South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a flavorful twist on the classic chicken sandwich, featuring tender chicken tenders topped with tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce and fresh, crunchy toppings. This easy-to-make sandwich combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements for a truly satisfying 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 raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or fry until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes per side. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the honey mustard sauce.
3. Step 3: Lightly toast hoagie rolls in a skillet or oven for 2–3 minutes until the edges are crispy.
4. Step 4: Spread the honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cooked chicken tender on top, then drizzle with South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce.
5. Step 5: Layer with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles. Add hot sauce if desired.
6. Step 6: Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate chicken tenders in a bit of BBQ sauce or your favorite seasoning before cooking.
• Use coleslaw instead of shredded lettuce for added crunch and creaminess.
• If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Try using different types of pickles like spicy or sweet to adjust the tanginess to your liking.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid assembling the sandwiches in advance to keep the rolls from becoming soggy. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken tenders work well. Just reheat them thoroughly and follow the assembly steps as usual.

What is South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce?

It’s a unique regional barbecue sauce made primarily with yellow mustard, vinegar, and spices, offering a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. You can find it in specialty stores or make a simple version at home with mustard, vinegar, and seasonings.

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

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4.8 from 74 reviews

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches feature tender chicken tenders served on toasted hoagie rolls with a tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce, honey mustard mayo, pickles, red onions, and fresh lettuce or coleslaw for a delicious and satisfying sandwich experience inspired by Southern flavors.

• Author: Naya
• 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
• 1/4 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
• Optional: Hot sauce for an extra kick

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or fry the chicken tenders until they’re golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes per side. Once cooked, set aside to rest briefly.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
3. Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven for 2–3 minutes until the edges become crispy and slightly browned.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place one cooked chicken tender on top, then drizzle with the South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce.
5. Add Toppings: Layer each sandwich with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles. If desired, add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
6. Serve: Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and serve immediately while warm to enjoy the full flavors and textures.

Notes

• Chicken tenders can be cooked using your preferred method: grilling for a smoky flavor, baking for a healthier option, or frying for extra crispiness.
• Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and honey mustard sauce according to your taste preference.
• Use fresh pickles and red onions for the best flavor contrast.
• For a spicier sandwich, add your favorite hot sauce or jalapeño slices.
• These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be partially assembled in advance to save time.

Keywords: South Carolina bird dog sandwich, mustard BBQ sauce, chicken tender sandwich, Southern sandwich, honey mustard sauce, pickles, hoagie rolls