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South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

4.5 from 81 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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