This fun and tasty Bird Dog Sandwich is made with juicy chicken sausages and creamy ranch dressing. It’s a great twist on the classic hot dog!
I love to add some crispy bacon on top because, let’s face it, bacon makes everything better! It’s so easy to throw together for a quick lunch or a cookout treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hoagie or Hot Dog Buns: You can use soft hoagie rolls for a cozy sandwich feel. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free buns. I like to toast my buns lightly for added texture, but you can skip this if you prefer them soft.
Chicken Tenders: Breaded and fried chicken tenders are a must for that crunch! If you want a healthier option, try grilled chicken or baked chicken tenders. You can even use store-bought for convenience.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great flavor. If you want to cut down on fat, turkey bacon works well too. If you’re vegetarian, consider using tempeh bacon or crispy roasted chickpeas for a nice crunch!
Ranch Dressing: This brings creaminess to the sandwich. You can use a homemade ranch or Greek yogurt dressing to make it lighter. For a kick, try a spicy ranch or chipotle sauce!
What’s the Best Way to Fry Chicken Tenders?
Frying chicken tenders can seem daunting, but with a few easy steps, it’s a breeze. Aim for juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside!
- First, set up your breading station: one bowl with flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs.
- Dip each tender in flour, shake off excess, then coat in egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot (you can test by dropping a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle), gently add the tenders.
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This will help keep them crispy!
Happy cooking!
Easy Bird Dog Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 hoagie or hot dog buns
- 4 chicken tenders, breaded and fried
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- Dill pickle slices
- Ranch dressing (about 1/2 cup)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: hot sauce or mayonnaise for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes, including preparation and cooking time. You can whip it up quickly for a delightful lunch or a snack, making it a fantastic option when you’re in a rush!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
If you haven’t got chicken tenders ready, start by breading them. Dredge the tenders in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake them for a healthier option. Let them drain on paper towels.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any extra grease.
3. Toast the Buns:
If you like a bit of crunch, lightly toast the hoagie buns in the oven or on a skillet. It adds a nice texture to your sandwich.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread ranch dressing on the inside of each toasted bun for a creamy flavor. Start layering by placing dill pickle slices at the bottom of each bun.
5. Add the Chicken and Bacon:
Next, place one fried chicken tender on top of the pickles. Then, layer on two slices of the crispy bacon for that wonderful crunch!
6. Top with Fresh Veggies:
Finish off the sandwich by adding shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion slices. This adds freshness and a pop of color to your sandwich.
7. Season and Serve:
Sprinkle a little salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top for extra flavor. If you love a little heat, add a drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of mayonnaise. Serve your Bird Dog Sandwich immediately and enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Bird Dog Sandwich Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Follow the package instructions for frying or baking them to get them crispy!
How Can I Make This Sandwich Healthier?
To lighten up the Bird Dog Sandwich, you can use grilled chicken tenders instead of fried. Swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon, and use a low-fat ranch dressing or a yogurt-based version to reduce calories.
Can I Prepare This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
While these sandwiches are best served fresh, you can prep the components in advance. Cook the chicken tenders and bacon, and chop the veggies ahead of time. Assemble right before serving for the best texture and taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and bacon can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and bacon in the microwave or oven, and assemble the sandwich fresh when ready to eat!
