Deep-Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuit Bites

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-27 · Updated 2026-06-27

Classic Southern deep-fried chicken with a crunchy spiced crust paired with fluffy miniature buttermilk biscuits. This southern united states-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 8 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose biscuit mix
• 6 tbsp, cubed cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup whole milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place 8 bone-in chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour 2 cups buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and soak.
2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches, carefully lowering pieces into the hot oil. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Step 5: For biscuit bites, preheat oven to 425°F. In a bowl, cut 6 tbsp cold cubed unsalted butter into 2 cups biscuit mix using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Step 6: Stir in 3/4 cup whole milk just until dough forms. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 3-4 times.
7. Step 7: Roll dough to 1-inch thickness and cut into 1.5-inch rounds. Place on baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden on top.
8. Step 8: Serve hot fried chicken alongside warm biscuit bites.