South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Drizzle each chicken tender with the tangy South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce to infuse the signature regional flavor.
- 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.
- 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
