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South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are my go-to when I crave a mix of bold flavors and easy comfort at home. Inspired by the beloved Southern snack shop staple, these sandwiches combine golden chicken tenders, tangy mustard barbecue sauce, crunchy pickles, and creamy mustard-mayo on a toasted soft roll. Each bite layers sweet, spicy, and savory notes in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
I first discovered this sandwich on a summer road trip driving through the Lowcountry. The balance of creamy mustard sauce and juicy chicken blew me away, and now it is a regular star at our family game night.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: Grilled, fried, or baked; bring a hearty filling and work with any cooking method you prefer
- Hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns: Give just the right pillowy bite and soak up all the juicy sauces; choose bakery-fresh for best results
- South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce: Adds trademark tang and sweetness; try to find one with high-quality mustard for genuine flavor
- Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce creamy and rich; use a full-fat real mayo for best taste
- Dijon mustard: Sharpens up the sauce; choose a jar with visible mustard seeds or smooth texture based on your preference
- Honey: Softens the mustard tang and adds natural sweetness; pick a local or wildflower variety if possible
- Chopped pickles: Bread and butter or dill; give crunch and a zesty touch; go for crisp whole pickles and chop fresh before assembling
- Small red onion: Sliced thinly; offers a bite of sharpness; look for firm and shiny onions for best flavor
- Shredded lettuce or coleslaw: Adds freshness and crunch; pre-shredded mixes make this even quicker
- Salt and pepper: Tie everything together; always season to taste and adjust as needed
- Hot sauce: Optional but brings extra flavor and heat; if you love things spicy, a splash of Carolina-style hot sauce works great
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season fresh chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then either grill, fry, or bake them. For grilling, heat your grill to medium-high and cook tenders about five to seven minutes per side, until fully done and juices run clear. For baking, arrange tenders on a sheet pan and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway. Fried tenders can be cooked in about half an inch of oil at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for five to six minutes. When done, let the chicken rest a couple minutes before assembling.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or stir until the mix becomes smooth and creamy, with no streaks or lumps. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
- Toast the Rolls:
- Slice your hoagie rolls or buns and lightly toast them, cut side down, in a dry skillet or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Toast just until the edges feel crisp but the inside stays soft, about two to three minutes. Toasting brings out extra flavor and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
- Spread the Sauce:
- Generously spread the homemade mustard mayo sauce onto the bottom half of each toasted roll. Coat all the way to the edges so every bite is flavorful.
- Layer the Chicken:
- Place a cooked chicken tender onto the sauced half of each bun. Aim for even placement and adjust the tender to fit the length of the roll.
- Drizzle with BBQ Sauce:
- Spoon or drizzle South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce over the chicken. Add a good amount for flavor, but do not drown the tender.
- Add Lettuce or Coleslaw:
- Next, layer on shredded lettuce or crunchy coleslaw. Spread it evenly for crispness and fresh bite.
- Top with Pickles and Onion:
- Sprinkle chopped pickles and scatter thinly sliced red onions across the top for extra crunch and tang.
- Finish:
- If you enjoy spice, dash on some hot sauce. Place the top half of the toasted roll on and gently press to hold everything together. Serve right away while the chicken is warm.
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My favorite part has to be the bright crunch of pickles against the creamy honey-mustard sauce. Growing up, swapping stories with my cousins at the kitchen table, we all reached for extra pickles every time—so now I always make sure there is a generous heap on every sandwich.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store each sandwich component separately. Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauces and toppings stay best when separated from the rolls so everything remains fresh and does not turn soggy. Reheat chicken gently so it stays juicy, and toast fresh rolls again before assembling leftover sandwiches.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use rotisserie chicken or sliced grilled chicken breast if you do not have tenders handy. Swap the South Carolina BBQ sauce with honey mustard or any favorite tangy barbecue sauce for a twist. For buns, any soft sandwich roll or even a brioche hot dog bun holds up nicely to the fillings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these sandwiches with classic Southern sides like kettle chips, sweet potato fries, or homemade coleslaw. They also go well with iced sweet tea or a crisp local beer for a full backyard picnic feel. If you like a little more heat, serve extra hot sauce or sliced jalapenos on the side.
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Every bite of this sandwich brings a taste of the South straight to your kitchen table—comforting, bold, and always satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for these sandwiches?
Boneless chicken tenders are ideal. You can grill, bake, or fry them to achieve the desired crispiness and flavor.
- → Can I use store-bought mustard barbecue sauce?
Yes, bottled South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce offers convenience and authentic tangy flavor for this sandwich.
- → What's the best way to toast the rolls?
Lightly toast rolls in a hot skillet or oven for 2-3 minutes until the edges become golden and crisp.
- → Are there good substitute toppings?
Shredded lettuce, coleslaw, red onions, and pickles are classic, but you can add sliced tomatoes or jalapeños for variety.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Drizzle with hot sauce for extra heat, or omit it for a milder, more traditional Carolina flavor profile.
- → Is this sandwich suited for meal prep?
You can pre-cook chicken and prep toppings, then assemble sandwiches right before serving for best texture.