South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a flavorful and satisfying meal, combining grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy pickles all melted together on toasted hoagie rolls. This easy-to-make sandwich offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that’s perfect for lunch or a 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, or until 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 has melted.
- Step 9: Remove the sandwiches 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 extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing before drizzling it over the sandwich.
- Swap out sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat.
- Use smoked bacon for a deeper, smoky taste.
- If you prefer, grill the sandwiches in a panini press instead of the oven for a crispy, pressed sandwich.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to preserve the crispy texture and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.
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. Just warm it up before assembling the sandwiches to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
If you don’t have ranch dressing, try using a creamy blue cheese dressing or a simple mixture of mayonnaise and a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy alternative.
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South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are hearty hoagie sandwiches loaded with grilled chicken tenders, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy dill pickle chips, and a creamy ranch dressing. Toasted to perfection and baked to melt the cheese, these sandwiches offer a delicious combination of smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors inspired by Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 pound grilled chicken tenders
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup dill pickle chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for toasting the rolls and melting the cheese later.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully slice each hoagie roll in half lengthwise, keeping the two halves attached on one side for easy handling.
- Butter Rolls: Spread butter liberally on the inside surfaces of each hoagie roll. This will help achieve a golden, crispy texture when toasted.
- Toast Rolls: Place the buttered hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and warm inside.
- Cook Chicken: While the rolls toast, grill the chicken tenders on a grill or pan, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked through. If using pre-grilled chicken, simply warm it up before assembling.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Layer the cooked chicken tenders inside the toasted hoagie rolls evenly.
- Add Toppings: Place 2 slices of crispy bacon on top of the chicken, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the bacon.
- Melt Cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Add Dressing: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and drizzle the ranch dressing over the melted cheese layer for added creaminess.
- Add Pickles: Evenly spread the dill pickle chips on top of the ranch dressing layer for a tangy crunch that complements the other flavors.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and flavorful fillings.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked grilled chicken tenders to save time; just warm them before assembling.
- For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or BBQ sauce before the ranch dressing.
- Butter the rolls generously for a crisp, golden toast on the inside.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing if preferred.
- To keep sandwiches crispy, add the dill pickle chips and dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: South Carolina Bird Dog, grilled chicken sandwich, bacon sandwich, cheddar cheese sandwich, dill pickle, ranch dressing, hoagie roll, Southern sandwich

