Bird Dog Sandwiches
Chicken Tenders Between Two Buns
One of my followers on Facebook saw me making this sandwich that I was calling a chicken tender sandwich. I thought was the greatest idea ever and she let me know these sandwiches already exists and are called a Bird Dog Sandwiches.
Apparently they were invented in South Carolina!
My version is slightly different from the original, however. The original typically has melted cheese and bacon. My version has crisp lettuce, sweet tomatoes, and red onion instead, so it’s a lighter.
Additionally, it has a delicious sauce inspired by the chicken tender fast food chain called Raising Canes. These Bird Dog Sandwiches are crispy, tangy, have a little bit of spice, and are a great weeknight meal that can be made in minutes.
The Ingredients
You will see this recipe has very few ingredients. The majority of the ingredients come from the sauce you will need to make.
The recipe calls for tomato powder which I love using in lots of recipes. I get my tomato powder on Amazon from THIS BRAND. It is eight dollars and you can use it in many ways.
I add it to bottled salad dressing and to mayo for sandwich spread. My most famous recipe using it is my Tangy Tomato BLT Pasta Salad.
You can use it for anything you use tomato paste for as well. I like adding some to my stews and gravies for richer flavor.
If you do not have, or do not want to wait to order it, you can sub ketchup.
Also included is measurements for the spices and herbs in the sauce. As always, my measurements are a suggestion. I suggest adding the spices, tasting, and adjusting to your preferences.
You can make this sauce spicier then I make it, or make it with no spice if that is not your thing.
The Buns
My favorite buns to use for this recipe are the brioche hot dog buns I get at Aldi. I like how buttery and soft they are.
I also like how they toast up. They are split at the top and not on the side, which I think makes for a better Bird Dog Sandwich.
The chicken tenders I use are also from Aldi. They are white meat, crisp up in the air fryer, and are delicious.
If you’re in the market for an air fryer, this smaller one is perfect for a two person household and this larger option is ideal for a bigger family.
*The links in the previous sentence are Amazon affiliate links, which means I get a small commission when you use them but it does not cost you anything extra.*
Truth be told, any buns or tenders will do. Just make sure you cook up enough tenders to fill the length of the bun.
Full, Printable Recipe
Bird Dog Sandwiches
I recently learned about Bird Dog sandwiches which were invented in South Carolina. Bird Dog Sandwiches are basically a chicken tender sandwich served in a hot dog bun. My version here is different from a traditional Bird Dog as mine does not have bacon or melted cheese, but it can. My version has a delicious sauce inspired by the Raising Cane's dipping sauce. These are very easy to make and are a perfect quick, weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 Extra Large Chicken Tenders, or enough tenders to fill a standard hot dog bun
- Shredded Romaine Lettuce
- Thinly Sliced Roma Tomatoes
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion
- 4 Hot Dog Buns, I use the Brioche Hot Dog Buns From Aldi
- For The Sauce
- 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 tablespoon of tomato powder or 1 tablespoon of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of rice wine or white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of finely sliced chives
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- Tiny splash of Worcestershire
- *My measurements for the seasoning are a suggestion, you can adjust the seasoning to your preferences, add a little at a time and taste as you go. I find tomato powder on Amazon.
Instructions
- Cook your chicken tenders according to package directions. I use my air fryer to make them nice and crispy. In the last 30 seconds of cooking I brushed the buns with some butter and air fry them for 30 seconds to 1 minute so they are toasty.
- For the sauce, I mix all the ingredients and my secret ingredient is a tiny splash of juice from a jar of pepperocini. This is optional. It adds some nice tanginess. Mix the sauce and to me, it tastes best if it sits in the fridge a few hours.
- To make the sandwiches, spread the sauce on both sides of the bun, add the chicken tender(s) then the lettuce, onions and tomato. I add a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper to the top.
- If you like, before adding the vegetables, you can add cheese and bacon and broil or air fry them until the cheese is melty. Then add your veggies.
Is ham more your thing? Then enjoy the Perfect Ham Sandwich.