Southern Fried Chicken Biscuits

Featured in: Seasonal Soul Recipes

This dish features tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in seasoned flour and fried to a golden crisp. Accompanying the chicken are flaky, buttery buttermilk biscuits baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, the combination offers a satisfying blend of textures and Southern-inspired flavors. Tips include double-dipping the chicken for extra crunch and serving with honey or pickles to enhance the meal.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:05:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits, steaming and ready for a savory Southern feast. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits, steaming and ready for a savory Southern feast. | lovelyserena.com

Crispy, juicy fried chicken paired with fluffy, buttery buttermilk biscuits—a classic Southern comfort meal perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

Growing up in the South, fried chicken and biscuits were always the Sunday dinner highlight at my grandparents' house. The aroma from the kitchen promised a meal filled with warmth and laughter.

Ingredients

  • For the Fried Chicken: 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks and thighs, skin-on, bone-in), 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, vegetable oil (for frying)
  • For the Buttermilk Biscuits: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed), 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus more for brushing)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight preferred).
Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold buttermilk and mix until just combined.
Shape and Bake Biscuits:
Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently pat to 1-inch thickness. Fold dough in half and pat down. Repeat 3 times. Cut biscuits with a 2.5-inch cutter. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with buttermilk. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden.
Prepare the Chicken Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Dredge and Fry Chicken:
Heat 2 inches of oil to 175°C (350°F) in a heavy skillet. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Drain on a wire rack.
Serve:
Serve fried chicken hot with fresh buttermilk biscuits.
A close-up view of perfectly fried Southern Fried Chicken, served with warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of perfectly fried Southern Fried Chicken, served with warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits. | lovelyserena.com

Sharing these biscuits with my family brought us together every time. Nothing beats passing a tray of piping-hot chicken, watching everyone reach for their favorite piece.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, pastry cutter (or forks), biscuit cutter, baking sheet, parchment paper, heavy skillet or Dutch oven, wire rack, tongs, kitchen thermometer.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 850, Total Fat: 47 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 45 g

Serving Suggestions

Pair with coleslaw or pickles for a true Southern feast. Add honey or hot honey for drizzling over biscuits.

Enjoy flavorful Southern Fried Chicken, a delightful combination of savory chicken and buttery buttermilk biscuits. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy flavorful Southern Fried Chicken, a delightful combination of savory chicken and buttery buttermilk biscuits. | lovelyserena.com

Enjoy this Southern classic with friends and family. Every bite promises comfort and flavor!

Ask About This Recipe

How do I achieve extra crispy chicken?

Double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk marinade and seasoned flour before frying to build a thicker, crunchier crust.

Can I prepare the chicken marinade in advance?

Yes, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor and tenderness.

What is the best oil for frying the chicken?

Use vegetable oil or any high-smoke-point oil to maintain proper frying temperature and achieve a crispy exterior.

How do I get tender and flaky buttermilk biscuits?

Use cold unsalted butter and handle the dough gently, folding it several times before cutting to create layers that rise during baking.

Can I add flavor variations to the biscuits?

Yes, adding honey or brushing the tops with extra buttermilk or melted butter enhances flavor and gives a golden finish.

What internal temperature ensures chicken is safely cooked?

Fry the chicken until its internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Southern Fried Chicken Biscuits

Crispy fried chicken and fluffy buttermilk biscuits come together in a classic Southern dish rich with flavor.

Prep Duration
30 minutes
Cook Duration
35 minutes
Overall Time
65 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American (Southern)

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details None specified

What You Need

Fried Chicken

01 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks and thighs, skin-on, bone-in)
02 2 cups buttermilk
03 1 tablespoon hot sauce
04 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 1 tablespoon paprika
06 2 teaspoons garlic powder
07 2 teaspoons onion powder
08 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 2 teaspoons salt
10 1 teaspoon black pepper
11 Vegetable oil, for frying

Buttermilk Biscuits

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 tablespoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1 tablespoon sugar
06 1/2 cup (4 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cubed
07 3/4 cup cold buttermilk, plus extra for brushing

How To Make It

Step 01

Marinate Chicken: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces, ensuring full coating. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Step 02

Preheat Oven and Mix Biscuit Dry Ingredients: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Step 03

Cut in Butter and Add Buttermilk: Cut cold butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold buttermilk and mix until just combined.

Step 04

Shape and Bake Biscuits: Turn dough onto floured surface, gently pat to 1-inch thickness. Fold dough in half and pat down repeatedly 3 to 4 times. Cut biscuits using a 2.5-inch cutter. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, brush tops with buttermilk, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 05

Prepare Chicken Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 06

Dredge and Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a heavy skillet to 2-inch depth. Remove chicken from marinade allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Fry in batches for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on wire rack.

Step 07

Serve: Serve fried chicken hot alongside freshly baked buttermilk biscuits.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or forks
  • Biscuit cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Heavy skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wire rack
  • Tongs
  • Kitchen thermometer

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy; may contain traces of egg if biscuits are brushed with egg wash. Contains chicken.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 850
  • Lipids: 47 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Proteins: 45 g