Satisfy your cravings with the irresistible South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich, a true staple in Southern cuisine. Featuring crispy fried chicken tenders paired with smoky bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and zesty mustard, this sandwich is a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Perfect for casual gatherings, game day, or a quick weeknight meal, the South Carolina Bird Dog offers a satisfying bite that everyone will adore. Its simplicity and heartiness make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, combining comfort food with a touch of gourmet flair.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this sandwich’s classic ingredients come together effortlessly, and the short prep time makes it easy to whip up. The real star here is the chicken tenders; when crispy and golden, they provide the perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cheese sauce and the savoriness of the bacon. You’ll find yourself wanting to make this delectable sandwich over and over again. Let’s dive into how to create this fantastic dish!
Why You’ll Love This South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich
This delectable sandwich will become a favorite for many reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of fried chicken and bacon creates a delightful crunch.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or sauces for a personal touch.
- Comforting: The creamy cheese sauce adds richness that satisfies any comfort food craving.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 delicious South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour (for the cheese sauce)
- 4 sandwich rolls
- 1/4 cup mustard sauce
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you love. This step is essential to infuse the chicken with flavor right from the start. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken tender thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This coating is crucial for achieving that revered crunch we all adore.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, aiming for 350°F—this is the sweet spot for frying. Carefully add the seasoned chicken tenders to the hot oil, frying them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the tenders onto paper towels to drain any excess oil; this keeps them crispy and not soggy.
Step 3: Crispy Bacon Delight
Next, cook the bacon in the same skillet. This step not only enhances the flavor by using residual oil, but it also keeps the cleanup minimal. Fry the bacon until it reaches a crispy texture, which typically takes around 6-8 minutes. Once done, set the bacon aside on paper towels to cool off. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into smaller pieces for easy layering in your sandwich.
Step 4: Whip up the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat to start your cheese sauce. Add one tablespoon of flour to create a roux, whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens. To finish it off, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Season it with salt and pepper for added flavor. Keep this sauce warm while you assemble your sandwiches to ensure it’s gooey when you bite in.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
With all your ingredients ready, it’s time for the fun part: assembling! Take a sandwich roll and place a crispy chicken tender on the bottom half. Generously drizzle your homemade cheese sauce over the chicken, followed by a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. For an extra kick, add a drizzle of mustard sauce, then crown with the top half of the roll. Don’t forget to gently press down to hold everything together—this sandwich should be bursting with flavor!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now that you’ve beautifully assembled your South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches, it’s time to serve! Enjoy them immediately while the chicken is hot and the cheese sauce is deliciously melty. Pair your sandwiches with classic sides like crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or pickles to balance the richness. You’re in for a real treat!
Variations
Feel free to mix things up! Here are some variations you can try:
- Protein: Substitute the chicken tenders with fried shrimp or crispy tofu for a different protein choice.
- Vegetables: Add lettuce, tomato, or crispy onions to bring freshness into your sandwich.
- Spices: Experiment with Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for an extra kick in your fried chicken.
Cooking Notes
Here are a few cooking tips to ensure your success:
- Use a thermometer to perfectly gauge the frying oil temperature for optimal crispiness.
- For an even crispier coating, let the dredged chicken rest for about 10 minutes before frying.
- If you’re making a larger batch, fry the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Feel free to pre-make the cheese sauce in advance; it can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving ideas to complement your sandwiches:
- Pair with crispy French fries for a classic diner feel.
- Serve with homemade coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Tips
Here are some handy tips to elevate your sandwich experience:
- Try different mustards, like honey mustard or spicy brown, for a flavor twist.
- Feel free to mix and match cheese; pepper jack adds a nice spicy flavor!
- Don’t skip the pickles—they bring a delightful crunch and acidity to the sandwich.
- Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the refrigerator to enjoy later—just reheat to restore the crispiness.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 600 per sandwich
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 900mg
FAQs
Can I make the chicken tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken tenders in advance, fry them, and reheat them in the oven before assembling your sandwiches.
What pans work best for frying chicken?
A cast-iron skillet or a deep fryer offers excellent heat retention and can yield superbly crispy chicken.
Can I freeze the leftover chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or fully cooked chicken tenders. Just store them in an airtight container for up to three months.
What other sauces can I use instead of mustard?
Besides mustard, sauces like ranch, barbecue, or aioli would pair well with these sandwiches!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich is an exciting culinary adventure that brings Southern charm to your kitchen. With its crispy chicken tenders, creamy cheese sauce, and the smoky addition of bacon, every bite is a burst of flavor that you won’t forget. This sandwich is not only simple to make but also offers a variety of customization options to cater to different tastes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick dinner solution, these sandwiches won’t disappoint. We hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find joy in the process of making it. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, or let us know your favorite variations!
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South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious fried chicken sandwich with bacon and cheese sauce, perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour (for the cheese sauce)
- 4 sandwich rolls
- 1/4 cup mustard sauce
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Season and dredge the chicken tenders in a flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken tenders in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Cook bacon in the same skillet until crispy, then crumble.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting butter, mixing in flour and milk, then adding cheese.
- Assemble the sandwiches with chicken, cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, and mustard.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Serve with crispy fries or coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 35 g