Tasty Bird Dog Sandwich

This Bird Dog Sandwich from South Carolina mixes tangy, sweet, and savory flavors inside a soft bun. Juicy chicken tenders meet the famous mustard-style BBQ sauce that’s a local favorite. It’s a tasty twist that’s become a hit around here fast.

Ingredients

• South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce: half a cup brings that classic tangy kick, pick a good brand for extra flavor
• Chicken tenders: four pieces give you tender, juicy bites that cook easily your way
• Mayonnaise: a quarter cup adds cream and helps mellow the mustard's sharpness
• Small red onion: one thinly sliced for a sweet and sharp crunch
• Honey: one tablespoon adds a little sweetness that ties the sauce flavors together
• Dijon mustard: two tablespoons for a subtle tang that deepens the honey mustard
• Hoagie rolls or soft buns: four buns hold all the layers just right without taking over
• Chopped pickles: a quarter cup for a crisp acidic bite, bread and butter or dill both work
• Shredded lettuce or coleslaw: half a cup for freshness and a cool crunch
• Salt and pepper: season to taste to bring out all the flavors
• Optional hot sauce: add if you want a little extra spice

Step-By-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

Rinse the chicken tenders and season well with salt and pepper. Grill, fry, or bake them about five to seven minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside so you can focus on putting the sandwich together.

Prepare the Sauce:

Mix mayo, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This sauce brings a sweet creaminess that pairs perfectly with the bold BBQ sauce.

Toast the Buns:

Warm the hoagie rolls or buns in a skillet or oven for a couple of minutes until their edges get a little crispy. This adds texture and stops the buns from getting soggy once you add the sauces.

Build the Sandwich:

Slather the honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add a cooked chicken tender, then drizzle on the South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce for that unique tang.

Add the Toppings:

Top with shredded lettuce or slaw, then add sliced red onions and the chopped pickles. If you want heat, splash on some hot sauce.

Serve it Up:

Place the top bun on and serve right away while everything’s warm and tasty.

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Storing Tips
Keep leftover chicken and sauces separate in airtight containers in the fridge up to three days to keep them fresh. Toast buns just before eating to stop them from getting soggy.

Swaps and Changes
If you want, switch chicken tenders for grilled tofu or turkey patties for a different protein. Use store-bought coleslaw if you don’t feel like chopping veggies.

Eat With
This sandwich goes great with Southern classics like baked beans, homemade chips, or a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Cultural Notes
The mustard BBQ sauce from South Carolina is a key part of the local food style. Unlike other sauces that have tomatoes, this one’s all about mustard flavor.

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Common Recipe Questions

→ What’s the best way to cook the chicken tenders?

You can grill for a smoky touch, fry for a crispy crust, or bake if you want something healthier and hands-off. All ways give tender, flavorful chicken.

→ Can I swap out the South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce?

Sure, a mustard-based tangy BBQ sauce keeps it authentic but feel free to tweak the flavor or sweetness with store-bought or your own sauce.

→ What toppings go well on these sandwiches?

Crisp shredded lettuce or coleslaw adds crunch, plus sliced red onions and chopped pickles give a fresh, tangy balance to the rich sauces.

→ How should I get the rolls ready for the best crunch?

Give the hoagie buns a quick toast until the edges get nice and crispy — that keeps the sandwich from getting soggy with sauce.

→ Is there a way to add some kick to these sandwiches?

Yep, just add some hot sauce or a spicy drizzle to bring heat that plays off the tangy and creamy flavors.