Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Recipe: Make the Best Crispy Sandwich at Home!

There’s something downright magical about a honey butter chicken biscuit. It’s that perfect mix of crispy, juicy fried chicken, soft and flaky buttermilk biscuit, and rich, sweet honey butter that melts into every bite. Whether you’re a fan of Whataburger’s famous version or love Wendy’s take on this breakfast classic, you’ll be thrilled to know you can whip up an even better one at home!

What is a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit?

Origins of the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit

While biscuits and fried chicken have been staples in Southern cuisine for centuries, the honey butter chicken biscuit is a relatively new addition. Fast food chains like Whataburger and Wendy’s popularized it, turning a simple breakfast sandwich into an irresistible morning must-have.

Why It’s a Popular Breakfast Choice

What makes this biscuit sandwich so beloved? Simple:

• Sweet & savory contrast – The balance of crispy fried chicken and buttery honey sweetness is pure magic.
• Hearty & satisfying – It’s packed with protein and carbs, giving you a fulfilling start to the day.
• Homemade tastes better – Fast food versions are tasty, but making it fresh at home lets you tweak flavors, crispiness, and biscuit softness to your liking.

What Makes It So Delicious?

Let’s break it down:

• The Chicken – Juicy, crispy, seasoned just right.
• The Biscuit – Flaky, buttery, tender inside with a golden-brown crust.
• The Honey Butter – Sweet, silky, and the perfect finishing touch.

The Best Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Recipes

Craving that perfect balance of crispy, buttery, and sweet? You’ve got two options—grab one from a fast-food joint or make your own at home. But trust me, once you taste a homemade honey butter chicken biscuit, you’ll never look back!

Let’s compare fast food vs. homemade, then jump right into two mouthwatering recipes—a classic Whataburger copycat and a spicy twist for those who like a little heat.

Homemade vs. Fast Food Versions

Fast-food chains like Whataburger and Wendy’s have put their own spin on the honey butter chicken biscuit, but does convenience really beat homemade? Let’s break it down.

Fast Food Version

✔️ Quick and easy—just drive up and grab one.
✔️ Consistent taste every time.
❌ Often greasy and overly processed.
❌ Loaded with preservatives, sodium, and hidden sugars.
❌ Can be dry, lacking that fresh, buttery biscuit texture.

Homemade Version

✔️ 100% fresh ingredients, no preservatives.
✔️ You control the seasoning, crispiness, and biscuit fluffiness.
✔️ Can be customized—spicy, extra buttery, gluten-free, you name it!
❌ Takes a little more time (but SO worth it).

Classic Whataburger Copycat Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (juicier than chicken breast!)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter, grated
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

For the Honey Butter:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken – In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra juiciness).
2. Prepare the biscuits – Mix flour and butter until crumbly. Stir in buttermilk until just combined. Roll out, cut into rounds, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes.
3. Fry the chicken – Heat oil in a skillet. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the honey butter – Stir together butter and honey until smooth.
5. Assemble – Split a biscuit, add crispy chicken, and drizzle generously with honey butter.

Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Recipe

Spicy Tweaks:

🔥 Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
🔥 Use spicy honey (or mix 1 tablespoon hot sauce into the honey butter).
🔥 Swap regular hot sauce for sriracha or chipotle sauce.

How to Make the Perfect Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit at Home

Step-by-Step Recipe with Ingredients

Before we start, gather these ingredients.

Ingredients

✅ For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (juicier than breast!)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, but adds flavor)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for mild heat)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

✅ For the Buttermilk Biscuits:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter, grated
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

✅ For the Honey Butter:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken and let it soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) for maximum tenderness.

2️⃣ Prepare the Biscuits – Combine self-rising flour and grated cold butter until crumbly. Stir in buttermilk until just combined. Roll out, cut into rounds, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes.

3️⃣ Fry the Chicken – Heat oil in a skillet. Dredge the marinated chicken in a flour mixture (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne). Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

4️⃣ Make the Honey Butter – Stir together softened butter and honey until smooth.

5️⃣ Assemble – Split a warm biscuit, add crispy chicken, and drizzle generously with honey butter.

Best Cooking Tips for Crispy, Juicy Chicken

A honey butter chicken biscuit is only as good as its fried chicken. Here’s how to get extra-crispy, juicy chicken every time.

✔️ Marinate for at least 30 minutes – Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful. Overnight is even better!

✔️ Double Dredge for Extra Crunch – Want extra crispy chicken? After dipping in flour, let it sit for a few minutes, then dredge again. This creates a craggier, crunchier coating.

✔️ Use a Heavy Skillet – A cast-iron skillet holds heat better, giving you a more even fry.

✔️ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Too many pieces in the pan drops the oil temperature, making the chicken soggy instead of crispy.

✔️ Drain on a Wire Rack – Skip the paper towels! Letting fried chicken sit on a wire rack keeps the coating crispy instead of soggy.

Making the Fluffiest Buttermilk Biscuits

✔️ Use Self-Rising Flour – It already contains leavening agents, helping the biscuits rise effortlessly.

✔️ Grate the Butter – Instead of cutting butter into cubes, grate it with a cheese grater and mix it into the flour. This creates tiny butter pockets, making the biscuits super flaky.

✔️ Handle the Dough Gently – Overworking biscuit dough makes them tough and dense. Stir the ingredients until just combined—no need to knead!

✔️ Use Cold Ingredients – Cold butter and buttermilk help the dough stay light and fluffy.

✔️ Bake at a High Temperature – 425°F (220°C) gives biscuits that golden-brown, crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft.

✔️ Brush with Butter Right Out of the Oven – This gives the biscuits that signature buttery flavor and an extra soft texture.

Where to Buy the Best Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit

If you’re craving a honey butter chicken biscuit but don’t feel like cooking, you’re in luck! This savory-sweet breakfast sandwich is a staple at several fast-food chains, and some local bakeries and gourmet spots have taken it to the next level.

Fast Food Chains That Offer This Breakfast Favorite

🍔 Whataburger – Their iconic Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is one of the most beloved fast-food breakfasts in Texas and beyond. Available only during breakfast hours (11 PM – 11 AM), it features a crispy chicken strip on a flaky biscuit, smothered in signature honey butter.

🍔 Wendy’s – The Wendy’s Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit has a fluffier, lighter biscuit with a mildly sweet maple honey butter and a crispy, lightly breaded chicken fillet. Unlike Whataburger’s version, it’s available nationwide.

🍔 Bojangles – Known for their flaky buttermilk biscuits, Bojangles offers a Honey Butter Biscuit with fried chicken, though it’s more biscuit-forward than the Whataburger and Wendy’s versions.

🍔 Chick-fil-A (Limited Edition) – While not a permanent menu item, Chick-fil-A has offered a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit in select locations, featuring their signature chicken filet on a sweet, buttery biscuit.

Comparing Wendy’s vs. Whataburger’s Versions

Feature	Whataburger	Wendy’s
Biscuit Texture	Flaky, slightly dense	Lighter, fluffier
Chicken Style	Crispy chicken strip	Breaded fillet
Honey Butter	Thicker, richer, buttery	Smoother, slightly maple-flavored
Availability	Breakfast hours only (11 PM – 11 AM)	Available all day
Overall Flavor	Richer, more indulgent	Milder, slightly sweeter

👉 If you love rich, buttery flavors with a crispy bite, go for Whataburger’s Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit.
👉 If you prefer a lighter, fluffier biscuit with a sweeter taste, Wendy’s version is your best bet.

Best Local and Gourmet Spots for a Fresh Take

If you’re after a high-quality, homemade-style honey butter chicken biscuit, some local bakeries and brunch spots have turned this Southern staple into something truly special.

🍽️ Bird Bird Biscuit (Austin, TX) – This biscuit-focused eatery serves up a spicy honey butter chicken biscuit that takes the flavor to the next level.

🍽️ Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit (Charleston, SC) – Famous for their buttery, handmade biscuits, Callie’s offers a deluxe honey butter biscuit sandwich made fresh daily.

🍽️ Federal Donuts (Philadelphia, PA) – Known for their fried chicken and donuts, they also serve a honey-drizzled chicken biscuit that’s a sweet-and-savory dream.

🍽️ Home State (Los Angeles, CA) – A Texas-inspired breakfast spot, Home State’s version of the honey butter chicken biscuit brings authentic Southern flavors to the West Coast.

Nutritional Information & Healthier Alternatives

A honey butter chicken biscuit is undeniably delicious, but let’s be real—it’s not the lightest breakfast choice. If you’re wondering about the calories, protein, and fat content, or looking for healthier ways to enjoy this Southern favorite, you’re in the right place!

Calories, Protein, and Fat Content

Fast-food versions of the honey butter chicken biscuit can be pretty indulgent. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition info from popular chains:

Brand	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs
Whataburger	~560	23g	33g	50g
Wendy’s	~500	19g	27g	49g
Homemade (Classic Recipe)	~480	22g	25g	45g

As you can see, while this breakfast sandwich is packed with protein, it also comes with a high calorie and fat count—mostly due to the fried chicken and buttery biscuit.

Healthier Ingredient Swaps for a Guilt-Free Version

✔️ Swap fried for baked or air-fried chicken – Instead of deep-frying, coat the chicken in whole wheat flour or almond flour, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.

✔️ Use a whole-grain or lower-calorie biscuit – Replace regular biscuits with whole-wheat biscuits or a Greek yogurt-based dough (mix self-rising flour with Greek yogurt for a simple, high-protein biscuit).

✔️ Make a lighter honey butter – Instead of full-fat butter, try mixing half butter, half Greek yogurt, and blend it with honey for a creamy but lower-fat version.

✔️ Reduce sugar & carbs – Swap honey for sugar-free honey or a small drizzle of maple syrup.

How to Make a Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Option

🥑 Low-Carb Version:

• Use almond flour or coconut flour for the chicken coating instead of regular flour.
• Swap out the biscuit for a keto-friendly almond flour biscuit or a chaffle (cheese + egg waffle) as the “bun.”
• Make a sugar-free honey butter using monk fruit honey and grass-fed butter.

🌾 Gluten-Free Version:

• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the chicken.
• Make biscuits with gluten-free baking mix or a homemade almond flour biscuit recipe.
• Ensure that the honey butter contains no gluten additives.

FAQs 

Is the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Served All Day?

It depends on where you go! Whataburger’s Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is available only during breakfast hours (11 PM – 11 AM), making it a late-night and early-morning favorite.

However, Wendy’s serves their version all day, so if you get a craving in the afternoon, Wendy’s is your best bet! Some local diners and biscuit-focused restaurants may also offer it all day—so check your local spots.

Is Wendy’s Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Healthy?

Not exactly. While delicious, Wendy’s honey butter chicken biscuit is high in calories, fat, and sodium. A single sandwich contains:

• 500 calories
• 27g fat
• 19g protein
• 49g carbs

If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider making a homemade version using baked or air-fried chicken, a whole wheat biscuit, and lighter honey butter.

How Many Calories Are in a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit?

Calorie counts vary depending on the restaurant. Here’s a comparison of some popular versions:

Brand	Calories
Whataburger	~560
Wendy’s	~500
Homemade (Classic Recipe)	~480

Fast-food versions tend to have higher calories due to added oils and preservatives, while homemade versions allow you to control the ingredients and cut unnecessary fat.

What Fast Food Has Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits?

Several fast-food chains offer this Southern-inspired breakfast sandwich:

✔️ Whataburger – One of the most well-known versions, available only during breakfast hours.
✔️ Wendy’s – Available nationwide and all day.
✔️ Bojangles – Offers a sweet and savory biscuit sandwich with honey butter.
✔️ Chick-fil-A (Limited Edition) – Occasionally releases a honey butter chicken biscuit in select locations.

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