First, you'll get the chicken coated and fried to golden perfection. The double-dredge method is key to achieving that super crispy exterior we all love. Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before you begin.
Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and set it over medium heat.
In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a separate dish, beat the egg and water together.
Working one piece at a time, dredge a chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg wash, then dredge it back in the flour for a second time, ensuring it’s fully coated. Set the coated chicken aside.
Check if the oil is ready (around 365-375°F) by dropping a tiny bit of flour into it; if it sizzles, you're good to go.
Carefully place 2-4 pieces of chicken into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pot.
Fry for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
While the chicken is frying, you can get started on the biscuits. The secret to flaky biscuits is working with cold butter and not overmixing the dough.
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Cut the cold butter into small cubes or grate it using a box grater. Work the butter into the dry ingredients with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a spatula until a soft dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
Gently working the dough and folding it creates those irresistible layers.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle, fold it into thirds like a letter, and then flatten it back into a rectangle. Repeat this folding process two more times.
Pat the dough down to about a 1/2-inch thickness. Use a floured 2.5-inch biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits.
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until lightly golden. Brush the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
This simple sauce comes together in minutes and adds the perfect finishing touch.
Combine the honey and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then immediately remove it from the heat.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
Now for the best part: putting it all together.
Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on the bottom half of each biscuit.
Drizzle generously with the hot honey, top with a couple of pickle slices if desired, and place the top of the biscuit on. Serve immediately and enjoy!