Description
Delightful Bird Dog Sandwich recipe combines hearty Texas-style flavors with classic deli elements. Crisp layers of meat, tangy condiments, and fresh ingredients create a memorable meal for sandwich enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 crispy chicken tenders (homemade or store-bought)
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken tenders
- 4 slices cooked bacon (optional)
- 4 hoagie rolls or hot dog buns
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce (optional)
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate: Immerse chicken tenders in buttermilk for 15-30 minutes, allowing proteins to tenderize and absorb rich, complex flavors.
- Seasoning Preparation: Craft a dynamic spice blend combining flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a wide container for a robust coating.
- Coating Process: Drain chicken tenders from buttermilk, meticulously dredge each piece in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage for maximum crispiness.
- Frying Technique: Heat oil in skillet at medium-high temperature, strategically positioning chicken tenders to achieve golden-brown exterior while preserving succulent interior, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 75°C.
- Sandwich Assembly: Toast hoagie rolls at 180°C, layer with perfectly fried chicken tenders, melting cheese, optional crispy bacon, then return to oven briefly to create a molten cheese embrace.
- Finishing Touches: Elevate sandwich with honey mustard drizzle, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and serve alongside classic accompaniments like crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or crunchy potato chips for a comprehensive culinary experience.
Notes
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure tender, juicy meat with enhanced flavor absorption and improved texture.
- Temperature Control is Crucial: Maintain consistent medium-heat while frying to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, using a cooking thermometer to verify internal chicken temperature reaches 75°C for safe consumption.
- Crispy Coating Technique: Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help flour mixture adhere better, creating a crunchier and more even breading that won’t slip off during cooking.
- Dietary Adaptation Strategies: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for celiac-friendly version; use plant-based buttermilk and vegan cheese for dairy-free adaptation; replace chicken with tofu or seitan for vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg