Before diving into the heart of the matter, let’s think about what complements this glorious dish. The Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture yourself savoring this delectable biscuit alongside a fresh fruit cup.
Juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, and tangy pineapple bits add a bright contrast to the rich and savory flavors.
Alternatively, a simple side of crispy hash browns makes for a crunchy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might enjoy a spicy jalapeño slaw that adds a kick.
Finally, don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea to wash it all down. The goal is to create a balanced meal that leaves you satisfied yet eager for the next bite. Now, let’s explore the engaging story behind this iconic dish.

I first discovered the famed Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit during a road trip across Texas. After countless hours on the highway, I pulled into a Whataburger, tired and hungry.
The moment I saw the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit on the menu, I had to try it. The anticipation was palpable. Little did I know, it would become a beloved staple in my kitchen.
This biscuit brings together the best of both worlds: soft, flaky biscuit dough and crispy, juicy chicken slathered in sweet honey butter.
It’s comfort food that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. Today, I want to share the magic of making this dish at home. Let’s get into the details.
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What is Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit?
The Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is simple yet profound. It’s essentially a biscuit sandwich featuring a fried chicken breast that’s coated in honey butter.
The combination sounds straightforward, but the way the biscuit cradles the chicken promises a delightful bite each time.
What makes it special is the honey butter. This sweet and savory spread elevates the dish, turning an already delicious chicken biscuit into something transcendent. For many, this sandwich evokes memories of warm breakfasts and cozy family gatherings.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Recipes?
Many versions of this famous biscuit exist, but what sets this one apart is the attention to detail in both the chicken and biscuit preparation. For instance, we’ll use a brining technique that ensures the chicken breast absorbs maximum flavor. This leads to an incredibly juicy interior that’s hard to rival.
Additionally, the biscuit dough incorporates buttermilk. This ingredient guarantees a tender, fluffy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken.
Our version elevates flavors beyond the norm. It’s not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating an experience that will stick with you long after the last bite.
How Does It Taste Like?
Imagine that first bite. The soft, buttery biscuit crumbles in your mouth, revealing a savory piece of chicken that’s been kissed with honey butter. The sweetness of the honey balances the saltiness of the chicken. Together, they dance on your taste buds.
The crispy exterior of the fried chicken adds texture, while the moist interior keeps the flavor robust. Each component enhances the overall experience. It’s a mix of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice, creating a medley that’s hard to forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish:
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need several key ingredients. Here’s your shopping list:
Fried Chicken Brine:
- 3 tbsp sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 cups cultured buttermilk
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp Louisiana-style hot sauce
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tbsp granulated garlic powder
- 1 tbsp granulated onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
Fried Chicken Dredge:
- 1 tbsp sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- ½ tsp ground rosemary
- 2 tsp granulated garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp granulated honey
Honey Butter Biscuits:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup very cold buttermilk
- 2 tbsp natural honey
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
- ½ tsp baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, right from home.
Step 1: Brine the Chicken
Start by brining the chicken. Combine the sea salt, black pepper, buttermilk, lemon zest, hot sauce, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and let them soak for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator—overnight is best for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
In another bowl, mix the dredging ingredients. Add the sea salt, baking powder, flour, ground rosemary, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cornstarch, and honey. Whisk until combined.
This blend will create an ultra-crisp coating after frying.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter
In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter with a teaspoon of honey over low heat. Stir until fully melted and blended. Set aside to cool.
Step 4: Make the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the honey, buttermilk, thyme, and baking soda until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter or a glass, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the brine and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly.
Step 6: Assemble Your Biscuits
Once the biscuits are out of the oven and cooled slightly, cut them in half. Place a crispy chicken piece on the bottom half, drench it in the honey butter, and cap it with the other biscuit half.
Serve warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips & Tricks On Making Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your biscuits turn out delicious every time:
- Soak Longer for Flavor: Brining the chicken overnight gives it a deeper flavor. Plan ahead to maximize taste.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Cold buttermilk and butter make fluffy biscuits. The cold temperature helps create steam when baking and frying.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the biscuit dough just until combined. Overworking it will result in tough biscuits instead of tender ones.
- Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is between 350°F and 375°F. This ensures a perfectly fried chicken that’s golden but not greasy.
- Let Biscuits Cool Before Cutting: Give your biscuits a few minutes to cool, allowing them to firm up, which makes cutting them easier.

How Do I Store This Dish?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them properly. Place the biscuits in an airtight container and they will last up to 2 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the biscuits and chicken separately. Reheat them in an oven to maintain that crispy texture.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit?
When making this dish, you might find yourself needing substitutions. Here are some solid alternatives:
- Chicken Thighs: You can use chicken breasts instead. They’ll work, but be careful not to overcook them.
- Cornstarch: If you don’t have cornstarch, try potato starch. It will offer a similar crispy result.
- Buttermilk: In case you don’t have buttermilk, use a mixture of regular milk with a little squeeze of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- Honey: If you prefer a different sweetness, maple syrup can work in place of honey, adding a unique flavor twist.
- Thyme: If fresh thyme isn’t available, use dry thyme or even a pinch of mixed herbs.

Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Recipe
Equipment
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
Fried Chicken Brine:
- 3 tbsp sea salt or kosher salt
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 cups cultured buttermilk
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp Louisiana-style hot sauce
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tbsp granulated garlic powder
- 1 tbsp granulated onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
Fried Chicken Dredge:
- 1 tbsp sea salt or kosher salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- ½ tsp ground rosemary
- 2 tsp granulated garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp granulated honey
Honey Butter Biscuits:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup very cold buttermilk
- 2 tbsp natural honey
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, right from home.
Step 1: Brine the Chicken
- Start by brining the chicken. Combine the sea salt, black pepper, buttermilk, lemon zest, hot sauce, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
- Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and let them soak for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator—overnight is best for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
- In another bowl, mix the dredging ingredients. Add the sea salt, baking powder, flour, ground rosemary, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cornstarch, and honey. Whisk until combined.
- This blend will create an ultra-crisp coating after frying.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter
- In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter with a teaspoon of honey over low heat. Stir until fully melted and blended. Set aside to cool.
Step 4: Make the Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the honey, buttermilk, thyme, and baking soda until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter or a glass, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the brine and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly.
Step 6: Assemble Your Biscuits
- Once the biscuits are out of the oven and cooled slightly, cut them in half. Place a crispy chicken piece on the bottom half, drench it in the honey butter, and cap it with the other biscuit half.
- Serve warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Notes
- Soak Longer for Flavor: Brining the chicken overnight gives it a deeper flavor. Plan ahead to maximize taste.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Cold buttermilk and butter make fluffy biscuits. The cold temperature helps create steam when baking and frying.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the biscuit dough just until combined. Overworking it will result in tough biscuits instead of tender ones.
- Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is between 350°F and 375°F. This ensures a perfectly fried chicken that’s golden but not greasy.
- Let Biscuits Cool Before Cutting: Give your biscuits a few minutes to cool, allowing them to firm up, which makes cutting them easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with a plant-based chicken alternative or even fried cauliflower. Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk for the biscuits.
What is the best way to reheat leftover biscuits?
To retain their texture, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their flakiness.
Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cut the biscuits, and freeze them. When ready, bake directly from the freezer; just extend the baking time by a few minutes.
Why is my fried chicken soggy?
This may happen if the oil temperature is too low. Ensure the oil is hot enough to create a crispy exterior without absorbing excess grease.
How spicy is the dish overall?
The spiciness comes from the Louisiana-style hot sauce and chipotle. If you prefer milder flavors, adjust the amount to suit your palate.
Conclusion
Creating the Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit at home opens a world of flavor that entices both weekend brunch enthusiasts and busy weeknight cooks.
With a blend of tender, brined chicken and a sweet honey butter slathered on freshly baked biscuits, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen and can easily find its way into yours.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but in its ability to bring people together. Whether enjoyed solo with a steaming cup of coffee or served at your next gathering, it’s a hearty, soul-satisfying meal.
So roll up your sleeves and dive into the joy of cooking. You’re about to create something memorable. Happy cooking!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more