South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a taste of the South with these flavorful South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches. Featuring tender chicken, tangy mustard BBQ sauce, and crisp toppings, this sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.

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, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth to create the honey mustard sauce.
3. Step 3: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet or oven for 2–3 minutes until the edges turn crispy.
4. Step 4: Spread the honey mustard sauce on the bottom bun. Place a cooked chicken tender on top, then drizzle with the South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
5. Step 5: Add shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles on top of the chicken. Add hot sauce if you like extra heat.
6. Step 6: Finish by topping with the other half of the roll and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, bake the chicken tenders instead of frying.
• Use coleslaw instead of lettuce to add extra crunch and creaminess.
• Add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Try substituting the hoagie rolls with brioche buns for a richer taste.
• Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and hot sauce to match your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwich components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat cooked chicken, warm gently in the oven or microwave to prevent drying out. Assemble the sandwich fresh just before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this sandwich?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to cook or warm the chicken thoroughly before assembling.

What if I don’t have South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce?

You can substitute with any tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce or create a simple mix of yellow mustard and BBQ sauce to mimic the flavor.

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

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4.5 from 96 reviews

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches combine tender grilled or fried chicken tenders with a tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce typical of South Carolina. These flavorful sandwiches are topped with a homemade honey mustard mayo, crisp pickles, red onions, and fresh lettuce or coleslaw, all served on toasted hoagie rolls. Perfect for a savory lunch or casual dinner, these sandwiches offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• 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

South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

• 1/2 cup tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce

Honey Mustard Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings

• 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 until golden and fully cooked, approximately 5–7 minutes per side depending on the cooking method used. Once cooked through, set the chicken aside to rest.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until you achieve a smooth and creamy honey mustard sauce.
3. Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet or oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and golden, enhancing their texture and flavor.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the honey mustard sauce on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Place one cooked chicken tender on top of each.
5. Add BBQ Sauce: Drizzle each chicken tender with the tangy South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce to infuse the signature regional flavor.
6. Add Toppings: Layer the sandwiches with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles. For those who enjoy some heat, add a few drops of hot sauce.
7. Serve: Place the top halves of the rolls on each sandwich and serve immediately while the chicken is warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor combination.

Notes

• Chicken can be prepared by grilling, baking, or frying depending on your preference and dietary needs.
• Use either bread and butter or dill pickles based on desired sweetness or tanginess.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken tenders with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste preference for spiciness.
• To make the sandwich gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Keywords: South Carolina bird dog sandwich, mustard BBQ, chicken sandwich, Southern recipe, grilled chicken sandwich