A Bird Dog Sandwich is a delicious Southern-inspired dish that combines crispy fried chicken tenders, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy honey mustard sauce, all served on a soft hoagie roll. This hearty sandwich is perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day and offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines classic flavors of fried chicken, bacon, and honey mustard
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Great for a quick and filling meal
- Perfect for tailgating, parties, or a fun family dinner
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 8-10 crispy chicken tenders (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4 slices of cheddar or American cheese
- 1/2 cup honey mustard sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- If using store-bought chicken tenders, cook according to package instructions.
- For homemade tenders, bake, air fry, or deep fry until golden and crispy.
- Toast the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the inside of each hoagie roll with melted butter. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread honey mustard sauce on both sides of the toasted rolls.
- Place 2-3 chicken tenders inside each roll.
- Top with 2 slices of crispy bacon and a slice of cheese.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Optional Toppings:
- If desired, add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pickles.
- Serve:
- Drizzle with extra honey mustard sauce and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Bird Dog: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
- BBQ Bird Dog: Swap honey mustard for barbecue sauce and use pepper jack cheese.
- Ranch Bird Dog: Use ranch dressing instead of honey mustard for a cool, creamy twist.
- Buffalo Bird Dog: Toss the chicken tenders in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Grilled Chicken Bird Dog: Use grilled chicken strips instead of fried tenders for a lighter option.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the bread may become soggy.
- Reheating: Warm chicken tenders and bacon in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Reassemble the sandwich fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I use grilled chicken instead of fried chicken tenders?
Yes, grilled chicken strips work well and offer a lighter option.
2. What kind of bread works best for this sandwich?
Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or soft baguettes are ideal. You need a sturdy roll to hold the fillings.
3. Can I use a different sauce instead of honey mustard?
Absolutely! Try ranch, barbecue, or buffalo sauce for a different flavor profile.
4. How do I make homemade honey mustard sauce?
Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup mustard, 1/4 cup honey, and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Adjust to taste.
5. Can I add vegetables to the sandwich?
Yes, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles add freshness and crunch.
6. How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Toast the roll slightly and avoid overloading with wet ingredients. Add fresh toppings just before serving.
7. Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but assemble the sandwiches fresh to maintain the best texture.
8. What sides go well with a Bird Dog Sandwich?
Serve with fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.
9. Can I use different cheese types?
Yes, cheddar, American, provolone, or pepper jack cheese all work great.
10. Can I make a healthier version of this sandwich?
Use grilled chicken, a whole wheat roll, and a lighter sauce, such as Greek yogurt-based honey mustard.
Conclusion
The Bird Dog Sandwich is a delicious and satisfying twist on classic Southern flavors. Combining crispy chicken tenders, smoky bacon, gooey melted cheese, and tangy honey mustard sauce, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to make and customize, this sandwich is sure to become a family favorite for lunches, dinners, or casual gatherings.
Print
Bird Dog Sandwich
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Description
The Bird Dog Sandwich is a Southern classic that combines crispy chicken tenders, melted cheese, bacon, and tangy honey mustard sauce, all served on a soft hoagie roll. It’s a delicious twist on the traditional hot dog, perfect for game days, casual dinners, or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls or hot dog buns
- 8 crispy chicken tenders (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon (optional)
- 1/2 cup honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
For Homemade Chicken Tenders:
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
🍗 Make the Chicken Tenders (If Homemade):
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine chicken tenders with buttermilk.
- Let marinate for 15-30 minutes for extra tenderness.
-
Prepare the Breading:
- Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
-
Coat the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken tenders for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (75°C / 165°F internal temperature).
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
🌭 Assemble the Bird Dog Sandwich:
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or use a toaster oven.
-
Toast the Buns:
- Place hoagie rolls or buns on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes until slightly crispy.
-
Add Chicken and Cheese:
- Place 2 chicken tenders in each roll.
- Top with a slice of cheese and a slice of cooked bacon (optional).
-
Melt the Cheese:
- Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
🍽️ Serve:
-
Add Toppings:
- Drizzle with honey mustard sauce.
- Add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes if desired.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with fries, coleslaw, or potato chips for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- Shortcuts: Use frozen chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken strips for a quicker version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.