KFC Biscuits

There’s something magical about pulling a tray of warm, golden biscuits from the oven—the buttery aroma filling your kitchen, the soft steam rising as you break one open. These KFC Biscuits bring that same joy to your table, with flaky layers, a tender crumb, and just the right hint of buttery saltiness. Trust me, you’re going to love this—each bite feels like a comforting hug straight from your favorite southern kitchen.

Behind the Recipe

The story of these biscuits starts in the heart of comfort food culture. Inspired by the legendary KFC classic, this recipe re-creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture and nostalgic flavor that’s both homey and irresistible. I remember making these on a rainy Sunday, the kind of day that calls for warmth, butter, and something baked with love. They came out golden, fluffy, and downright heavenly.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Biscuits like these trace their roots to the American South, where they’ve long been a breakfast staple served with gravy or jam. The KFC version became iconic in the 1970s, loved for its flaky texture and balanced buttery taste. Fun fact: traditional southern biscuits use cold fat and minimal handling to keep those tender layers intact—exactly what we’ll do here for perfect results.

Why You’ll Love KFC Biscuits

Before we dive into the dough, let’s talk about why these biscuits will win your heart.

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner—pair with gravy, honey, or fried chicken.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like flour, butter, and milk.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable: Add cheddar, herbs, or even a drizzle of honey butter for a twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves warm biscuits—especially these golden beauties.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough ahead and bake fresh later.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat and enjoy with jam, eggs, or as a sandwich base.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get that authentic KFC-style biscuit flavor and texture, keep these insider tips in mind.

1. Use cold butter: The colder the butter, the flakier your biscuits will be.
2. Don’t overmix the dough: Gentle handling keeps the biscuits tender.
3. Cut straight down: When cutting biscuits, press straight down—twisting seals edges and prevents rising.
4. Brush with butter twice: Once before baking for color, and again after for shine and flavor.
5. Preheat your oven fully: A hot oven ensures those tall, golden tops.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make these biscuits just right, here’s what you’ll need on your counter.

Mixing bowl: For combining the dry and wet ingredients evenly.
Pastry cutter or fork: To cut butter into flour for perfect flakiness.
Rolling pin: Helps flatten the dough evenly.
Biscuit cutter: For shaping those classic round biscuits.
Baking sheet: Lined with parchment to prevent sticking.
Pastry brush: For that buttery finish on top.

Ingredients in KFC Biscuits

Now, let’s talk about what makes these biscuits so special. Each ingredient plays a delicious role in creating buttery, flaky perfection.

1. All-purpose flour: 2 cups (provides structure and fluffiness).
2. Baking powder: 1 tablespoon (helps the biscuits rise tall and light).
3. Salt: 1 teaspoon (balances flavors).
4. Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons, very cold and cubed (creates those signature flaky layers).
5. Buttermilk: ¾ cup (adds tang and tenderness).
6. Honey: 1 teaspoon (a touch of sweetness like the original KFC biscuits).
7. Butter (for brushing): 2 tablespoons, melted (for a golden glossy finish).

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you have to improvise, and that’s perfectly fine.

Buttermilk: Use ¾ cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
Unsalted butter: Substitute with salted butter, just reduce added salt slightly.
Honey: Maple syrup or sugar will also add a touch of sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Self-rising flour works too, just skip the baking powder and salt.

Ingredient Spotlight

Butter: The hero of this recipe. Cold butter melts during baking, releasing steam that creates those irresistible flaky layers.

Buttermilk: Adds both flavor and softness, giving the biscuits that slight tangy balance that keeps every bite interesting.

Instructions for Making KFC Biscuits

Alright, it’s biscuit time. Here’s how to turn simple ingredients into golden perfection.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Slowly stir in buttermilk and honey until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but not wet.
4. Assemble the Dish: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, gently pat to ¾-inch thickness, and fold it over itself 2–3 times for layers.
5. Cook to Perfection: Cut biscuits with a 2½-inch cutter and place them close together on the baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter.
6. Finishing Touches: Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Brush again with butter, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The secret to that perfect KFC-style biscuit lies in the contrast of textures—crispy edges giving way to a pillowy interior. The buttery aroma fills the room while the honey adds just a whisper of sweetness. Each layer tears apart beautifully, ready to soak up jam, gravy, or a little extra butter.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make sure your biscuits come out bakery-perfect every time.

• Handle dough as little as possible for a tender crumb.
• Chill the dough before baking if your kitchen is warm.
• For extra height, bake biscuits close together so they support each other as they rise.

What to Avoid

A few small mistakes can make a big difference—here’s what to watch for.

• Overmixing the dough (leads to tough biscuits).
• Using warm butter (prevents flakiness).
• Not preheating the oven (results in uneven baking).

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 biscuits
Calories per serving: 220

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, store cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a warm oven for that fresh-baked texture.

How to Serve KFC Biscuits

These biscuits shine alongside fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or even a hearty breakfast plate. You can also slice them open and add butter and honey, or use them for mini sandwiches with eggs or ham.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Lucky you. Turn them into mini breakfast sandwiches, crumble them for savory stuffing, or top them with strawberries and whipped cream for a quick shortcake.

Additional Tips

For an extra golden top, brush with heavy cream before baking. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top right after baking for a gourmet touch.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve your biscuits stacked high in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin. Add a side of whipped honey butter for that irresistible presentation everyone will swoon over.

Variations to Try

1. Cheddar Herb Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar and fresh chives to the dough.
2. Honey Butter Biscuits: Mix melted butter with honey and brush after baking.
3. Garlic Parmesan Biscuits: Add garlic powder and grated Parmesan for a savory twist.
4. Sweet Cinnamon Biscuits: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar before baking for a dessert version.
5. Mini Sliders: Use small biscuit cutters and fill with fried chicken bites.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these biscuits without buttermilk?
Yes, mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar as a quick substitute.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freeze cut biscuits, then bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.

Q3: Why are my biscuits flat?
Warm butter or overmixed dough can prevent them from rising properly.

Q4: Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but skip the baking powder and salt in that case.

Q5: How do I make them extra buttery?
Brush with melted butter before and after baking.

Q6: Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for best results.

Q7: What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
Use a glass or cookie cutter, just cut straight down.

Q8: Can I reheat leftovers in the microwave?
Yes, but wrap in a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Q9: How do I get taller biscuits?
Layer and fold the dough before cutting—it’s the secret to height.

Q10: Can I add cheese or herbs?
Definitely! Cheddar, rosemary, or thyme add great flavor.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling apart a warm, buttery KFC Biscuit and savoring that soft, flaky perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both simple and special, comforting yet crave-worthy. So next time you want something that tastes like home, whip up a batch of these golden beauties—and let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

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