South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden-fried chicken tenders, melty cheese sauce, and a toasted hoagie roll come together in this beloved Southern staple: the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich. It’s comfort food at its most indulgent, where crispy, juicy, cheesy, and warm all meet in one glorious bite.

This sandwich is everything you crave when you want something handheld, hearty, and unmistakably Southern. Often spotted at local diners, tailgates, or family cookouts, Bird Dogs are the kind of meal that keeps you licking your fingers and reaching for another napkin. With minimal prep and massive flavor, it’s a weeknight hero and weekend crowd-pleaser all in one.

---

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

To get that signature bite and hold all the saucy goodness, a soft hoagie or sub roll is key. You want something that will toast up golden but still give under the weight of melty cheese and crispy chicken. Avoid crusty baguettes or overly airy buns—they don’t hold the texture quite right for a proper Bird Dog.

---

Ingredients for the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches

Chicken Tenders
Crispy and juicy, these are the soul of the sandwich. You can use homemade or frozen—just make sure they’re well-seasoned and golden.

Sub Rolls
Soft and slightly chewy, these act as the carrier of all the delicious components. A quick toast gives them the perfect base.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Velvety and rich, this sauce drapes over the tenders and melts into the roll. You can make it from scratch or use a good store-bought version.

Ranch or Honey Mustard (Optional)
Some South Carolinians add a swipe of sauce inside the roll. Whether you go tangy ranch or sweet mustard, it adds a personalized touch.

Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish)
Just a sprinkle brightens the whole dish and adds a pop of color to that golden scene.

---

How To Make the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches

Step 1: Toast the Rolls

Slice your sub rolls in half, but not all the way through. Lightly butter the insides and toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until golden and crisp. This step adds flavor and helps keep the rolls from getting soggy.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Tenders

If you’re using frozen tenders, cook them according to the package instructions until golden and crispy. For homemade, season chicken strips, coat in flour or breadcrumbs, and fry or bake until fully cooked and crunchy.

Step 3: Warm the Cheese Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, warm your cheddar cheese sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. If it gets too thick, a splash of milk will help loosen it up.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place 2-3 chicken tenders in each toasted roll. Drizzle a generous amount of warm cheese sauce over the top. If you’re using ranch or honey mustard, swipe it on the roll before adding the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a little color and freshness. Serve hot with fries, slaw, or a cold drink.

---

Serving and Storing These Sandwiches

Bird Dog Sandwiches are best served piping hot, straight after assembly. The cheese is at its meltiest, the tenders at their crispiest, and the roll is warm and toasty. Pair with potato wedges, coleslaw, or even a classic dill pickle spear for the full diner effect.

If you have leftovers, store the components separately. Keep the cooked tenders and cheese sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the tenders in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness, and gently warm the cheese sauce on the stovetop. Toast fresh rolls and assemble just before serving.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use grilled chicken instead of fried?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken gives a leaner version of the sandwich while still packing great flavor. It won’t be as crispy, but still delicious.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the go-to, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for heat or American cheese for extra meltiness.

Is this sandwich spicy?

Not by default, but you can turn up the heat by adding hot sauce to the cheese sauce or sprinkling cayenne on the tenders.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free rolls and tenders. Just ensure the cheese sauce is made with gluten-free ingredients.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Toasting the roll and serving immediately after assembly are key. Avoid overloading with sauce if you plan to serve later.

Can I make these in advance for a party?

You can prep components ahead, but assemble just before serving. For parties, keep cheese sauce warm in a small slow cooker and let guests build their own.

---

Want More Sandwich Ideas?

You might also like the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, which layers creamy ranch with smoky bacon and juicy chicken. Or explore the hearty Italian Grinder Salad, a deconstructed sandwich in bowl form.

For casserole-style takes, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is loaded with bold flavors in every bite. And the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole brings cozy comfort to the table with ease.

If pasta is your preferred path, try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta—a one-dish wonder that satisfies any crowd.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your sandwich boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use honey mustard or go all-in with ranch? Did you toast the roll just right? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make their Bird Dogs fly.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?