Here’s another recipe from my daughter, Hope. This Southern Bird Dog recipe is a local favorite enjoyed by the hippest kids, young and old. I hope you enjoy it too! Take it away, Hope!

In small town South Carolina there is a curious food called a Bird Dog. Before a football game, after work and just about any mealtime, people gather for good company and food. It’s an institution of sorts, representing family and home. Homesickness in me manifests itself into into a craving for a Bird Dog.

The Southern Bird Dog Recipe | shewearsmanyhats.com

And what pray tell is a Bird Dog you ask? Well it’s a hot dog bun (thus the dog) toasted is best, sprinkled with crumbled bacon, within which is nestled a crispy chicken tender layered with the dairy section’s finest shredded cheese and topped off with some drizzled honey mustard.

The Southern Bird Dog Recipe | shewearsmanyhats.comBird Dogs are perfect for picnics or quick meals with very little preparation and hardly any real cook time. A yummy alternative hamburgers and hot dogs, and much less boring, this small town sandwich can bring a twist to mealtime. If you’re on vacation, in a dorm room, or don’t have use of a full kitchen this recipe is super simple, all the ingredients can be bought at a grocery storm and assembled while still having an individual and homemade taste. And with only five simple ingredients, you probably already have everything in your fridge … and might could be tempted for a snack right now!

The Southern Bird Dog Recipe | shewearsmanyhats.com

Start by cooking the bacon first because you can finish the other elements while it’s cooking. About 3 pieces of bacon work for 4 bird dogs so divvy and sprinkle at your discretion. Toast hot dog buns until sufficiently crispy. Next comes the chicken fingers. You can be enterprising and make your own chicken fingers/tenders. My friend, Robyn over at Add a Pinch has a wonderful Chicken Strip recipe. Of course, you can cheat like we did and purchase a flock of chicken fingers from your local favorite chicken fingery. Our local grocer usually offers warm chicken tenders in the deli department.

The Southern Bird Dog Recipe | shewearsmanyhats.com

Once you have procured the chicken fingers, homemade or otherwise, tear them apart in order to fit the hot dog bun. Sprinkle with a tablespoon or more of shredded cheese, add a hearty helping of honey mustard and behold the most wonderfully simple sandwich thing you’ve ever tasted. Some people use ranch dressing instead of honey mustard, which may be considered a sacrilege to some, but to each his own.

The Southern Bird Dog Recipe | shewearsmanyhats.com

The Southern Bird Dog Recipe

The Southern Bird Dog Recipe | shewearsmanyhats.com

The Southern Bird Dog Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

A local Southern favorite that I think will become your favorite too.

Ingredients

  • 4 hot dog buns (toasted if desired)
  • 3 pieces of cooked crumbled bacon
  • 4 fried chicken fingers/strips/tenders (or whatever you call them)
  • 4 tablespoons shredded cheese
  • 8 teaspoons honey mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven on broil.
  2. Layer crumbled bacon in the bottom of the hotdog buns.
  3. Tear and place chicken finger(s) so as to fit the length of the hot dog bun, sprinkle with cheese. Place on baking sheet under broiler for about 1 minute to melt cheese.
  4. Top with honey mustard.

Did you make this recipe?

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