South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
The South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwich is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. Combining grilled chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tangy pickles, these sandwiches bring a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

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 at 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 they are lightly golden and warm.
- Step 5: While the rolls toast, grill the chicken tenders until fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes on each side. If using pre-cooked grilled chicken, warm them up 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 is melted.
- Step 9: Remove 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 using smoked bacon and sharp white cheddar instead of yellow.
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese or honey mustard for a different twist.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use chicken thighs instead of tenders for a juicier sandwich.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the bread crispy and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these sandwiches with pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be used. Just warm it up on a grill or in a pan before assembling the sandwich to maintain flavor and texture.
What can I use if I don’t have hoagie rolls?
You can substitute hoagie rolls with any sturdy sandwich bread, such as baguette halves, sub rolls, or even ciabatta bread for a slightly different texture.
PrintSouth Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a deliciously hearty sandwich featuring grilled chicken tenders, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy dill pickle chips, and creamy ranch dressing, all nestled inside butter-toasted hoagie rolls. Perfect for a flavorful lunch or dinner with a Southern twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sandwich Base
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter
Filling
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for toasting the rolls and baking the assembled sandwiches.
- Prepare Hoagie Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, keeping them attached on one side for easy handling and filling.
- Butter the Rolls: Spread butter evenly on the inside surfaces of each hoagie roll to enhance flavor and crispness when toasted.
- Toast Rolls: Place the buttered rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly golden and warm.
- Grill Chicken Tenders: Grill the chicken tenders until fully cooked—approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. If using pre-cooked grilled chicken, reheat them on a grill or pan until warm.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place the grilled chicken tenders inside the toasted hoagie rolls, evenly distributing them.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Top each sandwich with 2 slices of cooked bacon and a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted thoroughly.
- Finish with Toppings: Remove sandwiches from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing over the melted cheese, then evenly distribute dill pickle chips on top for a tangy crunch.
- Serve Warm: Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy the bold and satisfying flavors of the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken before grilling.
- If you prefer less sodium, use nitrate-free bacon and reduced-sodium pickles and cheese.
- These sandwiches can be customized with additional toppings such as lettuce or tomato if desired.
- Leftover sandwiches can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches, hoagie rolls, bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, dill pickles, toasted sandwiches

