Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen last weekend, the smell of frying chicken wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a bustling Southern diner. That’s when I decided to whip up some South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches, a delectable treat that’s been a favorite in my family. These sandwiches merge crispy chicken tenders with a slather of creamy honey mustard sauce and a drizzle of tangy BBQ that brings warmth to any occasion. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, this comforting recipe allows for personalization—whether you like it spicy or prefer the crunch of pickles on top, you can tailor it to your taste. Are you ready to take your sandwich game to the next level? Let’s dive into this Southern delight together! Why Are You Going to Love This? Simplicity at Its Best: The recipe is a breeze to prepare, utilizing easily accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques that will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Bursting with Flavor: With crispy chicken tenders paired with a creamy honey mustard sauce and tangy BBQ drizzle, each bite offers a delightful explosion of Southern-inspired goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Customizable Options: Personalize your sandwiches with your favorite toppings—whether it’s adding a spicy kick with hot sauce or a refreshing coleslaw, the choice is yours! Quick to Assemble: Perfect for busy weeknights, you can prepare and assemble these sandwiches in just 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These sandwiches are sure to impress family and friends, making them a hit at any gathering. Serve them with a fresh salad or crispy fries for a complete meal! South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Tenders – These juicy morsels are the star of the show, providing delicious protein; any cooking method works! For the Sandwich Base • Hoagie Rolls or Soft Sandwich Buns – Soft and sturdy, these provide the perfect vessel for all the tasty fillings. For the Sauce • Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce – Crucial for adding that tangy Southern flair; it’s a hallmark of South Carolina cuisine! • Mayonnaise – This creamy element binds the sauce together; swap for Greek yogurt for a healthier touch. • Dijon Mustard – Introduces a sharp flavor profile; you can use yellow mustard in a pinch. • Honey – Sweetens the sauce perfectly to balance the savory elements; maple syrup works well as a substitute. For the Toppings • Chopped Pickles (Bread and Butter or Dill) – These add a crunchy, zesty kick; feel free to experiment with different pickled veggies! • Red Onion (Thinly Sliced) – Brings a hint of sharpness and color; green onions are a lovely alternative. • Shredded Lettuce or Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm sandwich; any fresh salad mix will do. • Hot Sauce (Optional) – Add a dash for an extra kick if you love some heat! Seasoning • Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in this comforting dish. Now that you have the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich ingredients ready, let’s move on to the instructions and assemble this delicious creation! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Start by seasoning the chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Cook the chicken tenders for about 5–7 minutes on each side, or until they reach a golden-brown color and are fully cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate to rest while you gather the other ingredients. Step 2: Make the Sauce In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon honey. Mix these ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring everything is well blended. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This creamy honey mustard sauce will add a delightful zing to your South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches. Step 3: Toast the Rolls While the chicken is resting, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your hoagie rolls and slice them open without cutting all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 2–3 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. This step ensures a nice texture for your sandwiches. Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches Now it’s time to put together your South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches! Begin by spreading a generous layer of the honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Next, place one or two chicken tenders on top, followed by a drizzle of your favorite mustard-based BBQ sauce for that signature tangy flavor. Step 5: Add Toppings Top your sandwiches with a handful of shredded lettuce or coleslaw for crunch, then layer on the thinly sliced red onions and chopped pickles for an extra flavor boost. If you like a little heat, drizzle some hot sauce over the top before closing the sandwich with the other half of the toasted roll. Step 6: Serve Finally, plate your freshly assembled South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches and serve warm. Pair them with crispy potato chips or a side salad for a complete meal that will please everyone at your table. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite! What to Serve with South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Imagine sitting down to a hearty meal that delights your taste buds and wraps you in a warm embrace of Southern comfort. Crispy Potato Chips: The salty crunch of chips adds a satisfying texture contrast that complements the soft sandwich beautifully. Classic Coleslaw: The cool, creamy coleslaw brings a refreshing balance to the rich flavors, making each bite more enjoyable. Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet delights add a hint of sweetness to your meal and a delightful crunch that matches perfectly with the sandwich. Tangy Pickle Chips: Serve alongside extra pickle chips for those who want an added crunch and zesty flavor to elevate their sandwich experience! Light Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette not only balances the richness but also adds a burst of vibrant colors to your plate. Southern-Style Baked Beans: The smoky, sweet flavor of baked beans pairs well, echoing the classic Southern theme and offering a filling side to your meal. Iced Sweet Tea: Cool down with a glass of refreshing sweet tea; it’s a Southern staple that perfectly complements the flavors of your Bird Dog Sandwiches. Peach Cobbler: End on a sweet note! This warm, fruity dessert is a true Southern classic that rounds out your meal with comforting sweetness. Expert Tips for South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Serve Fresh: Enjoy the sandwiches immediately after assembling to prevent sogginess from the sauce and toppings. Pre-Cook Convenience: For a quicker meal, consider using pre-cooked chicken tenders; they can save you time and still deliver great flavor. Try Variations: Mix things up by using different types of pickles, adding spicy jalapeños, or substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a tangy twist. Prevent Sogginess: Keep the sauce and toppings separate until serving. Layering them too early can lead to a soggy sandwich. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in both the sauce and as a topping to cater to your guests’ heat preferences. Make Ahead Options These South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prep the chicken tenders and make the honey mustard sauce up to 3 days in advance; simply cook and season the chicken, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce can be refrigerated as well, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken tenders in the oven or microwave before assembling your sandwiches. For the freshest texture, keep the toppings, such as pickles, lettuce, and onions, separate until you’re ready to build the sandwich. This way, your South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches will be just as delicious as if you made them from scratch! How to Store and Freeze South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Fridge: Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness. Keep the sauce and toppings separate to avoid sogginess. Freezer: If making in bulk, freeze the chicken tenders separately in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before assembling the sandwich. Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken tenders in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and chop toppings in advance, storing them in the fridge for up to 3 days, making the assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to enjoy your Bird Dog Sandwiches! South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Variations Feeling adventurous? Let’s elevate your South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches with a touch of personal flair! Spicy Twist: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce for a delightful kick. This fiery touch can elevate the overall flavor profile without overpowering the original taste. Coleslaw Crunch: Swap out shredded lettuce for a zesty coleslaw to incorporate additional texture and flavor. The crunch of the coleslaw complements the tender chicken and enhances the overall satisfaction of every bite. Pickle Varieties: Experiment with different kinds of pickles, like spicy jalapeños or tangy bread and butter. Each brings its unique flavor to the mix, giving your sandwich a delightful twist. BBQ Sauce Alternates: For a more robust flavor, try using a hickory-smoked BBQ sauce instead of the traditional mustard-based version. This change will infuse your sandwich with a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Vegetarian Option: Want a meat-free alternative? Substitute the chicken tenders with crispy fried eggplant or black bean patties. This provides a delicious, hearty base while keeping the sandwich satisfying and flavorful. Herbed Mayonnaise: Boost the flavor by blending fresh herbs into your mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Chopped dill, parsley, or chives complement the creamy base while bringing freshness to the dish. Sweet Relish Drizzle: For a surprise burst of sweetness, drizzle some sweet pickle relish over the top. It adds a unique contrast to the savory ingredients and a nostalgic taste of Southern charm. Toasty Alternatives: If you’re looking for a crunchier experience, consider toasting your hoagie rolls with a layer of shredded cheese on top. This gooey addition adds a comforting richness that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Try out any of these variations to make your South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches truly your own! And if you’re in the mood for more delicious recipes, check out my tips for serving suggestions or learn how to make your own homemade BBQ sauce for a perfect pairing! South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches? Absolutely! You can use chicken tenders, which are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and quick cooking time. However, you can also opt for boneless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Just slice them into tenders for a similar result! How should I store leftover South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches? After assembling, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the sauce and toppings separate from the sandwich to prevent them from becoming soggy. Trust me, you’ll want them to maintain that perfect crunch! Can I freeze the components of the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches? Yes, you can! For best results, freeze the cooked chicken tenders separately in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Prepare the toppings and sauce fresh when assembling to maintain their flavor and texture. What should I do if my chicken tenders turn out dry? Very! If your chicken tenders seem dry, it’s likely they were overcooked. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). To keep your tenders juicy next time, marinate them beforehand or consider brining your chicken to lock in moisture. Cook them for the recommended time on medium heat, flipping only once to avoid drying them out. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Absolutely! If you or your guests have allergies, be cautious with the ingredients. Both mayonnaise and mustard can contain allergens; you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for mayonnaise if you prefer a healthier option. For a gluten-free version, consider using gluten-free buns and make sure your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free. Always double-check labels when in doubt! Savory South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches to Satisfy Cravings Try these South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches, made with crispy chicken tenders, creamy honey mustard sauce, and tangy BBQ drizzle, perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 sandwichesCourse: DinnerCuisine: SouthernCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound chicken tenders any cooking method worksFor the Sandwich Base4 rolls hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns soft and sturdyFor the Sauce½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier touch2 tablespoons Dijon mustard yellow mustard can be used in a pinch1 tablespoon honey maple syrup works as a substitute1 cup mustard-based BBQ sauce hallmark of South Carolina cuisineFor the Toppings½ cup chopped pickles bread and butter or dill1 small red onion thinly sliced1 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw any fresh salad mix will doto taste hot sauce optionalSeasoningto taste saltto taste pepper Equipment skilletbaking sheetmixing bowloven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsSeason the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Cook for 5–7 minutes each side until golden brown.In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the hoagie rolls and toast in the oven for 2–3 minutes until crispy.Spread honey mustard sauce on the bottom of each roll, add chicken tenders, and drizzle with BBQ sauce.Top with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, sliced red onions, and pickles. Add hot sauce if desired, then close the roll.Serve the sandwiches warm with potato chips or a side salad. Nutrition Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesEnjoy the sandwiches immediately after assembling for best texture. Store separately to prevent sogginess. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
