Introduction

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a delightful combination of juicy chicken tenders and tangy mustard BBQ sauce nestled in soft hoagie rolls. This easy-to-make sandwich bursts with flavors perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. You’re sure to love its balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.

The image shows two hot dog buns filled with crispy, golden-brown fried shrimp pieces that have a slightly charred texture. Each bun holds a layer of creamy light brown sauce spread on the bottom, topped with the shrimp, and finished with a drizzle of the same sauce over the shrimp. There are small green herb pieces on top as garnish. The hot dog buns look soft and lightly toasted, sitting on a white, marbled surface with a parchment paper underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders (grilled, fried, baked, or use rotisserie/frozen for convenience)

1/2 cup South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper (to taste)

4 hoagie rolls (soft and pillowy; sandwich buns work too)

1/4 cup pickles, chopped (bread and butter or dill)

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw

Hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the raw chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper. Cook them by grilling, baking, or frying for about 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth and creamy honey mustard sauce.

Step 3: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls in an oven or skillet for 2–3 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.

Step 4: Spread a generous layer of the honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Place a cooked chicken tender on top, then drizzle with the South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.

Step 5: Add shredded lettuce or coleslaw, followed by red onion slices and chopped pickles. For a spicy kick, add hot sauce if desired.

Step 6: Place the top half of the roll over the fillings and serve the sandwich immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in some of the mustard BBQ sauce before cooking.

Substitute coleslaw for shredded lettuce to add a creamy crunch and tang.

Use bread and butter pickles for a sweeter contrast, or dill pickles for a classic, sharper taste.

If you prefer, bake the sandwich briefly after assembling to melt the flavors together.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this sandwich?

Yes, frozen chicken tenders can be used as a quick substitute. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly according to package instructions before assembling the sandwich.

What type of bread works best for Bird Dog Sandwiches?

Soft hoagie rolls are ideal because they hold the fillings well without overpowering the flavors. Sandwich buns can also work if you prefer a smaller size.