01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk just until a shaggy dough forms.
02 - Transfer dough to a floured surface. Gently pat to 1-inch thickness. Cut dough into rounds using a biscuit cutter. Arrange biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden. Brush tops with melted butter while warm.
03 - Pound chicken pieces to uniform thickness if needed. Place chicken in a bowl and cover with buttermilk and hot sauce. Marinate for 20 minutes or up to 4 hours refrigerated.
04 - In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for the dredge.
05 - Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F. Remove chicken from marinade and dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry chicken cutlets 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature is 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
06 - In a small saucepan over low heat, warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes, stirring for 2–3 minutes. Do not bring to a boil. Set aside.
07 - Split warm biscuits. Lay one fried chicken cutlet inside each biscuit. Drizzle generously with hot honey. Add pickle slices if desired. Serve immediately.