Chicken biscuits have become a popular menu item at many fast food restaurants and diners, especially in the American South. A chicken biscuit is a buttermilk biscuit sandwich filled with a breaded fried chicken fillet. It is often topped with honey mustard or creamy sausage gravy. While they are commonly eaten for breakfast, there is some debate around whether chicken biscuits should technically be considered a breakfast food.
The case for chicken biscuits as breakfast
There are several reasons why chicken biscuits can be considered an appropriate breakfast food:
- Chicken biscuits are served at many diners and fast food chains that specialize in breakfast menus. Chains like Chick-fil-A, Bojangles’, Hardee’s, and McDonald’s all list chicken biscuits under their breakfast sections.
- People commonly eat chicken biscuits early in the morning. Many people stop for a chicken biscuit sandwich on their morning commute or grab one through a drive-thru window on their way to work or school.
- Chicken biscuits provide protein, which is beneficial to start the day. The chicken fillet contains lean protein that can help you feel full and energized. The biscuit also contains carbohydrates for energy.
- Eating chicken biscuits for breakfast can be a regional/cultural tradition, especially in the American South. Getting a chicken biscuit from a local fast food chain or diner is a habitual morning routine for many Southerners.
- Chicken biscuits can be modified to be healthier breakfast options. The fried chicken can be grilled instead to reduce fat and calories. The biscuit can be made with whole grain flour.
Considering these points, there is a solid argument that chicken biscuits have become an accepted and commonplace breakfast item, despite not being a traditional breakfast food.
The case against chicken biscuits as breakfast
However, there are also some reasons why chicken biscuits may not be considered an appropriate breakfast choice:
- Chicken is not commonly thought of as a breakfast meat. Traditional breakfast meats like bacon, sausage, and ham are fattier cured pork products. Chicken is leaner and has a milder flavor.
- Fried chicken is heavy and high in calories. The combination of a fried chicken fillet and buttery biscuit is extremely filling and high in calories, fat, and sodium.
- Eating fried foods in the morning can cause indigestion or stomach issues for some people.
- Chicken doesn’t provide the protein balance optimal for breakfast. Eggs have a better ratio of protein to fat for starting the day.
- Chicken biscuits don’t offer the nutritional benefits of a well-balanced breakfast. They are high in calories but low in nutrients, fiber, and whole grains.
- Chicken biscuits may contribute to an unhealthy morning diet. People may eat them in addition to other fried or high-calorie breakfast items rather than as part of a wholesome meal.
These cons suggest that chicken biscuits are more of an indulgent morning treat rather than a well-balanced, nutritious breakfast option.
Nutritional profile of chicken biscuits
To better evaluate the merits of eating chicken biscuits for breakfast, let’s examine the typical nutritional profile of a chicken biscuit sandwich from a fast food chain:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 115mg |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 19g |
As the table shows, a standard chicken biscuit is very high in calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol compared to most expert recommendations for a single breakfast item. The protein content is decent at 19g, but overall the nutritional value is quite poor.
Healthier ways to enjoy chicken biscuits
If you want to keep enjoying chicken biscuits while improving their nutritional value, here are some healthier tips:
- Use a whole grain flour biscuit or English muffin instead of buttermilk biscuit
- Replace fried chicken with grilled or roasted chicken breast
- Load up on vegetables – add tomato slice, lettuce, spinach
- Use avocado instead of cheese or sausage as topping
- Opt for hot honey instead of honey mustard or sausage gravy
- Split one chicken biscuit as meal share or eat half and save half for later
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary juices or soda
- Avoid hash browns or other fried sides and opt for fruit as side
- Balance out meal with Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or hardboiled egg for protein
With some simple substitutions and sides, you can still enjoy a chicken biscuit sandwich while getting a more nutritious, well-rounded breakfast.
Conclusion
Chicken biscuits occupy a gray area between indulgent comfort food and acceptable breakfast fare. While they have become a common menu item at many fast food breakfast spots, especially in the South, they lack nutritional value compared to more traditional and balanced breakfast choices.
Ultimately, an occasional chicken biscuit likely won’t undermine an otherwise healthy diet. But making chicken biscuits an everyday habit may lead to weight gain and other health issues. People should view chicken biscuits as an occasional treat rather than a nutritious breakfast foundation. Following some of the tips to lighten up chicken biscuits can help keep them in the mix while maintaining a balanced morning diet.