South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

The South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich is a flavorful twist on the classic chicken sandwich, featuring tender chicken tenders topped with tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce and crunchy pickles. This easy-to-make favorite is perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner with bold Southern flair.

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 make 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 honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place one chicken tender on top, then drizzle with South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
5. Step 5: Layer with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles. Add hot sauce if you like it spicy.
6. Step 6: Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, fry the chicken tenders in panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
• Substitute coleslaw for shredded lettuce to add more crunch and creaminess.
• Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier sandwich.
• If you can’t find South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, mix yellow mustard with a bit of vinegar and brown sugar as a quick substitute.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, unwrap and warm the chicken separately in a skillet or microwave to avoid soggy buns, then assemble with fresh toppings. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of chicken instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs sliced into strips. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

What makes the South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce special?

South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce is unique because it uses mustard as a base, which gives it a tangy, sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and crunchy pickles in the sandwich.

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

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South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a flavorful twist on the classic chicken sandwich, featuring juicy grilled, fried, or baked chicken tenders topped with a tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce, honey mustard mayo, fresh pickles, red onion, and crisp lettuce or coleslaw, all nestled inside lightly toasted hoagie rolls.

• Author: Bella
• 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 and Buns

• 4 chicken tenders (grilled, fried, or baked)
• 4 hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns

Sauces and Condiments

• 1/2 cup tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey

Toppings and Seasonings

• 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. Prepare the Chicken: Season raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or fry until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes per side. Once cooked, set the chicken tenders aside and keep warm.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended, creating a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.
3. Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet or oven for 2–3 minutes until the edges are crisp and golden. This step adds texture and helps prevent the bun from becoming soggy.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the prepared honey mustard sauce evenly over the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place one cooked chicken tender on top of the sauce, then drizzle with the tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce.
5. Add Toppings: Layer the sandwich with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles for brightness and crunch. Add hot sauce if an extra spicy kick is desired.
6. Serve: Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately while the sandwich is still warm, ensuring a deliciously satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can choose to grill, bake, or fry the chicken tenders based on your preference or convenience.
• For an authentic South Carolina flavor, use a mustard-based BBQ sauce, which provides a tangy and slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
• To keep the sandwich from becoming soggy, make sure to toast the buns well and add the wet sauces just before serving.
• If desired, substitute coleslaw for shredded lettuce to add creaminess and extra crunch.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to how spicy you want your sandwich.
• Leftover sandwiches can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.

Keywords: South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches, chicken sandwich, mustard BBQ sauce, honey mustard sauce, grilled chicken, Southern sandwich, hoagie rolls