South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Perfect for picnics, game days, or casual family dinners, these sandwiches blend the rich flavors of shredded chicken or turkey with a zesty dressing. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and sharp Dijon mustard elevates this dish, making it a standout choice for any occasion. With their easy preparation and satisfying taste, these sandwiches are sure to impress your guests.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken Mixture
- For Assembly
- For Garnish
- How to Make South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Step 2: Make the Dressing
- Step 3: Combine
- Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Step 5: Serve
- How to Serve South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Classic Presentation
- Family Style
- Themed Occasion
- How to Perfect South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Best Side Dishes for South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Reheating South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I customize South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches?
- What kind of chicken should I use?
- How do I make South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches spicy?
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of chicken, spices, and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Customize your sandwiches with various toppings or serve them in different styles—perfect for any gathering.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the veggies, these sandwiches can be a nutritious meal choice.
- Great for Leftovers: Make extra and enjoy delicious lunches throughout the week without compromising on taste.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches efficiently, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables for even texture.
- Spoon or spatula: These tools help in combining ingredients smoothly and serving portions easily.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey (shredded)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup celery (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup green onions (sliced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For Assembly
- 4 hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns
- Leafy greens (lettuce or spinach) for garnish
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cook and shred the chicken if using raw. If you have leftover chicken or turkey, simply shred it to use.
- Season the shredded meat with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, celery, and green onions.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Combine
- Add the seasoned shredded chicken to the dressing mixture.
- Stir until the chicken is well-coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Take hoagie rolls or sandwich buns and spoon generous amounts of the chicken mixture onto each roll.
- Top with leafy greens and any additional toppings you desire.
Step 5: Serve
- Enjoy your South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches immediately while they are fresh!
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.
How to Serve South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
Serving South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches is all about enhancing their delicious flavor and making them appealing. Here are some creative ways to serve these scrumptious sandwiches that will impress your guests.
Classic Presentation
- On a Platter: Arrange the sandwiches on a large platter for a beautiful display, allowing guests to easily grab one.
- With Pickles: Add dill pickles on the side for a zesty crunch that complements the creamy filling.
Family Style
- Build-Your-Own Sandwich Bar: Set up a station with hoagie rolls, chicken mixture, and toppings so everyone can customize their sandwich.
- Garnish Options: Provide options like sliced tomatoes, jalapeños, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Themed Occasion
- Picnic Style: Serve the sandwiches in a picnic basket with fresh fruit and chips for an outdoor feast.
- Game Day Setup: Pair the sandwiches with beer or soda in cooler bags for an enjoyable game day experience.
How to Perfect South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
To make your South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches truly unforgettable, follow these helpful tips. Each suggestion will help enhance the flavors and presentation of your dish.
- Bold Flavors: Use high-quality mayonnaise and add more hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
- Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh celery and green onions to improve texture and flavor in your chicken mixture.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the chicken mixture sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Tasty Toppings: Experiment with toppings like avocado slices or crispy bacon for added richness and texture.
- Customizable Rolls: Try different types of rolls or buns, such as whole grain or ciabatta, to suit everyone’s taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
Pairing side dishes with South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy slaw adds freshness that contrasts nicely with the creamy sandwich filling.
- Potato Chips: Crispy chips provide a satisfying crunch; choose flavored varieties for an extra kick.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the sandwiches.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn is a classic summer side that pairs perfectly with hearty sandwiches.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans offer a comforting complement to your savory meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These fries add sweetness and texture, creating a delightful contrast to your Bird Dog Sandwiches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using dry chicken: Always ensure the chicken is well-cooked and moist. If using leftover chicken, add a bit of broth or more mayo to keep it juicy.
- Ignoring seasoning: Don’t skip on salt and pepper! Taste your mixture before serving to ensure it has the right flavor balance.
- Overmixing the dressing: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the chicken mushy and affect the texture of your sandwiches.
- Choosing the wrong bread: Use fresh hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns for the best experience. Stale bread can ruin the overall taste.
- Skipping the greens: Adding leafy greens isn’t just for looks; they provide crunch and freshness. Don’t forget to include them in your assembly!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap sandwiches in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cover for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches?
You can easily customize this recipe by adding ingredients like diced pickles, jalapeños, or different herbs to suit your taste.
What kind of chicken should I use?
You can use cooked chicken from a rotisserie, leftovers, or poach your own chicken breast for a fresh option.
How do I make South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches spicy?
Adjust the hot sauce amount in the dressing according to your spice preference. You can also add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture beforehand and store it in the fridge. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
Final Thoughts
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or sauces based on personal preferences. Whether you enjoy them for lunch or as a quick dinner option, these sandwiches promise to please everyone at your table! Give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to create a flavorful meal that stands out!
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South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches offer a mouthwatering twist on comfort food, making them perfect for casual family dinners, picnics, or game day gatherings. This delightful recipe combines the tender flavors of shredded chicken or turkey with a zesty dressing made from creamy mayonnaise and sharp Dijon mustard. The result is a satisfying and flavorful sandwich that’s easy to prepare in just 25 minutes. Ideal for impressing guests or enjoying as a quick weeknight meal, these sandwiches can be customized with various toppings to suit any palate. Whether served on hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns, each bite promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken or turkey
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hoagie rolls or soft sandwich buns
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding cooked chicken or turkey and seasoning it with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, celery, and green onions until smooth.
- Stir in the seasoned shredded chicken until well-coated; adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Spoon generous amounts of the mixture onto hoagie rolls or sandwich buns, topping with leafy greens.
- Serve immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Mixing/Assembling
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg





