South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a delicious Southern treat that features crispy fried chicken tenders served on a bun, topped with tangy coleslaw and a zesty sauce. This sandwich is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner and embodies the flavors of the South. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients List

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

For the Coleslaw:

• 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 4 hamburger buns
• Pickles (optional, for topping)

Timing

Preparing South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches takes about 20 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, totaling approximately 35 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Soak in Buttermilk: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) for tenderness and flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coleslaw

1. Mix Coleslaw Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or oven if desired.
2. Layer Ingredients: On the bottom half of each bun, place a few fried chicken tenders. Top with a generous scoop of coleslaw and drizzle with the prepared sauce. Add pickles if using.
3. Top and Serve: Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches (per sandwich, assuming 4 sandwiches):

Nutrient	Amount per Sandwich
Calories	550
Protein	30g
Fat	30g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g

Tips for Customization

• Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or your favorite spice blend to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken tenders with fried shrimp or even a veggie patty for a different flavor.
• Coleslaw Variations: Add sliced jalapeños or diced apples to the coleslaw for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches pair well with:

• Crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a classic side.
• A refreshing green salad for a lighter option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken tenders in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
2. Not Heating the Oil Enough: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a golden, crispy coating.
3. Skipping the Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk enhances flavor and tenderness, so don’t skip this step!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but leftover fried chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness before serving.

Conclusion

In just about 35 minutes, you can create South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches, a delightful and hearty meal that captures the essence of Southern cooking. With crispy chicken, tangy coleslaw, and zesty sauce, these sandwiches are sure to be a favorite!

FAQs

Can I make the chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and fry the chicken tenders in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before assembling the sandwiches.

Can I freeze the chicken tenders?

Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Can I use store-bought coleslaw?

Absolutely! Store-bought coleslaw can save time and still taste great in this sandwich.