freshness and balance to the dish. - With Mac and Cheese:
For an indulgent meal, serve your chicken biscuit with a side of creamy, baked macaroni and cheese. This pairing brings together two comfort food classics that everyone will love. - Chicken Biscuit Sliders:
For a fun twist, make mini versions of the chicken biscuit by cutting smaller biscuits and using bite-sized chicken pieces. These sliders are perfect for parties, game day, or snacks. - With Sweet Potato Fries:
Pair your chicken biscuit with sweet potato fries for a sweet-savory combo. The crispness of the fries complements the soft biscuits, while the sweetness contrasts the salty chicken. - With a Spicy Twist:
Add a layer of pimento cheese or spicy mayo to give your chicken biscuit a Southern kick. This is great for those who like a little extra heat in their meal.
Enjoy these serving suggestions to elevate your Chicken Biscuit Recipe and create a memorable meal!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers:
- Biscuits: To store leftover biscuits, wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped biscuits in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Fried Chicken: To store fried chicken, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Biscuits:
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the biscuits in foil to retain moisture, then heat for 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore the softness and flakiness of the biscuits.
- Microwave Method: For quick reheating, wrap biscuits in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This method works well for softening, but it won’t crisp up the biscuits.
- Reheating Fried Chicken:
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep the coating crispy. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Air Fryer Method: The air fryer is ideal for reheating fried chicken while keeping it crispy. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through.
- Microwave Method: While convenient, the microwave can make the coating soggy. If you must use it, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Freezing and Reheating:
- If freezing the chicken biscuits, assemble the biscuits without sauces or toppings, and freeze them in individual portions. To reheat, bake both the chicken and biscuits in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for the best result.
Following these storage and reheating tips will help keep your Chicken Biscuit Recipe fresh and delicious for days!
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Biscuits:
- For a gluten-free version of the biscuits, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps with texture. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to get the right consistency.
- Vegan Chicken Biscuits:
- Replace the chicken with a plant-based chicken substitute, such as tofu, tempeh, or a store-bought vegan chicken option. For a crispy texture, coat the plant-based protein in flour and spices, then pan-fry or bake.
- Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter for the biscuits to make the entire recipe vegan-friendly.
- Spicy Chicken Biscuit:
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour when dredging the chicken. You can also incorporate hot sauce into the buttermilk marinade or add a spicy spread like sriracha mayo between the biscuits for an added kick.
- Consider topping the biscuit sandwich with jalapeños or pickled hot peppers for more spice.
- Cheesy Biscuits:
- Add shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan to the biscuit dough for a rich, savory flavor. This works well with both the biscuits and the fried chicken, creating a deliciously cheesy bite.
- Honey Butter Biscuit:
- Mix honey with melted butter and brush it over the warm biscuits after baking for a sweet, buttery finish. This adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory fried chicken.
- Herb-Infused Biscuits:
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the biscuit dough for a fragrant, flavorful twist. This variation pairs beautifully with both fried chicken and a light salad.
- Buttermilk Substitute:
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily substitute it with 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe.
These variations and substitutions allow you to customize your Chicken Biscuit Recipe to suit your dietary preferences and flavor preferences!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the ingredients in Chicken in a Biscuit?
The main ingredients for Chicken in a Biscuit include fried chicken and biscuits. For the fried chicken, you’ll need chicken (typically thighs or breasts), buttermilk, flour, and spices (such as salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder). For the biscuits, the basic ingredients are flour, butter, buttermilk, baking powder, and salt. Some variations may include cheese, herbs, or honey for added flavor.
2. What is the secret to a good biscuit?
The key to a great biscuit lies in using cold butter and minimal mixing. Cold butter creates pockets of air that make the biscuits flaky. Handle the dough gently to avoid overworking it, as this can result in dense biscuits. Additionally, ensure you bake at the right temperature (around 425°F or 220°C) for golden, crisp edges and soft centers. The use of buttermilk also contributes to a tender texture and rich flavor.
3. Are Chick-fil-A biscuits homemade?
Chick-fil-A biscuits are not made from scratch in every restaurant. While the chain uses high-quality ingredients, the biscuits are partially pre-made and then baked fresh in each location. They do not prepare the dough entirely from scratch on-site, but they are still baked fresh daily, ensuring they have a warm, homemade taste.
These answers should help clarify some common questions about Chicken Biscuit Recipe and the secret to perfect biscuits!
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