Can I use grilled chicken instead of breaded chicken tenders?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken breast works wonderfully in this recipe for a lighter version. Season it with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder before grilling for the best flavor.

What can I substitute for brioche buns?

Regular hot dog buns work fine, but you could also use potato rolls or even sliced French bread. The brioche adds a wonderful buttery sweetness, but the sandwich will still be delicious with alternatives.

Can I make this sauce less sweet?

Certainly! Simply reduce the honey or omit it completely if you prefer a more savory sauce. You might want to add a splash more lemon juice or a touch more mustard to maintain the flavor balance.

Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?

Yes! Replace the chicken with plant-based chicken tenders and use vegetarian bacon or even avocado slices instead of bacon. The sauce works beautifully with these substitutions.

Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe

Name: Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice; 4 extra-large breaded chicken fingers/strips/tenders (enough to fill a standard hot dog bun); 4 thick-cut bacon slices, cooked and crisp; 4 brioche hot dog buns; Romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded; Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced; Red onion, thinly sliced; Dill pickles, thinly sliced

Description

Bird Dog Sandwiches are a perfectly indulgent and delectable treat, combining crispy chicken strips, smoky bacon, and fresh toppings all nestled inside soft brioche buns. Enhanced with a creamy, tangy barbecue-honey mustard sauce, this sandwich is a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Perfect for game day, casual lunches, or even a quick dinner, these are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Sandwiches

4 extra-large breaded chicken fingers/strips/tenders (enough to fill a standard hot dog bun)
4 thick-cut bacon slices, cooked and crisp
4 brioche hot dog buns
Romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded
Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Dill pickles, thinly sliced

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the remaining ingredients. For extra flavor, consider doubling the sauce to use as a topping when serving.
Cook the Chicken
Cook the chicken strips according to the package instructions. For the crispiest texture, use an air fryer. Once the chicken strips are done, lightly toast the brioche buns in the air fryer for about 1 minute.
Cook the Bacon
Fry, bake, or air-fry the bacon slices until they are crispy. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove any excess grease.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous amount of the sauce on both insides of the toasted brioche buns. Layer the sandwiches with the cooked chicken strips, crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, Roma tomato slices, and dill pickles.
Finish and Serve
Add a dash of freshly cracked black pepper on top, drizzle with any extra sauce if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

To make this recipe faster, use pre-cooked or frozen chicken tenders and reheat them in the air fryer.
Feel free to customize the toppings based on preference, such as adding cheese or jalapeños for extra flavor.
The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Brioche buns impart a buttery richness, but if unavailable, regular hot dog buns or even sandwich rolls will work.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 520kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 80mg