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Bird Dog Sandwich

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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

this recipe
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Melt the Cheese:
    • Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Add Optional Toppings:
    • If desired, add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pickles.
  6. 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.

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Bird Dog Sandwich

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  • Author: clara
  • 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
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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

Scale
  • 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):

  1. Marinate the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, combine chicken tenders with buttermilk.
    • Let marinate for 15-30 minutes for extra tenderness.

  2. Prepare the Breading:

    • Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.

  3. Coat the Chicken:

    • Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
    • Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.

  4. 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:

  1. Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or use a toaster oven.

  2. Toast the Buns:

    • Place hoagie rolls or buns on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes until slightly crispy.

  3. Add Chicken and Cheese:

    • Place 2 chicken tenders in each roll.
    • Top with a slice of cheese and a slice of cooked bacon (optional).

  4. Melt the Cheese:

    • Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

🍽️ Serve:

  1. Add Toppings:

    • Drizzle with honey mustard sauce.
    • Add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes if desired.

  2. 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.

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