South Carolina Bird Dogs

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Wrap a few up, and take them to go for your next tailgate.

By

Ann Taylor Pittman

Published on August 3, 2023

Southern Living South Carolina Bird Dogs on an enamel platter to serve — Photo:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

Active Time:

50 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Servings:

8

Perfect for Gamecocks fans, these dogs are a South Carolina staple. Crispy homemade chicken tenders nestle inside soft hot dog buns, along with bacon and shredded cheese for a fun take on a fried chicken sandwich. A finishing drizzle of honey mustard brings welcome sweetness to balance the other savory elements.

Although we love our homemade tenders, you can certainly use store-bought or drive-through tenders instead. You can wrap the sandwiches individually in foil and keep them warm in a cooler.

Ingredients

8 chicken breast tenders (about 1 lb., 3 oz.)
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Canola oil or vegetable oil
2 large egg whites
2/3 cup (about 2 7/8 oz.) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
2 tsp. seasoned salt (such as Johnny’s or Lawry’s)
1/2 tsp. onion powder
4 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
8 top-split hot dog buns
8 slices thick-cut bacon slices, cooked
4 Tbsp. mayonnaise
1/2 cup honey mustard
Chopped fresh chives

Directions

Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper; let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Pour oil into a large cast-iron skillet to a depth of 1 inch. Heat oil to 350°F.
Meanwhile, whisk egg whites in a medium bowl until foamy. Add chicken to egg whites, and toss to coat. Stir together flour, panko, seasoned salt, and onion powder in a pie plate or other shallow dish. Remove chicken from egg whites, allowing excess to drip off; dredge in flour mixture, gently turning once or twice to coat. Add chicken to hot oil (in batches if necessary); fry until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, 5 to 7 minutes, adjusting heat as needed to maintain temperature. Drain chicken on a plate lined with paper towels.
Preheat oven to broil with oven rack about 6 inches from heat source. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cheese inside each bun; place 1 bacon slice inside each bun. Arrange buns on a baking sheet, and broil until cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise on each bun; place 1 chicken tender in each bun. Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon honey mustard, and top with chives.

South Carolina Bird Dogs

Ingredients

Directions

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