Craving a Southern twist on your sandwich game? These South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are loaded with juicy chicken tenders, creamy honey mustard sauce, crunchy pickles, and a tangy mustard-based BBQ drizzle—all wrapped in a warm, toasty hoagie. Perfect for game day, busy weeknights, or any time you want comfort food with bold flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches offer the best of Southern flavors, with crispy chicken tenders, a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, and the unique zest of mustard-based BBQ sauce. Paired with fresh pickles and coleslaw (or lettuce), it’s a flavor-packed sandwich that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of personality. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a fun get-together, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
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4 chicken tenders (grilled, fried, or baked)
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4 hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns
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½ cup tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon honey
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¼ cup chopped pickles (bread and butter or dill)
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: Hot sauce for an extra kick
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
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Season the raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
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Grill, bake, or fry the chicken tenders until golden and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes per side). Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toast the Rolls:
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Lightly toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet or oven for 2–3 minutes, until the edges are crispy.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
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Spread the honey mustard sauce on the bottom bun of each roll.
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Place a chicken tender on top, then drizzle with South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
Add Toppings:
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Layer with lettuce or coleslaw, red onions, and chopped pickles.
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Add hot sauce if desired for an extra kick.
Serve:
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Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately while warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 sandwiches
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Rotisserie or Frozen Tenders – For a quick shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken or frozen chicken tenders.
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Pickle Options – You can use bread and butter pickles for a sweet contrast or dill pickles for a more classic tangy flavor.
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Coleslaw or Lettuce – Swap the coleslaw for lettuce if you want a lighter crunch, or use both for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storing Leftovers – If you have any leftover sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken and rolls separately to keep them crispy.
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Freezing – You can freeze the chicken tenders and reheat them when ready to serve, but for best results, assemble the sandwiches fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even a grilled chicken breast for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey mustard sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using.
Is the mustard BBQ sauce a must?
The South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce adds a unique Southern flair to the sandwich. However, if you prefer a different type of sauce, you can swap it for a traditional BBQ sauce or even a ranch dressing.
Can I add cheese to this sandwich?
Yes! A slice of sharp cheddar or smoked gouda would be an excellent addition to these sandwiches for extra richness.
How do I keep the chicken crispy if making ahead?
To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave. A quick reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes will restore its crispy texture.
Can I add more spice to the sandwich?
Yes, if you enjoy heat, add more hot sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper or jalapeño slices inside the sandwich for a spicier kick.
Can I make this sandwich in a wrap?
Yes, you can use a soft flour tortilla or a lettuce wrap for a lighter option instead of the hoagie rolls.
Conclusion
These South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a delicious fusion of Southern flavors that make for a satisfying and hearty meal. With crispy chicken tenders, creamy honey mustard sauce, tangy BBQ drizzle, and crunchy pickles, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or a game-day treat, these sandwiches are guaranteed to hit the spot!
Print
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Description
Craving a Southern-inspired sandwich with bold, savory flavors? These South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are packed with juicy chicken tenders, creamy honey mustard sauce, crunchy pickles, and a tangy mustard-based BBQ drizzle—all wrapped in a toasty hoagie roll. Perfect for game days, busy nights, or any time you want comfort food with a Southern twist.
Ingredients
4 chicken tenders (grilled, fried, or baked)
4 hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns
½ cup tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
¼ cup chopped pickles (bread and butter or dill)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Hot sauce for an extra kick
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or fry the chicken tenders until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet or oven for 2-3 minutes, until the edges are crispy.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of honey mustard sauce on the bottom of each toasted hoagie roll. Place a cooked chicken tender on top, then drizzle with South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
Add Toppings: Layer on lettuce or coleslaw, red onions, and chopped pickles. Add hot sauce if desired for an extra kick.
Serve: Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken or frozen tenders for a quicker version of this recipe.
Pickle Choices: Bread and butter pickles add a touch of sweetness, while dill pickles offer a classic tangy flavor.
Customization: Swap the lettuce for coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce to customize the heat level to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: American
