Hey y'all! If you love bold flavors and crave comforting, Southern-inspired eats, South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are sure to become your newest obsession. This recipe combines juicy chicken, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a zesty honey mustard sauce all nestled in a soft hoagie roll—making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner. Ready to taste a staple of the Palmetto State? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Packed with irresistible flavors—crispy chicken, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy sauce.
- Kid-approved and endlessly customizable to suit any palette.
- Uses simple, readily available ingredients for maximum convenience.
- Brings an authentic taste of the Carolinas straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls (sub rolls or split hot dog buns work too)
- 4 crispy breaded chicken tenders (store-bought or homemade, about 3-4 oz each)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon (thick-cut preferred for extra crunch)
- ½ cup honey mustard sauce (bottled or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for buns, optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using frozen chicken tenders, bake according to package instructions—typically 18-22 minutes until golden and crispy. For homemade, bake breaded tenders until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Step 2: Toast the Hoagie Rolls
While the chicken bakes, lightly brush the inside of each hoagie roll with melted butter. Place the buns on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and toast in the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden-brown and fragrant.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the chicken is done, layer one tender in each toasted roll. Place one slice of cheddar cheese on the chicken, followed by two strips of bacon.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Place the assembled sandwiches back in the oven on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melty and irresistible.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle honey mustard sauce generously over the chicken, bacon, and cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For the crispiest bacon, bake on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
- If you like extra saucy sandwiches, serve additional honey mustard on the side for dipping.
- Warm your buns just before assembly to keep them soft but sturdy for all the fillings.
Variations
- Spicy Bird Dog: Add pickled jalapeños or spicy pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- BBQ Bird Dog: Swap honey mustard with tangy barbecue sauce and use smoked gouda cheese.
- Ranch Bird Dog: Replace the honey mustard with creamy ranch dressing and add shredded lettuce for crunch.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (optional, for bacon)
- Basting brush (for buttering rolls)
- Sharp knife (if slicing fresh buns or prepping bacon)
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store leftover assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from getting soggy. Store honey mustard sauce separately if possible.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve alongside crispy potato wedges or seasoned fries for the perfect Southern meal.
- A crunchy slaw or classic dill pickles make a zesty, refreshing side.
- Pair with sweet iced tea or a cold craft beer for the ultimate Carolina experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Use bakery-fresh hoagie rolls for enhanced texture and flavor.
- Let the hot chicken rest for 2 minutes before stuffing to keep the bread from getting soggy.
- Add the cheese while the chicken is hot so it melts evenly and lusciously.
FAQs
- Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
- The components can be prepared in advance, but assemble just before serving for best texture.
- What's the best type of chicken to use?
- Crispy breaded tenders work best, but you can substitute with grilled tenders for a lighter option.
- Can I freeze leftover Bird Dog Sandwiches?
- It's best not to freeze assembled sandwiches, but cooked chicken tenders and bacon can be frozen for future use.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 cooked chicken tenders
- 8 slices of cooked bacon
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- ½ cup honey mustard sauce
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush the inside of each hoagie roll with melted butter.
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2Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden.
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3Layer two chicken tenders onto each toasted roll, followed by two slices of bacon per sandwich.
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4Top each sandwich with a slice of cheddar cheese and return to the oven for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
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5Remove from oven. Add shredded lettuce and tomato slices. Drizzle with honey mustard sauce and season with salt and pepper.
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6Serve warm and enjoy your South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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