Tasty Chicken Bacon Dog

This Bird Dog Sandwich turns basic chicken tenders into a mouthwatering handheld feast that hits the spot when you want comfort food with a special twist. When you bite into the mix of crunchy chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet-tangy sauce, you'll get a perfect blend of tastes and textures that'll make you want another one right away.

I whipped these sandwiches up the first time for my nephew who turns his nose up at most "grown-up" food but gobbles up chicken tenders like there's no tomorrow. Everyone in the family ended up wanting them, and now they ask for these at practically every laid-back family event we host.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Creates the smooth foundation for our fantastic sauce and adds a rich taste in every mouthful
• Smokey barbecue sauce: Gives the sandwich deeper flavor and that can't-resist smokiness that works so well with chicken
• Honey: Cuts the tang with natural sweetness - try to grab local honey for amazing flavor
• Yellow and Dijon mustards: Add a zippy kick and layered flavors - go for the grainy Dijon if you want more texture
• Lemon juice: Adds a fresh zing that balances out the rich ingredients
• Breaded chicken tenders: Form the hearty main component - go for thicker pieces to get the best meat-to-coating balance
• Thick cut bacon: Brings smoky crunch - cook it until it's nice and crisp for that texture contrast
• Brioche hot dog buns: Serve as a soft, buttery base - brioche really makes everything taste better
• Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles): Add freshness and crunch against the heavier elements

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix Your Special Sauce:

Stir together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, both types of mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well until it's completely blended with no streaks. You'll end up with a light orange sauce dotted with mustard seeds if you used grainy Dijon. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can mingle - it's best to do this step first.

Fix Up the Chicken:

Heat chicken tenders following the package instructions until they're golden and crunchy outside but still juicy inside. For the best results, try cooking them in an air fryer at 400°F for about 8 minutes, flipping them halfway. Make sure they reach 165°F inside for safety. You want them hot and crispy when building your sandwich.

Get the Bacon Ready:

Cook your bacon until it's perfectly crisp without burning. If using your oven, lay the strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. On the stove, cook over medium heat, turning often until evenly brown. Pat dry with paper towels to get rid of extra grease. Good bacon should break with a snap.

Warm the Buns:

Lightly toast your brioche buns just until they're golden at the edges. This takes about a minute in the air fryer at 350°F. In a pan, place them cut-side down over medium heat for 30 seconds. You want them just toasted enough to add some texture while keeping them mostly soft. Don't overdo it or they'll get too crunchy and hard to bite.

Put It All Together:

Spread plenty of your sauce on both sides of each toasted bun, making sure to cover them evenly for flavor in every bite. Place your hot chicken tenders inside, overlapping them slightly if using more than one. Add your crispy bacon, breaking pieces if needed to fit the bun. Top with shredded lettuce, thin tomato slices, red onion rings, and pickles. Finish with fresh black pepper and maybe a bit more sauce if you want. Press down gently so it's easier to eat.

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The brioche bun really steals the show in this sandwich. I found this out by chance when my local store ran out of regular hot dog buns. The buttery, slightly sweet flavor of brioche works so well with all the savory stuff, and it stays intact even with all those toppings and sauce piled on.

Make It Your Own

This Bird Dog Sandwich can be changed up in countless ways. You might swap the breaded chicken for a grilled chicken breast if you want something lighter, or go all out with southern-style fried tenders. You can use turkey bacon instead of regular, or even sliced avocado if you don't eat meat. Spice lovers can toss in some jalapeño slices or add hot sauce to the mix. What's great about this sandwich is how you can tweak it to fit what you like while keeping what makes it special.

Perfect Pairings

These sandwiches go great with regular fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings for that eat-out feeling at home. If you want something not so heavy, try a simple coleslaw or cucumber salad for a cool contrast to the rich sandwich. Drink-wise, nothing beats a cold craft beer, fresh lemonade, or sweet tea depending on what you're in the mood for. They work well for lunch with some potato chips on the side or for dinner with something more filling.

Storage Tips

These sandwiches taste best fresh, but you can get parts ready ahead of time for quick assembly later. The sauce stays good in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. You can cook bacon ahead and keep it in the fridge for 3 days, then warm it up in a pan or microwave until it's crisp again. If you have leftover sandwiches, wrap them in foil and store in the fridge for up to a day. Heat them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to crisp up the chicken and bacon.

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These Bird Dog Sandwiches bring together simple cooking and tasty food in every bite. Put your own spin on them and enjoy them while they're fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep the sauce ahead?

Definitely! The flavor improves as it sits. You can make it up to three days early and store it in the fridge in a sealed container.

→ What other buns can I use?

Regular hot dog buns or soft sub rolls work just fine. Want fewer carbs? Go for lettuce wraps, though it'll change the classic feel.

→ How do I make it spicier?

Add sriracha or hot sauce to the mayo mix, or toss in fresh jalapeño slices. Spicy breaded chicken tenders also pack extra heat!

→ Can I make my own chicken tenders?

Of course! Coat strips of chicken in seasoned flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fry, oven bake, or air fry until golden and cooked through.

→ What can I swap for the meat?

Try plant-based chicken strips and vegetarian bacon. Pair them with the same sauce for that familiar, delicious flavor combo.

→ What sides go well?

Fries, chips, coleslaw, or a green salad are all classic choices. For something lighter, opt for fruit salad or crunchy veggie sticks with a dip.