South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

The South Carolina Bird Dog is a flavorful sandwich that features tender chicken and tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, making it a delightful meal for lunch or dinner. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a great choice for any home cook.

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.
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 the 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 BBQ sauce.
5. Step 5: Add shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles. If you like heat, add a splash of hot sauce.
6. Step 6: Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken tenders or use panko breadcrumbs when frying.
• Try swapping coleslaw for crunchy cabbage slaw with a light vinaigrette for a fresh twist.
• If you can’t find South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, mix yellow mustard with apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of cayenne as a quick substitute.
• Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for more spice.

Storage

Store leftover assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, store the chicken, sauce, and toppings separately and assemble just before eating. Reheat the chicken gently in a microwave or skillet before assembling to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this sandwich?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well as alternatives to tenders. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and remain juicy.

Is South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce spicy?

South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with a mild spicy kick depending on the recipe. It’s generally milder than tomato-based BBQ sauces but offers a unique, sharp mustard tang.

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

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South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a delicious and tangy take on the classic chicken sandwich. Featuring tender grilled, fried, or baked chicken tenders layered on toasted hoagie rolls, these sandwiches are dressed with a flavorful South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce, honey Dijon mayo, fresh pickles, red onions, and crisp lettuce or coleslaw for a perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and crunch. Ideal for a quick lunch or casual dinner, this recipe brings the unique flavors of South Carolina mustard BBQ to your sandwich table.

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

Ingredients

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Chicken and Bread

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

Sauces

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

Toppings

• 1/4 cup chopped pickles (bread and butter or dill)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw

Seasoning and Optional

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Hot sauce for an extra kick

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Cook them by grilling, baking, or frying until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on the method. Once cooked, set aside.
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 either in a skillet or in the oven for about 2 to 3 minutes until the edges become crispy and golden.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of the honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place one cooked chicken tender on top, then drizzle with the tangy South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
5. Add Toppings: Layer the sandwiches with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles. Add hot sauce if you prefer a spicier sandwich experience.
6. Serve: Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can choose your preferred chicken cooking method: grilling, baking, or frying to suit your taste and kitchen equipment.
• If coleslaw is not available, finely shredded lettuce works well as a crunchy alternative.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level.
• To make the sandwiches ahead, prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and assemble just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute hoagie rolls with gluten-free buns.

Keywords: South Carolina mustard BBQ, bird dog sandwich, chicken sandwich, tangy BBQ, hoagie rolls, grilled chicken, fried chicken, baked chicken, mustard BBQ sauce, honey Dijon mayo