South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a flavorful twist on the classic chicken sandwich, combining grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, tangy pickles, and creamy ranch. This warm, toasted hoagie sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.

Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 pound grilled chicken tenders
- 8 slices of cooked bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup dill pickle chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, keeping them attached on one side.
- Step 3: Spread butter on the inside of each hoagie roll.
- Step 4: Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they are lightly golden and warm.
- Step 5: While the rolls toast, grill the chicken tenders until fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side. If using pre-cooked chicken, warm it on a grill or in a pan.
- Step 6: Place the cooked chicken tenders inside the toasted hoagie rolls.
- Step 7: Top the chicken with 2 slices of bacon and a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Step 8: Return the sandwiches to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing over the melted cheese.
- Step 10: Evenly distribute the dill pickle chips on top for a tangy crunch.
- Step 11: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches!
Tips & Variations
- For an extra kick, add a few slices of jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the sandwich.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Use smoked bacon for a deeper smoky taste that complements the grilled chicken.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms and omitting bacon.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the toasted texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked grilled chicken can be used. Warm it up on a grill or in a pan before assembling the sandwiches for the best flavor and texture.
What type of pickle works best for this sandwich?
Dill pickle chips provide the classic tangy crunch that complements the other flavors well. You can also try bread and butter pickles if you prefer a sweeter taste.
PrintSouth Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a savory and satisfying blend of tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy ranch dressing, and crunchy dill pickle chips served on toasted hoagie rolls. This warm sandwich delivers a perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors, ideal for a comforting lunch or casual dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 pound grilled chicken tenders
- 8 slices of cooked bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup dill pickle chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for toasting the hoagie rolls and melting the cheese later on.
- Prepare the hoagie rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise carefully, keeping them connected on one side to hold the fillings effectively.
- Butter the rolls: Spread butter evenly on the inside surfaces of each hoagie roll for a delicious, golden toast.
- Toast the rolls: Arrange the buttered rolls on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they become lightly golden and warm.
- Cook the chicken tenders: Grill the chicken tenders over medium heat for around 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked. If you have pre-cooked grilled chicken, warm it on a grill or in a pan.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place the grilled chicken tenders inside the toasted hoagie rolls, ensuring even coverage for each sandwich.
- Add bacon and cheese: Layer 2 slices of cooked bacon over the chicken, then generously top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add ranch dressing: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing over the melted cheddar cheese to add creamy tanginess.
- Top with pickle chips: Distribute the dill pickle chips evenly on top of the ranch dressing to provide a crunchy, tart contrast.
- Serve: Serve the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches warm for the best flavor and enjoy a deliciously hearty meal.
Notes
- For crispier bacon, you can cook it in the oven or skillet before assembling the sandwich.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Use freshly grilled chicken tenders for the best taste, but pre-cooked chicken can be warmed as a shortcut.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- The sandwich can be wrapped and refrigerated; reheat in the oven to keep the roll toasted and the cheese melted.
Keywords: South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, bacon sandwich, cheddar cheese sandwich, hoagie rolls, ranch dressing, dill pickle chips

