If you’re craving a delightful and uncomplicated sandwich, give the bird dog sandwich a try! Originating in South Carolina, this unique treat combines crispy chicken tenders served on a hot dog bun, delivering an exciting meal. The recipe features homemade crispy chicken tenders, freshly baked hot dog buns, and a sweet, tangy honey mustard sauce made from scratch. Indulge in the flavors of the South with this mouthwatering sandwich that will leave you wanting more.
What Makes This Bird Dog Sandwich Healthy?
This recipe for bird dog sandwiches is made from scratch with all natural ingredients. There are no food preservatives or additives. Be sure to use the recipe for homemade mayonnaise when preparing the honey mustard sauce. Frying the chicken tenders in lard rather than processed oils adds additional health benefits. Making the chicken tenders from scratch allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. Use My Favorite Burger Buns recipe to have the freshest, homemade buns. Shape the buns into a hotdog shape rather than burger bun shape.
Nutrients in a Bird Dog Sandwich
Chicken tenderloin
- High-Quality Protein– Essential for muscle growth and recovery, making it perfect for active lifestyles and those healing from injuries.
- Low in Fat– Compared to other chicken cuts, tenderloin is lean, suitable for heart-healthy diets.
- Rich in Nutrients-It’s packed with iron, potassium, and B vitamins for energy and metabolic function.
- Immunological Support– The protein aids in antibody production, protecting you against illnesses.
- Bone Health– Provides phosphorus, essential for strong bones and teeth, reducing the risk of osteoporosis when paired with other healthy foods.
Honey
- Rich in antioxidants: Honey contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help fight free radicals in the body.
- Supports heart health: Some studies suggest honey may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
- Soothes coughs: Honey is a well-known natural remedy for cough suppression, especially in children.
- Better for blood sugar levels: While it’s still sugar, honey may have a slightly better impact on blood sugar levels compared to refined sugar
Romaine lettuce
- Supports Bone Health: Romaine is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and maintaining strong bones.
- Promotes Eye and Skin Health: It contains vitamin A, which helps keep your immune system, eyes, and skin healthy.
- Good Source of Folate: Folate is crucial for heart health, preventing anemia, and reducing the risk of certain birth defects during pregnancy.
- Rich in Essential Nutrients: Romaine lettuce provides vitamins C, K, and A, along with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Low in Calories: With only about 8 calories per cup, romaine is a great addition to the sandwich without adding calories.
Onion
- Heart Health: Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and improve heart health.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Certain compounds in onions may help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people with diabetes.
- Bone Density: Studies suggest that onions may help improve bone density, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Antibacterial Properties: Onions have natural antibacterial properties that may help fight harmful bacteria.
- Cancer Prevention: Some research indicates that onions contain compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- Digestive Health: Onions are rich in fiber and prebiotics, which support a healthy gut microbiome.
Tomato
- Rich in Lycopene: This powerful antioxidant helps protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- Heart Health: Tomatoes contain potassium, vitamins B and E, and flavonoids, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Boosts Immunity: Lycopene and other antioxidants in tomatoes support the immune system and may help prevent diseases.
- Good for Eyes: They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- Supports Skin Health: Lycopene may help shield skin from sun damage.
Bacon
- Protein & B Vitamins: Bacon contains protein and B vitamins, which help your body convert food into energy.
- Choline for Brain Health: It has choline, a nutrient that supports memory and mood.
- Healthy Fats: About 50% of bacon fat is monounsaturated, including oleic acid—the same heart-healthy fat found in olive oil.
Pickles
- Rich in Antioxidants – The pickling process helps preserve the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, which can help protect your cells from damage.
- Supports Digestive Health – Fermented pickles contain probiotics, which promote gut health and aid digestion.
- Good Source of Vitamins – Pickles provide vitamin K, which supports bone health, and beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and benefits vision and immunity.
- May Help Control Blood Sugar – Some studies suggest that vinegar-based pickles can help regulate blood sugar levels
Preparation, Servings, and Storage
These bird dog sandwiches are simple to prepare in as little as 45 minutes when the buns are prepared ahead of time. Additionally, the honey mustard can be prepared ahead of time by 3 days, saving time when preparing. This recipe yields 6 delicious sandwiches, perfect for a large family or casual hangouts with a few friends. Store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it easy to assemble whenever you’re ready. Simply microwave the chicken and bacon for 1 minute, and your delicious sandwich awaits!
Bird Dog Sandwich
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Equipment
- large stock pot for frying
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken tenders
- 1 cup Flour
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Egg+ 1 tbsp water beaten
- 1 pound Lard for frying
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Sandwich Ingredients
- 6 pieces Romaine lettuce
- 1/4 Yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Roma tomato, sliced
- 6 slices Bacon, cooked
- Pickle chips
- 6 Hotdog buns
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the honey mustard sauce in a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Place the bacon on a sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Remove from the oven and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- Melt the lard in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Bring the oil to 375℉.
- Prepare a breading station with 3 bowls. The first bowl is for the chicken tenders.
- In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- In the third bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and pepper.
- Once the oil is hot, dip one chicken tender into the egg, then into the flour, coating it well with flour.
- Gently drop the chicken into the hot oil.
- Continue with as many tenders as you can fit into the oil without overcrowding.
- Fry the chicken tenders for 5 minutes, flipping to brown the other side half way through. Continue to fry for 3 additional minutes.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the oil onto a paper towel lined plate to drain the grease.
- Continue breading and frying until all the chicken is fried.
- To assemble the sandwich, place 4 pickle chips on the bottom bun. Lay 1-2 chicken tenders onto the bun.
- Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and bacon to the sandwich.
- Drizzle honey mustard sauce over the sandwich and serve.
Nutrition
