The Monster Biscuit from Hardee's/Carl's Jr. features a hearty buttermilk biscuit loaded with crispy fried chicken, melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and a creamy mayo spread, delivering a satisfying combination of savory flavors and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Oven or biscuit oven
- Mixing bowl
- Biscuit cutter
- Rolling pin
- Sheet pan or baking tray
- Deep fryer or countertop fryer
- Wire rack
- Tongs
- Cheese slicer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Squeeze bottle or spoon (for mayo)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (cold)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging chicken)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for dredging chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (for chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 1 large ripe tomato
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Using cold unsalted butter and cold buttermilk is essential to achieve the flaky texture of the buttermilk biscuit. Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness before dredging them in the seasoned flour and buttermilk mixture for a crispy, well-coated finish. Fresh ingredients like ripe tomato and crisp lettuce maintain the sandwich's balance of flavors and textures. Vegetable oil temperature should be carefully monitored during frying to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken. Your copycat Monster Biscuit from Hardee's/Carl's Jr. will deliver the same satisfying combination of crunchy, savory, and creamy elements found in the original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for biscuits.
- Cut cold butter into flour mixture using a biscuit cutter or fingertips until crumbly.
- Add cold buttermilk and stir until just combined.
- Turn dough onto floured surface, gently knead, and roll to 1-inch thickness.
- Cut out 4 biscuits using the biscuit cutter; place on sheet pan.
- Bake biscuits 12-15 minutes until golden brown; cool on wire rack.
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally if too thick; pound to even thickness.
- Set up two bowls: one with buttermilk, one with flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper mixed.
- Dredge each chicken fillet in flour, then buttermilk, then flour mixture again.
- Heat oil in deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken fillets in hot oil 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; drain on wire rack.
- Slice cheddar cheese and tomato using cheese slicer and chef’s knife.
- Wash and dry lettuce leaves.
- Split biscuits horizontally with chef’s knife.
- Place fried chicken on bottom biscuit half.
- Immediately top with cheddar cheese slice to melt.
- Add fresh lettuce leaf and tomato slice.
- Spread mayonnaise on top biscuit half using squeeze bottle or spoon.
- Assemble and serve immediately.
Substitution
The Monster Biscuit from Hardee's/Carl's Jr. copycat menu can be just as satisfying when using frozen buttermilk biscuits instead of making them from scratch, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, substitute with 3/4 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to replicate the tangy acidity needed for the biscuit and chicken dredging. When frying chicken, use a heavy-bottomed skillet with vegetable oil if a deep fryer is unavailable, maintaining the oil temperature around 350degF to achieve crispy, golden crusts. If fresh cheddar slices are not available, shredded sharp cheddar or a mild cheese like Monterey Jack can provide a similar melty texture in your sandwich. Make sure to pat chicken dry before dredging to ensure the breading adheres properly and keep mayonnaise in a squeeze bottle for precise spreading on your biscuit layers.
Tips
Ensure the butter used in biscuit dough is very cold to create flaky layers during baking. When dredging chicken, double coating with flour and buttermilk helps achieve a crispy, flavorful crust after frying. Maintain oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to cook chicken evenly without greasiness. You should assemble the sandwich immediately while the cheese is still melting on the hot chicken for the best taste experience.
Nutritions
The Monster Biscuit from Hardee's/Carl's Jr. provides a rich source of protein from the crispy fried chicken, contributing to muscle repair and satiety. The cheddar cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, while the buttermilk biscuit offers carbohydrates essential for energy. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomato introduce dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and immunity. Your meal combines indulgent flavors with key nutrients to keep you satisfied and energized.
Storage
To maintain the crispiness of the fried chicken and freshness of the vegetables, store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the biscuits wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to preserve softness, and reheat them in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 5-7 minutes before assembling. Your assembled Monster Biscuit is best enjoyed immediately, but if stored, consume within 1-2 days for optimal quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile. Brining the chicken fillets in buttermilk with added hot sauce overnight enhances juiciness and adds a subtle kick. Use a cast iron skillet for frying to achieve a crispier crust if a deep fryer is not available. Swapping mayonnaise with a spicy chipotle aioli or garlic aioli offers a creamier, flavorful twist to your Monster Biscuit.
Allergies
The Monster Biscuit contains common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour, dairy in the buttermilk, butter, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise, and eggs which may be present in mayonnaise. The fried chicken includes ingredients like flour and spices, which could trigger sensitivities or allergies related to gluten or seasoning additives. If you have allergies to any of these components, it is important to verify ingredient details with the restaurant before ordering.
Why this recipe?
The Monster Biscuit from Hardee's and Carl's Jr. features a savory blend of sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese layered on a flaky buttermilk biscuit, delivering a hearty and satisfying breakfast experience. Its rich combination of flavors and generous portion size appeals to those seeking a filling meal that stands out from traditional breakfast sandwiches. You may find that crafting a copycat recipe allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while enjoying a cost-effective, home-prepared version of this popular menu item. Replicating the Monster Biscuit lets you indulge in the restaurant-quality taste whenever you crave a bold and comforting breakfast.