Description
A bold, flavor-packed southern sandwich featuring crispy chicken tenders, smoky bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and a tangy creamy mustard sauce, all tucked into a toasted hoagie roll. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, game days, or crowd-pleasing parties.
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls (soft, fresh—substitute with hot dog buns if needed)
- 8 crispy chicken tenders (homemade or frozen)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, or swap with pepper jack)
- 4 strips cooked bacon (thick-cut preferred)
- Butter (softened, for toasting rolls—optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Dill pickle slices (optional garnish)
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake according to package instructions (15-20 minutes for frozen, 15-18 minutes for homemade), flipping halfway.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (6-8 minutes), turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels. Alternatively, microwave bacon between paper towels for 3-4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through. Spread insides with softened butter. Toast on a baking sheet, cut side up, in the oven for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden.
- Lay toasted rolls open. Place 2 crispy chicken tenders inside each roll. Immediately top with a slice of cheddar cheese. Add one strip of crispy bacon on top.
- Drizzle a generous spoonful of creamy mustard sauce over the chicken, cheese, and bacon. Spread evenly.
- Garnish with dill pickle slices or chopped chives/parsley if desired. Close sandwich gently and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
For gluten-free, use GF rolls and chicken tenders. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and cheese. Cheese melts best when added right after chicken comes out of oven. Sauce can be made ahead and keeps for 5 days. To keep chicken crispy, bake on a rack and avoid overcrowding. For extra gooey cheese, pop assembled sandwiches back in oven for 2 minutes before saucing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: bird dog sandwich, South Carolina, chicken sandwich, creamy mustard sauce, southern comfort food, easy sandwich, game day, party food, bacon, cheddar cheese