Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Recipe (Copycat Style)

Whataburger’s Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit lovingly called HBCB by die-hard fans — is one of the most iconic breakfast items in the fast-food world. It’s that sweet, salty, crispy-soft combo that hits differently, especially after a long night or during an early-morning drive-thru run.

But what if you could enjoy this crave-worthy biscuit sandwich right at home?
This guide breaks down the full Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit recipe, step-by-step from the crispy fried chicken to the soft biscuit and the golden honey butter drizzle. It’s simple, delicious, and way cheaper than eating out.

What Is the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what makes this biscuit sandwich so irresistible:

Components:

1. Buttermilk Biscuit – Buttery, soft, and fluffy
2. Crispy Fried Chicken Strip – Juicy and well-seasoned
3. Honey Butter Sauce – Sweet, golden, and slightly salted

It’s the perfect mashup of comfort food meets breakfast indulgence, and it’s been a fan favorite on the Whataburger breakfast menu for years.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it into three parts: biscuits, chicken, and honey butter sauce.

For the Buttermilk Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
• ¾ cup cold buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)

For the Fried Chicken Strips:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)

For the Honey Butter:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• Pinch of sea salt (optional, but adds balance)

How to Make Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit at Home

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Place chicken strips in a bowl and cover with buttermilk.
• Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Biscuits

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut the cold butter into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add cold buttermilk and mix until just combined — don’t overmix.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat it down and fold it over 3–4 times (this creates layers).
6. Roll to about ¾-inch thick and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass.
7. Place biscuits on a baking tray close together. Brush tops with buttermilk.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer.
2. Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in dry mixture, pressing to coat well.
4. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
5. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter

• Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave.
• Stir in honey and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
• Keep warm (don’t refrigerate).

Step 5: Assemble Your HBCB

1. Slice a biscuit in half.
2. Place a crispy chicken strip on the bottom half.
3. Drizzle generously with warm honey butter.
4. Top with the other biscuit half.

Boom! Your homemade Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is ready to devour.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Flavor

• Use thighs instead of breast for juicier chicken.
• Double-bread the chicken if you love extra crunch.
• Add a dash of cayenne to the flour mix for a spicy kick.
• For fluffier biscuits, make sure all ingredients (especially butter) are cold before mixing.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store:

• Store extra biscuits and chicken separately in airtight containers.
• Honey butter can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Reheat:

• Reheat biscuits in a toaster oven or wrapped in foil in a regular oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
• Reheat chicken in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

Nutritional Info (Approx. Per Biscuit Sandwich)

Note: Nutrition varies depending on ingredients and portion size.

Why Make It at Home?

Besides saving a few bucks and avoiding the drive-thru line, making it at home means:

• Customizing the flavors (more honey? spicier chicken?)
• Better ingredients and no mystery oils
• No time limit — you can have it all day, not just until 11 AM

It’s a win for your taste buds and your wallet.

Can You Make It Healthier?

Yes! Here’s how:

• Bake the chicken instead of frying
• Use whole wheat flour for biscuits
• Use light butter or reduced honey in the sauce
• Swap chicken breast for leaner cuts

Still comforting, but lighter on the calories.

Fan Favorite for a Reason

Whataburger’s Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit has developed a cult following for good reason. It’s sweet, savory, warm, and filling — everything a breakfast (or midnight snack) should be.

Now you don’t need to wait in a drive-thru or live near a Whataburger to enjoy it. This homemade version delivers the same flavor and feel — with the bonus of kitchen pride.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying it — the Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is the ultimate comfort food. And now that you’ve got this copycat recipe in your hands, you can enjoy that perfect bite of crispy chicken, fluffy biscuit, and sweet honey butter whenever the craving hits.

Whether it’s Sunday brunch, a dinner remix, or breakfast-for-dinner, this biscuit will always deliver satisfaction.

Go on — drizzle that honey butter and take a bite. You earned it. 🍯🍗