For the Fried Chicken: Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of oil and heat over medium heat. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a separate dish, whisk together the egg and water. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly, then shake off excess. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then coat again with the flour mixture. Set aside. Check the oil temperature—it should be around 365-375°F—or drop a pinch of flour into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Fry the chicken in batches of 2 to 4 pieces, cooking until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes per batch. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

For the Buttermilk Biscuits: Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut the cold butter into small cubes or shred it with a box grater for ease, then work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk with a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead. Pat the dough into a rectangle and fold it into thirds, then turn and flatten it again into a rectangle. Repeat this folding and flattening two more times. Use a floured 2.5-inch biscuit cutter to cut out 10 to 12 biscuits, gathering scraps, patting them to ½-inch thickness, and cutting again. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter.

For the Hot Honey: Combine honey and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Let cool to room temperature. Use immediately by drizzling over the fried chicken or transfer to a glass container and refrigerate until ready to use.

To Assemble: Split the biscuits in half, place a piece of fried chicken on each bottom half, and drizzle generously with hot honey. Serve with pickle slices if desired. Enjoy!