It’s always a glorious day when you decide to whip up a sandwich that sings the flavors of the South! This South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich takes that comfort food vibe and kicks it up several notches. Think grilled chicken, crispy bacon, a cascade of melted cheddar, and a tangy punch from dill pickles—all tucked between buttery hoagie rolls. I can still remember the first time I craved one of these beauties; it was during a casual cookout, a decision made under the sun and a swirl of laughter. Ever since, this recipe has been one of my go-to for delighting friends and family alike.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, creamy, and crispy sandwich that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Bird Dog Sandwich is the kind of meal that makes you want to kick back and reminisce with loved ones while savoring each bite. What makes this recipe special is not just the harmony of textures—crunchy bacon, succulent chicken, and gooey cheese—but also the presentation that practically begs for a side of your favorite pickles.
Plus, it’s ridiculously easy. You can have these beauties ready in under an hour, perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress friends during your next game day gathering. The balance of the hearty ingredients will keep you satisfied, and if you decide to share, it speaks volumes about your cooking skills. Trust me, your guests will be raving long after the plates are cleared away!
Gather these ingredients
To dive into this delicious adventure, you’ll need a few key players:
-
4 hoagie rolls: These hold everything together and soak up all the delicious flavors. Look for fresh, soft rolls, as they’re essential for the ultimate enjoyment.
-
1 pound grilled chicken tenders: Whether you grill them fresh or use pre-cooked ones, chicken is the star of the show. Opt for something juicy and seasoned, and feel free to switch it up with turkey if you’re feeling adventurous.
-
8 slices of cooked bacon: Oh, bacon! You can use whichever brand you love, whether it’s traditional or turkey bacon for a lighter twist. The more crispy, the better!
-
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp is the way to go here; it brings a robust flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. If cheddar isn’t your thing, feel free to try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little heat.
-
½ cup ranch dressing: Must-have for drizzling! You can even make your own at home to elevate those flavors.
-
1 cup dill pickle chips: These add that essential tang that bites back! If you’re not a fan of dill, try bread-and-butter pickles for a sweet crunch.
-
2 tablespoons butter: For that lovely golden crispiness on the sesame seed tops of your rolls. Want to spice it up? Melt some garlic in there for an incredible aroma!
Preparing South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is where the magic begins!
-
Take your hoagie rolls and slice them in half lengthwise, making sure to keep one side attached (think of it like a little book).
-
Spread buttery goodness on the inside of each roll. The more, the merrier, right?
-
Place those beauts on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes. You want them lightly golden and warm, so keep an eye on them.
-
While the rolls are toasting up, grill your chicken tenders until they’re perfectly cooked—about 3-4 minutes on each side. If you’re using pre-cooked tenders, just give them a little heat in a pan or grill.
-
Now, nestle those cooked chicken tenders inside the toasted hoagie rolls like they belong there.
-
Time for a decadent layer! Top with 2 slices of crispy bacon and a generous handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
-
Return the sandwiches to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until that cheese is beautifully melted.
-
Remove from the oven and give a generous drizzle of ranch dressing over the gooey cheese.
-
Finally, sprinkle those dill pickle chips on top for that crunchy, zesty kick.
-
Serve warm, and oh my heavens, enjoy those South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches!
How to plate and pair
To serve up these beauties, consider stacking them neatly on a rustic wooden cutting board. Pair them alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A cold glass of sweet tea or craft beer never hurt either! If you’re feeling adventurous, put together a mini buffet and let guests pile on extra toppings like jalapeños, onion rings, or sliced avocado.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? First off, congratulations, you’ve got lunch sorted for tomorrow! Store any uneaten sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready for round two, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the bread soggy, and nobody wants that!
Pro chef tips
Every home chef needs a few handy tips up their sleeve. First, don’t skip buttering those hoagie rolls—it’s basically transformative. If you’re looking to cut back on calories, you could swap out cheese for a lighter option or leave it off entirely (but I suggest you don’t). For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand! Simple lemon juice, garlic, and herbs do wonders. And remember, if you find yourself with leftover bacon, toss it on a salad for a delightful crunch!
Creative Twists
This recipe is as versatile as your imagination! Feeling spicy? Try adding jalapeños or switching out your cheddar for pepper jack. Want to bring in some Caribbean charm? Dress the chicken with jerk seasoning and substitute regular ranch with mango salsa for a quid pro quo of flavors! Feeling healthy? Use whole grain rolls, swap chicken for grilled veggies, and add avocado for creaminess.
Ingredients list
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 pound grilled chicken tenders
- 8 slices of cooked bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup dill pickle chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, keeping them attached at one side.
- Spread butter on the inside of each hoagie roll.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Grill the chicken tenders until fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Place the cooked chicken tenders inside the toasted hoagie rolls.
- Top with 2 slices of bacon and a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing on top.
- Evenly distribute dill pickle chips on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen chicken tenders? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and cook them thoroughly.
-
What if I’m not a fan of ranch dressing? No worries! Try BBQ sauce or a homemade garlic aioli instead.
-
How do I make this recipe vegetarian? Swap the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or extra crispy tofu, and leave out the bacon.
-
What’s a good side dish for this sandwich? Any crispy fries or a light salad would do wonders!
-
Can I meal prep this sandwich? Yes! Just follow the storage tips above, and it’ll make for an effortless lunch throughout the week.
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and take a bite into these delightful South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches. I hope you enjoy making them as much as you savor each delicious mouthful! Get creative, share your own personal twists, and feel free to drop your feedback—for we’re all in this culinary journey together!
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
Description
This South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich features grilled chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and dill pickles, all nestled in a buttery hoagie roll.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Directions
Preparation Steps
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Prepare the Rolls
Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, keeping them attached at one side.Spread butter on the inside of each roll. -
Toast the Rolls
Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly golden. -
Grill the Chicken
Grill the chicken tenders until fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes on each side.If using pre-cooked tenders, just heat in a pan or grill. -
Assemble the Sandwiches
Place the cooked chicken tenders inside the toasted hoagie rolls.Top with 2 slices of bacon and a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. -
Melt the Cheese
Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts. -
Add Dressings
Remove from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing on top. Evenly distribute dill pickle chips on top. -
Serve
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 1200mg50%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 40g80%
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
