Easy Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Recipe| Perfect For Breakfast
The Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit has quickly become a beloved favorite for those seeking a delicious twist on breakfast fare. This delectable dish, particularly famous at Whataburger, combines the savory goodness of lightly breaded chicken with the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth joy of honey butter, all nestled within a soft, fluffy biscuit. The contrast of flavors and textures makes the Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit not just a meal but an experience.
Introduced as a part of Whataburger’s breakfast menu, this innovative offering captures the essence of what makes breakfast special. It’s a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, designed to cater to a wide array of palates. The honey butter, with its creamy consistency and sweet flavor, perfectly complements the crispy, tender chicken, making every bite a symphony of taste. Served warm, the biscuit holds everything together, adding a buttery richness that ties the meal together.
The popularity of the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit from Whataburger is a testament to its unique appeal. It’s not just a breakfast item; it’s a cult favorite, a must-try for both regular patrons and newcomers alike. Whether you’re on the go or taking a moment to savor your morning, the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit promises a delightful start to your day, making it an iconic staple in the world of fast-food breakfast.
Prep time
20 minutes (plus marinating time if you choose to marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight)
Cook time
20 minutes
Cuisine
American
Course
Breakfast, Brunch
Servings
4 persons
Kitchen Tools Needed
Kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or fork
Mixing bowls
Skillet or frying pan
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (for biscuits, optional)
Oven (for biscuits)
Stove
Spatula
Knife
Cutting board
Biscuit cutter (if making biscuits from scratch)
Ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Honey Butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Biscuits
4 large, flaky biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
How To Make Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit?
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken into pieces that will fit nicely on your biscuits. If using chicken breasts, you may want to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
In a shallow dish, mix the buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. For best results, let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight.
In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your dredging mixture.
Frying the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/2 inch deep for pan-frying.
Take the chicken out of the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure they are completely coated.
Fry the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Making Honey Butter
While the chicken is frying, prepare the honey butter. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, honey, and salt. Whisk together until smooth and fully incorporated.
Assembling the Biscuits
If you’re using store-bought biscuits, warm them as per the package instructions. For homemade biscuits, prepare and bake them according to your recipe.
Slice each biscuit in half. Spread a generous amount of honey butter on both halves of the biscuits.
Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each biscuit. If desired, you can add an additional dollop of honey butter on top of the chicken before covering with the biscuit top.
Serving
Serve the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits immediately while they are still warm. Enjoy this sweet and savory combination as a delightful start to your day or a comforting brunch option.
What To Serve With Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit?
Scrambled Eggs with Chives: A fluffy batch of scrambled eggs, sprinkled with fresh chives, adds a creamy texture and a pop of color, enhancing the overall breakfast experience.
Crispy Hash Browns: Golden and crunchy, hash browns offer a delightful contrast in texture to the soft biscuits, making for a satisfying side that completes the breakfast plate.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad, featuring seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, can balance the richness of the honey butter chicken biscuit with its natural sweetness and tang.
Cheese Grits: Creamy, cheesy grits with a hint of garlic or smoked paprika serve as a comforting side, blending seamlessly with the Southern flair of the honey butter chicken biscuit.
Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw, with a hint of sweetness, offers a refreshing contrast to the dish, adding both texture and a vibrant flavor profile.
Sweet Potato Fries: Oven-baked sweet potato fries, seasoned with a touch of cinnamon or smoked paprika, bring a sweet and savory element that pairs wonderfully with the honey butter theme.
Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Fresh avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole on the side add a creamy texture and a rich, buttery taste that beautifully complements the crispy chicken and sweet honey butter.
Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickled cucumbers, carrots, or beets can introduce a delightful zing and crunch, cutting through the richness of the dish with their acidity and brightness.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with salt and chili powder, offers a classic, simple side that echoes the comfort food vibe of the main dish.
Make Ahead, Storage and Reheating
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the Honey Butter in Advance: Mix the honey and butter, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be made several days ahead and brought to room temperature or gently warmed before serving.
Marinate the Chicken Overnight: For extra flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture in the fridge overnight.
Prep the Biscuit Dough: If making homemade biscuits, prepare the dough the night before, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Roll out and bake the biscuits the next morning.
Storage Suggestions
Refrigerate Leftover Biscuits and Chicken Separately: Store any leftover chicken and biscuits in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Honey butter should be stored in the fridge in a sealed container.
Freezing for Longer Storage: Freeze cooked chicken pieces and biscuits separately. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap biscuits and chicken separately in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain moisture.
Microwave Method for Quick Reheating: Place a damp paper towel over the biscuit and chicken and microwave for 30-60 seconds or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat as the biscuit can become tough.
Skillet Method for Crispy Chicken: To recrisp the chicken, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken for a few minutes on each side until the exterior is crispy again.
Health Benefits
Protein-Rich Breakfast: The chicken in the biscuit provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Starting your day with a protein-rich breakfast can help keep you feeling full and satisfied longer, which might aid in weight management efforts.
Energy Boost: The carbohydrates from the biscuit offer a quick source of energy, making this dish a potential option for a pre-workout breakfast or for mornings when you need an extra energy boost.
Homemade Honey Butter Advantage: When homemade, the honey butter component can be made with natural ingredients, providing the benefits of honey, which includes antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Using real butter also offers some fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A and E.
Opportunity for Whole Grains: By choosing to make or buy whole-grain biscuits, you can increase the fiber content of the meal, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help with maintaining a healthy weight.
Customizable for Healthier Variations: The dish can be modified for a healthier version by using grilled chicken instead of fried, reducing the amount of honey butter used, or incorporating whole wheat flour in the biscuit recipe to increase its nutritional value.
Mood Lifting: The combination of sweet honey and savory butter can be mood-lifting, providing a sensory experience that may improve your overall sense of well-being, especially when enjoyed occasionally as a treat.
Calcium and Iron: Depending on the ingredients used, the biscuits can provide calcium (if milk or buttermilk is used in the dough) and the chicken offers iron, both of which are important nutrients for bone health and energy levels, respectively.
Variations
Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits: Add a kick to your honey butter by mixing in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This variation is perfect for those who love a balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Whole Wheat Biscuits: Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for the biscuit dough to add a nutty flavor and increase the fiber content, making it a heartier and healthier option.
Vegan Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits: Use plant-based chicken alternatives, vegan buttermilk (made with plant milk and vinegar or lemon juice), and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Opt for a vegan butter substitute for the honey butter spread.
Gluten-Free Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for both the biscuits and the chicken breading, ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free, to cater to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Barbecue Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits: Mix your favorite barbecue sauce into the honey butter for a smoky, tangy twist that complements the fried chicken and biscuits.
Breakfast Sausage Chicken Biscuits: Swap the chicken for breakfast sausage patties for a different take on the classic breakfast sandwich, combining savory sausage with sweet and rich honey butter.
Herb-Infused Honey Butter: Enhance the honey butter by adding finely chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, offering a fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the chicken and biscuits.
Substitutions
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a quick substitute by mixing one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with a cup of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Alternative Sweeteners: Replace honey with other natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave syrup in the honey butter mixture to vary the flavor profile or to accommodate vegan diets.
Dairy-Free Options: For those avoiding dairy, use dairy-free milk alternatives in the biscuit dough and a dairy-free butter substitute for both the biscuits and the honey butter.
Biscuit Alternatives: If you’re short on time or ingredients for homemade biscuits, use store-bought biscuit dough or even English muffins as a quick and easy alternative.
Different Flours: Experiment with different types of flour for the biscuits, such as spelt or oat flour, for a different flavor and nutritional profile. Keep in mind the texture might change, and adjustments to the recipe may be necessary.
Air Fryer Chicken: For a healthier version of the fried chicken, use an air fryer instead of deep frying. This method uses significantly less oil but still achieves a crispy exterior.
Tips and Tricks
Marinate for Flavor: Soak your chicken pieces in buttermilk overnight. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds depth to the flavor, ensuring each bite is juicy and delicious.
Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning your flour mixture. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper can elevate the taste of your chicken, creating a savory contrast to the sweet honey butter.
Perfect Your Honey Butter: For an extra smooth and flavorful honey butter, allow your butter to reach room temperature before mixing with honey. This ensures easy spreading and a perfect blend of sweetness with every bite.
Get the Right Biscuit Texture: If making biscuits from scratch, handle the dough as little as possible to keep them light and fluffy. Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits.
Opt for Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this dish means every ingredient shines. Opt for high-quality, fresh chicken and real butter to ensure the best taste.
Even Cooking: Pound the chicken to an even thickness before frying. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly, preventing any parts from being undercooked or overly dry.
Use a Thermometer for Oil: To fry the chicken to perfection, use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool, and the chicken absorbs excess oil, becoming soggy.
Rest the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps the crust crispy by allowing air to circulate around the entire piece.
Warm Your Biscuits: Before assembling, toast or warm your biscuits slightly. This helps them to hold up better against the warm chicken and melting honey butter, enhancing the overall texture.
Customize Your Spread: Feel free to add your own twist to the honey butter by incorporating a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even orange zest for a unique flavor profile.
Make Ahead: Both the chicken and biscuits can be made ahead of time. Simply reheat in the oven for a quick assembly in the morning, ensuring a warm and crispy result.
Balance Your Meal: Considering the richness of this dish, pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to add a refreshing element to your meal, balancing out the overall heaviness.
Yes, you can! The chicken can be marinated overnight and fried in the morning, or you can cook it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven to keep the crispiness. Biscuits can also be baked ahead and warmed up before serving. The honey butter can be prepared days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply assemble everything when ready to serve for a quick and delicious meal.
To make a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour for the biscuits, air-frying or baking the chicken instead of deep-frying, and using a light butter or a plant-based butter alternative for the honey butter. You can also reduce the amount of honey butter used or substitute it with a honey and Greek yogurt blend for a lower-calorie option.
For juicy and crispy chicken, ensure your chicken is at room temperature before frying to cook more evenly. Use a thermometer to keep your oil at the optimal temperature of 350°F (175°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil’s temperature, and let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to maintain its crispiness.
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This mixture can be used as a direct replacement for buttermilk in marinating the chicken.
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. If using breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay tender. Keep in mind, though, that thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits stand as a testament to the delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, offering a versatile dish that effortlessly bridges the gap between breakfast comfort and culinary innovation. This dish, with its tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a golden, crispy coating, paired with the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of honey butter, all sandwiched between flaky, buttery biscuits, captures the essence of Southern cuisine while inviting personal twists and healthier alternatives.
Whether served as a leisurely weekend breakfast, a special brunch treat, or a satisfying meal any time of the day, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits promise a memorable eating experience that pleases the palate and warms the soul. Their ability to be customized ensures that they can be enjoyed in countless ways, making them a beloved choice for food enthusiasts everywhere.
