South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
The South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich is a delightful regional treat, featuring crispy chicken tenders, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, and honey mustard all nestled in a warm hot dog bun. This tasty combination offers Southern comfort food in a convenient handheld form, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2–3 crispy chicken tenders, cooked (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 slices of cooked turkey bacon
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Honey mustard sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the hot dog buns on a baking sheet and lightly toast them for about 5 minutes, just until warm and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Step 2: While the buns are toasting, cook your chicken tenders if they aren’t already prepared. Season lightly with salt and pepper if needed. Cook the turkey bacon strips until crisp and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: Once the buns are ready, layer each with one slice of cheddar cheese, followed by a warm chicken tender. Add one strip of crispy turkey bacon on top of the chicken.
- Step 4: Drizzle generously with honey mustard sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade if preferred.
- Step 5: Serve the sandwiches warm, optionally with chips, coleslaw, or pickles on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, try using toasted hoagie rolls or sub rolls instead of hot dog buns.
- You can swap cheddar for pepper jack or Swiss cheese to change the flavor profile.
- Add a few jalapeño slices or use spicy honey mustard for a spicy twist.
- These sandwiches can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd, making them great for casual gatherings.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to keep the buns crisp and the cheese melted. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken other than tenders for this sandwich?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast strips or even fried chicken nuggets if you prefer, as long as they fit well inside the bun.
Is turkey bacon necessary, or can I use regular bacon?
You can definitely use regular bacon if you prefer a different flavor or texture. Turkey bacon keeps it a bit lighter but both work well in this sandwich.
PrintSouth Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a delicious regional favorite that combines crispy chicken tenders, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of honey mustard sauce inside warm hot dog buns. This sandwich offers a perfect blend of Southern comfort food flavors in a handheld format, ideal for tailgates, casual gatherings, or quick lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2–3 crispy chicken tenders, cooked (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 slices of cooked turkey bacon
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Honey mustard sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the hot dog buns on a baking sheet and lightly toast them for about 5 minutes, just until warm and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Prepare Chicken and Bacon: While the buns are toasting, cook your chicken tenders if they aren’t already prepared. Season lightly with salt and pepper if needed. Cook the turkey bacon strips until crisp and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Once the buns are ready, layer each with one slice of cheddar cheese, followed by a warm chicken tender. Add one strip of crispy turkey bacon on top of the chicken.
- Add Sauce: Drizzle generously with honey mustard sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade if preferred.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm, optionally with chips, coleslaw, or pickles on the side.
Notes
- For extra crunch, try using toasted hoagie rolls or sub rolls instead of hot dog buns.
- You can swap cheddar for pepper jack or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- To make it spicy, add a few jalapeño slices or use spicy honey mustard.
- These sandwiches are great for casual gatherings or quick lunches and can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
Keywords: South Carolina Bird Dog, chicken sandwich, turkey bacon sandwich, honey mustard, Southern comfort food, crispy chicken tenders
