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This Bird Dog Sandwich transforms ordinary chicken tenders into an extraordinary handheld meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and the need for something a little special. The combination of crispy chicken, bacon, and a sweet-tangy sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more.
I first made these sandwiches for my nephew who refuses most "adult" foods but will eat chicken tenders religiously. The whole family ended up fighting over them, and now they're requested at nearly every casual gathering we have.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of our special sauce bringing richness to every bite
- Smokey barbecue sauce: Adds depth and that irresistible smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken
- Honey: Balances the tanginess with natural sweetness look for local honey for the best flavor
- Yellow and Dijon mustards: Provide sharpness and complexity choose grainy Dijon for extra texture
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness
- Breaded chicken tenders: Provide the hearty protein center choose thick ones for the best meat to breading ratio
- Thick cut bacon: Adds smokiness and crunch cook until properly crisp for textural contrast
- Brioche hot dog buns: Offer a buttery soft vessel brioche makes all the difference with its rich flavor
- Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles): Provide freshness and crunch to balance the richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Signature Sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, both mustards, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth and no streaks remain. The sauce should have a pale orange hue with visible specks of mustard seeds if using grainy Dijon. This sauce benefits from at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld, so make it first.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cook chicken tenders according to package directions until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. For best results, use an air fryer at 400°F for approximately 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety. The chicken should be hot and crispy when you assemble the sandwiches.
- Cook the Bacon:
- Prepare bacon until perfectly crisp but not burnt. For oven method, arrange strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. For stovetop, cook over medium heat, turning frequently until evenly browned. Drain thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess grease. The bacon should snap when broken.
- Toast the Buns:
- Lightly toast brioche buns until just golden around the edges. In the air fryer, this takes only about 1 minute at 350°F. On a skillet, place cut side down over medium heat for 30 seconds. The goal is a light toasting that adds texture while keeping the bun soft overall. Too much toasting will make the bun too crispy and difficult to bite through.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread generous amounts of the prepared sauce on both sides of each toasted bun, applying it evenly to ensure flavor in every bite. Place hot chicken tenders inside, slightly overlapping if using multiple pieces. Add crispy bacon strips, breaking them if necessary to fit the bun length. Layer on shredded lettuce, thinly sliced tomatoes, red onion rings, and pickle slices. Finish with fresh cracked black pepper and an optional extra drizzle of sauce. Press gently to make eating easier.
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The brioche bun is truly the unsung hero of this sandwich. I discovered this by accident when regular hot dog buns were sold out at my local store. The buttery, slightly sweet flavor of brioche perfectly complements the savory elements, and the texture holds up beautifully even with all those toppings and sauce.
Make It Your Own
This Bird Dog Sandwich concept is endlessly customizable. Try swapping the breaded chicken for grilled chicken breast for a lighter option, or go indulgent with southern fried chicken tenders. The bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon or even avocado slices for a vegetarian-friendly fat component. For heat lovers, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. The beauty of this sandwich is how well it adapts to your preferences while maintaining its core appeal.
Perfect Pairings
Serve these sandwiches with crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings for the full restaurant experience at home. For a lighter side, a simple coleslaw or cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich. To drink, try an ice-cold craft beer, lemonade, or sweet tea depending on the occasion and preferences. The sandwich works well for lunch with a side of potato chips or for dinner with a more substantial side.
Storage Tips
While these sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time for quick assembly. The sauce will keep refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container. Cooked bacon can be made ahead and refrigerated for 3 days, then reheated in a skillet or microwave until crisp again. For leftovers, store assembled sandwiches wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to crisp up the chicken and bacon again.
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These Bird Dog Sandwiches bring comfort and convenience together in a single delicious bite. Make them your own and enjoy them fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce actually benefits from being made ahead as it allows the flavors to meld. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- → What can I substitute for brioche hot dog buns?
Regular hot dog buns or even small sub rolls work well as alternatives. For a lower-carb option, you could use lettuce wraps, though you'll lose some of the traditional sandwich experience.
- → How do I make this sandwich spicier?
Add heat by incorporating sriracha or hot sauce to the mayo mixture, or include sliced jalapeños as a topping. You could also use spicy breaded chicken tenders instead of regular ones.
- → Can I make this with homemade chicken tenders instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade breaded chicken tenders would be delicious. Simply bread chicken strips in seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, then fry, bake, or air fry until golden and cooked through.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative to this sandwich?
Yes, plant-based chicken strips make an excellent substitute for the chicken tenders, and vegetarian bacon alternatives work well in place of traditional bacon. The sauce remains the same for a similar flavor profile.
- → What sides pair well with this sandwich?
Classic pairings include french fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a lighter option, consider a fresh fruit salad or vegetable sticks with dip.