If you’re a fan of decadent breakfast sandwiches, the McDonald’s Honey Brown Butter Chicken Biscuit is sure to earn a spot in your morning routine. With its crispy fried chicken, fluffy buttermilk biscuit, and sweet-savory honey brown butter drizzle, this sandwich is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. It’s no wonder this limited-time treat caused a buzz as soon as it dropped on the menu!
Now, you don’t need to leave the house to enjoy this crave-worthy creation. This detailed copycat recipe will show you exactly how to make each component from scratch—right down to that irresistible honey brown butter. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a brunch, or just indulging yourself, this homemade version delivers all the fast-food comfort with even fresher ingredients. Hungry for more comfort food inspiration? Visit our fried-dish and meat categories!
Table of Contents
How to make Honey Brown Butter Chicken Biscuit
Making a spot-on copycat starts with quality chicken, fluffy southern-style biscuits, and mastering that golden honey brown butter. Follow along as we walk through every step for a result that might be even better than the original. You’ll love the way sweet honey compliments savory fried chicken, all cradled in a warm, buttery biscuit.
Nutrition facts
This sandwich is a true breakfast indulgence! Each serving (one sandwich) contains approximately 550 calories, 28g fat, 48g carbohydrates, and 23g protein. Actual values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size, but rest assured, you’ll be satisfied for hours.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 cup buttermilk — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 tsp seasoned salt — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 tsp ground black pepper — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/4 cup honey — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose with baking powder) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (for biscuits) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (for biscuits) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 tbsp sugar — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 tsp salt — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
Tools you’ll need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (for frying)
- Baking sheet
- Pastry cutter or food processor (for biscuits)
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels (for draining chicken)
- Small saucepan (for honey brown butter)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the chicken: Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into biscuit-sized pieces. Marinate in buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
- 2. Make the biscuits: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cold diced butter. Cut butter in until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add buttermilk and stir just until dough forms. Roll out and cut into biscuit rounds, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- 3. Bread the chicken: Mix flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, then dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.
- 4. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C). Fry chicken pieces 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- 5. Make honey brown butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 4 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in honey and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- 6. Assemble the biscuits: Split warm biscuits, add a piece of crispy chicken, and drizzle generously with honey brown butter. Top with biscuit lid and serve immediately!
What to serve with
Drinks: This sandwich pairs perfectly with a classic cup of hot coffee, sweet iced tea, or even an orange juice for a breakfast treat. For something different, try it alongside drinks from our drinks category.
Sides: Serve with crispy hash browns, breakfast potatoes, or southern-style grits for a filling meal. Cut up some fresh fruit for a lighter option, or add a small salad if enjoying for lunch.
Variations
- Add a spicy kick by seasoning your flour with cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the marinade.
- Make mini sandwiches using slider-sized biscuits for a brunch platter or party appetizer.
- Swap the chicken with a grilled version for a lighter twist.
- Top with a fried egg or slice of cheddar for extra indulgence.
- Try maple syrup in the brown butter instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Original Ingredient: Buttermilk
- Substitutes:
- Milk + 1 Tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- Plain yogurt thinned with water
- Substitutes:
- Original Ingredient: All-purpose flour (for biscuits/chicken)
- Substitutes:
- Whole wheat flour
- Gluten-free flour blend
- Substitutes:
- Original Ingredient: Chicken breast
- Substitutes:
- Chicken thigh
- Firm tofu (for a vegetarian version)
- Substitutes:
- Original Ingredient: Butter (for brown butter)
- Substitutes:
- Vegan butter
- Ghee
- Substitutes:
- Original Ingredient: Honey
- Substitutes:
- Maple syrup
- Agave nectar
- Substitutes:
- Original Ingredient: Baking powder (for biscuits)
- Substitutes:
- Self-rising flour
- Baking soda + cream of tartar
- Substitutes:
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp seasoned salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
2 cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose with baking powder)
6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (for biscuits)
3/4 cup buttermilk (for biscuits)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
Slice chicken breasts into 4 pieces. Marinate in buttermilk, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare biscuit dough: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture forms small crumbs. Add buttermilk and stir until dough forms. Roll out and cut biscuits.
Bake biscuits at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Mix flour, seasoned salt, and pepper for dredging. Coat chicken from marinade in flour.
Heat oil to 350°F. Fry chicken pieces 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
In a small saucepan, melt butter and cook until browned. Remove from heat, add honey, and whisk well.
Split biscuits, layer with fried chicken, and drizzle with honey brown butter. Serve hot!
