South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a delightful twist on a classic chicken sandwich, featuring tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce and crisp, refreshing toppings. This easy-to-make recipe brings bold flavors and satisfying textures together for a perfect casual meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken tenders (grilled, fried, or baked)
• 4 hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns
• 1/2 cup tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup chopped pickles (bread and butter or dill)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Hot sauce for an extra kick

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or fry them until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes per side. Set aside once done.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet or oven for 2–3 minutes, until the edges are crispy but the bread remains soft inside.
4. Step 4: Spread the honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cooked chicken tender on top, then drizzle generously with the South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
5. Step 5: Add shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles over the chicken. If you like heat, add a few drops of hot sauce.
6. Step 6: Close the sandwich with the top half of the roll and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, try frying the chicken tenders in panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
• Substitute coleslaw for the shredded lettuce to add a creamy, tangy texture.
• Use dill pickles for a sharper tang or bread and butter pickles for a sweeter contrast.
• Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to spice up the sandwich.
• Make the sandwiches ahead by preparing components separately; assemble just before eating to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken tenders and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls fresh in a bread bag at room temperature. Reheat chicken gently in the oven or microwave, then assemble sandwiches right before serving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular BBQ sauce instead of South Carolina mustard-based sauce?

Yes, but the distinct tangy flavor of South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce is key to this sandwich’s character. Using regular BBQ sauce will give a different taste but still taste good.

What is the best way to cook the chicken tenders?

Grilling, baking, or frying all work well. Grilling adds smokiness, frying produces a crispy exterior, while baking is a healthier option with less oil. Just ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

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5 from 134 reviews

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a flavorful twist on the classic chicken sandwich, featuring tender grilled, fried, or baked chicken tenders topped with tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce, honey mustard mayo, crisp pickles, red onions, and fresh lettuce or coleslaw, all layered in a toasted hoagie roll for a deliciously satisfying meal.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 chicken tenders (grilled, fried, or baked)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sandwich Components

• 4 hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns
• 1/2 cup tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped pickles (bread and butter or dill)

Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional

• Hot sauce for an extra kick

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Choose your preferred cooking method: grill, bake, or fry the tenders until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side. Once cooked, set them aside to rest briefly.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create the honey mustard sauce.
3. Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls using a skillet or oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges become crispy and warm, adding a delightful crunch to your sandwich.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the prepared honey mustard sauce evenly across the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place one cooked chicken tender on the sauced bun. Drizzle the chicken generously with the tangy South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
5. Add Toppings: Layer each sandwich with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles. If preferred, add a few drops of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
6. Serve: Top the sandwich with the other half of the hoagie roll and serve immediately while still warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can choose to grill, fry, or bake the chicken tenders depending on your preference and available equipment.
• Pickles can be bread and butter or dill based on taste preference.
• For a healthier option, use baking or grilling methods over frying.
• The sandwich is best enjoyed fresh and warm to complement the crispy rolls and tender chicken.
• Adjust the level of hot sauce or BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Keywords: South Carolina Bird Dog, chicken sandwich, mustard BBQ sauce, honey mustard, southern sandwich, quick chicken sandwich