Pin it
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are all about big flavor with minimal fuss. This recipe layers tender chicken with zippy South Carolina mustard barbecue sauce, crunchy pickles, and a creamy homemade honey mustard—all tucked inside a soft hoagie roll. It is perfect for any craving where you need comfort food with a Southern twist and comes together quickly, making it ideal for easy lunches or weeknight dinners.
My family fell in love with these sandwiches after a long beach day in Charleston. They have been our go-to nostalgia meal ever since and are the secret to winning over kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: fresh or leftover add protein and satisfy your hunger aim for plump chicken that springs back to the touch
- Hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns: perfect for holding all the fillings look for fresh bakery rolls with a slight chew
- South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce: signature tangy flavor opt for a high-quality bottle or make your own for extra zing
- Mayonnaise: builds rich creaminess choose real mayo for best texture
- Dijon mustard: provides sharp bite pick a smooth and robust mustard for full flavor
- Honey: adds subtle sweetness for balanced sauce use local or raw honey for extra depth
- Chopped pickles: bring crunch and brightness bread and butter for sweet notes or dill for sharper taste always pick crisp pickles over limp ones
- Small red onion: adds a pop of color and zing slice as thin as possible for even layering
- Shredded lettuce or coleslaw: gives refreshing crunch pre-shredded bags work if you are short on time
- Salt and pepper: for seasoning always taste as you go
- Optional hot sauce: turns up the heat use your favorite brand for a personal twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Cook them using your preferred method grilled for smoky notes baked for juiciness or fried for crunch. Let the chicken rest a few minutes so juices redistribute and keep the meat tender.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise Dijon mustard and honey in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and taste as you go adjust honey for more sweetness or extra mustard for tang.
- Toast the Rolls:
- Split hoagie rolls and place them cut-side down in a dry skillet or oven for two to three minutes. This tiny detail adds texture and keeps sandwiches from becoming soggy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous layer of honey mustard sauce onto the bottom half of each toasted roll ensuring full coverage for every bite.
- Add the Chicken:
- Nestle a cooked chicken tender onto each sauced roll. Press gently so it sits snug and does not slide around.
- Drizzle with BBQ Sauce:
- Spoon the tangy mustard barbecue sauce right over the chicken for that extra juicy and rich South Carolina flavor.
- Add Toppings:
- Layer on shredded lettuce or coleslaw thin slices of red onion and a big spoonful of chopped pickles. Add hot sauce now if you want a touch of heat.
- Serve:
- Cap each sandwich with its top roll and serve immediately. Enjoy while the bread is crisp and the fillings are warm and saucy.
Pin it
South Carolina barbecue sauce brings memories of road trips down Highway 17 running through the Lowcountry. That tangy golden sauce with its punchy mustard always transports me home. I especially love when my kids line up to help assemble their sandwiches loading on extra pickles and making each one their own.
Storage Tips
Leftover assembled sandwiches are best eaten within a day but unassembled components will keep well separately. Store chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Honey mustard sauce holds up beautifully for up to three days as well. Warm up the chicken just before serving and layer the toppings fresh.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in smoked turkey or pork tenderloin for the chicken if you need a change of pace. Greek yogurt can replace mayo for a lighter honey mustard sauce. If you are out of hoagie rolls any sturdy sandwich bun works. Try hot pepper rings in place of pickles for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches shine at picnics tailgates or casual family dinners. Pair them with baked potato chips or roasted sweet potatoes for a Southern-inspired meal. For a lighter presentation serve open-faced over a bed of slaw.
Cultural and Historical Context
The South Carolina bird dog sandwich is inspired by the marriage of classic chicken tenders and the state’s beloved tangy golden barbecue sauce. Origin stories trace this playful name to college towns and coastal diners where the “bird dog” hot dog bun stuffed with chicken and fixings became a cult favorite. It is a bite of southern comfort that is part sandwich part tradition and wholly craveable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best way to cook the chicken tenders?
You can grill, bake, or fry them! Grilling adds a smoky flavor, baking is a healthier option, and frying gives them a crispy coating. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- → Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The honey mustard sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld.
- → What kind of BBQ sauce is best for these sandwiches?
A tangy, mustard-based South Carolina BBQ sauce is the key! It provides a unique flavor profile that complements the chicken, pickles, and honey mustard. Store-bought or homemade works great.
- → What are some good pickle alternatives if I don't have bread and butter or dill?
Any pickle you enjoy will work! Sweet pickles, spicy pickles, or even pickled relish can be used. Consider the flavor profile and how it will complement the other ingredients.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of chicken tenders?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred the chicken and use it in place of the tenders. It adds a different flavor but is still delicious.
- → What can I use instead of coleslaw?
Shredded lettuce is the easiest substitute. You could also use a simple shredded cabbage mix tossed with a light vinaigrette for a similar texture and flavor.