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This Chicken Dog sandwich brings together the best of both worlds – crunchy chicken strips and crispy bacon stuffed in a hot dog roll. It's a fun twist that gives you all the yummy goodness of chicken sandwiches with the grab-and-go ease of a hot dog, all brought together with an amazing sweet-tangy topping.
I came up with these tasty treats while trying to use up some extra chicken strips one night. My kids went wild for them, and now they always ask for "those chicken dogs" a couple times each month. There's something about that mix of crunchy chicken, bacon bits and that killer sauce that makes everyone grab seconds.
What You'll Need
- Mayonnaise: Makes our sauce rich and creamy
- Smokey barbecue sauce: Brings that outdoor grilled taste and complexity
- Honey: Adds just the right touch of sweetness
- Yellow mustard: Gives that authentic dog cart zing
- Dijon mustard: Adds a fancy kick of spiciness
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and balances the rich stuff
- Breaded chicken tenders: The main attraction - go for super crunchy ones
- Thick cut bacon: Adds smoky goodness and salt. Don't skimp on cheap bacon
- Brioche hot dog buns: Bring a buttery softness that works magic with the crunchy fillings
- Fresh vegetables: Add some snap and lightness against the heavier elements
Cooking Guide
- Whip Up Your Magic Sauce:
- Mix up mayo, both types of mustard, BBQ sauce, honey, and some lemon juice in a bowl. Stir until it's all one color with no streaks. Pop it in the fridge while you work on everything else. The cold will make it thicker and tastier.
- Get Those Tenders Ready:
- Follow what the chicken tender package says, making sure they hit 165°F inside. Want them super crunchy? Try your air fryer at 400°F for around 8 minutes, flipping once halfway. They should look golden and make that nice crunch sound. Just keep an eye on them since cooking times vary.
- Fix Up Your Bacon:
- Cook your bacon till it's crisp but can still bend a bit. You can bake it on a sheet pan at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Or use a pan on medium heat, turning often until it looks evenly brown. Pat with paper towels to get rid of extra grease. Break or cut to fit your buns if needed.
- Get Buns Warm:
- Give those brioche buns a quick toast for about a minute. This helps stop them from getting soggy from the sauce and adds a bit of crunch. Watch them closely - brioche turns from perfect to burnt really fast. You want them warm but still soft with just a hint of toasting inside.
- Build Your Sandwiches:
- Smear plenty of sauce on both sides of each warm bun. Tuck hot chicken strips inside, making them fit nicely. Add bacon on top of the chicken. Pile on some shredded lettuce, then tomato pieces, red onion, and pickles. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh pepper and maybe an extra drizzle of that tasty sauce.
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The sauce really makes these sandwiches stand out. I played around with different versions until I got it just right - that touch of honey turned out to be exactly what it needed. Now my partner puts this stuff on everything from potato wedges to grilled chicken breast.
Prep Ahead Options
You can mix up that special sauce up to 3 days before and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. Actually, it tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors get to know each other. Just give it a quick mix before using since it might separate a bit.
Easy Substitutions
Though buttery brioche buns work amazingly well, regular hot dog buns or small sub rolls do the job too. If you want something healthier, try whole grain buns for extra nuttiness and fiber.
What To Serve With It
These Chicken Dogs taste awesome with some crunchy french fries or sweet potato wedges on the side. Want something lighter? Try a basic green salad with a tangy dressing to cut through the richness of the sandwich.
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This recipe checks all the boxes for taste, fun presentation, and family appeal. It'll definitely be a hit no matter when you serve it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep the BBQ sauce early?
Definitely! Pre-making the sauce up to 3 days ahead is a great idea. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge to let the flavors blend perfectly over time.
- → What works instead of brioche buns?
If you can't find brioche, regular hot dog buns, pretzel rolls, or submarine rolls work fine. Pick one sturdy enough to hold the fillings without breaking. Toasting any substitute bun can make a big difference.
- → Can I use homemade tenders instead?
Sure, homemade tenders are a great choice! Just cut chicken breasts into strips, coat in flour, dip into beaten egg, and cover them with seasoned breadcrumbs. Then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or air fry at 380°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- → What side dishes go with this?
These pair wonderfully with fries, whether they're sweet potato or classic. Coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad also go great. Roasted veggies or a fresh corn and bean salad are lighter options.
- → How can I make them spicier?
If you want more kick, mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce. Spicy BBQ works too, or you can add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or spicy chicken instead of regular tenders.
- → Can I prep these sandwiches for many people?
Absolutely! For a crowd, set up a DIY sandwich station. Make a big batch of sauce, cook a lot of chicken and bacon ahead of time, and slice the veggies early. You can toast buns right before serving or let guests toast them as they like.