Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
Bird Dog Sandwiches are a flavorful twist on a classic chicken sandwich featuring tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce and a honey mustard spread. This easy-to-make sandwich combines crispy chicken tenders with fresh toppings for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients
- 4 chicken tenders (grilled, fried, or baked)
- 4 hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns
- 1/2 cup tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (bread and butter or dill)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Hot sauce for an extra kick
Instructions
- Step 1: Season raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or fry until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth to make the honey mustard sauce.
- Step 3: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet or oven for 2–3 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Step 4: Spread honey mustard sauce on the bottom bun. Place a cooked chicken tender on top, then drizzle with South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
- Step 5: Layer with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped pickles. Add hot sauce if desired.
- Step 6: Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in some BBQ sauce before cooking.
- Use coleslaw instead of lettuce for added crunch and creaminess.
- Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Try smoky smoked paprika or cayenne in the seasoning for a deeper flavor.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls in a bread bag at room temperature. Reheat chicken in a skillet or oven until warm before assembling sandwiches again. Avoid storing assembled sandwiches to keep buns from becoming soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken tenders can be used. Just thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and good texture.
What is South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce?
South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce is a tangy, mustard-based sauce popular in that region, known for its bright flavor and a balance of vinegar and sweetness. It adds a distinctive tang to these sandwiches.
PrintBird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
Bird Dog Sandwiches are a flavorful combination of tender chicken tenders paired with a tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce, honey mustard sauce, and fresh toppings all nestled inside toasted hoagie rolls. This recipe offers a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch from pickles and onions, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Sandwich
- 4 chicken tenders (grilled, fried, or baked)
- 4 hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns
Sauces and Condiments
- 1/2 cup tangy South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (bread and butter or dill)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw
Seasoning and Optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Hot sauce for an extra kick
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or fry them until golden and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes on each side depending on the method used. Once cooked, set the chicken tenders aside to rest.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until you achieve a smooth honey mustard sauce.
- Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls by placing them in a hot skillet or an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the edges are crispy but not burnt.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Then place one cooked chicken tender on top of the sauce. Drizzle each chicken tender with the tangy South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
- Add Toppings: Layer the chicken with shredded lettuce or coleslaw, followed by thinly sliced red onions and chopped pickles for texture and flavor. If you like some heat, add hot sauce to taste.
- Serve: Top the assembled sandwich with the other half of the roll and serve immediately while the sandwich is warm and the rolls are still crispy.
Notes
- You can grill, bake, or fry the chicken tenders depending on your preference or equipment availability.
- Adjust the amount of sauces to your taste for more or less tang and sweetness.
- Using coleslaw instead of shredded lettuce adds a creamy crunch that complements the BBQ flavors nicely.
- Adding hot sauce is optional, but it provides a nice spicy kick if you enjoy heat.
- Ensure chicken tenders are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Keywords: Bird Dog Sandwiches, chicken sandwich, South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, honey mustard, grilled chicken, sandwich recipe

