Get ready to fall in love with a sandwich that combines Southern charm and bold flavors in the best possible way. This South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe brings together tender grilled chicken, creamy pimento cheese, smoky bacon, and a kick of pickled jalapeños all packed inside a toasted hoagie roll. Each bite offers a deliciously balanced mix of smoky, creamy, spicy, and fresh elements that will quickly turn this sandwich into a favorite go-to for lunch, dinner, or any casual gathering. It’s simple to prepare but tastes like you’ve put in a ton of love and effort, making it one of those irresistible dishes you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, creating layers of flavor and texture that make this sandwich unforgettable. From the creamy richness of pimento cheese to the bright peppery notes of fresh arugula, these staples come together simply yet meaningfully.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The juicy, grilled protein foundation that holds all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup pimento cheese: Creamy, tangy, and the ultimate Southern spread that adds lusciousness to the sandwich.
- 4 slices crispy bacon: Adds a smoky crunch and a salty punch that complements the mild chicken perfectly.
- 2 pickled jalapeños, sliced: A spicy, tangy kick that livens up every bite with just the right amount of heat.
- 2 hoagie rolls: Toasted to golden perfection, these rolls offer a sturdy, slightly crunchy base to hold all the fillings.
- 1 cup fresh arugula: Peppery and crisp, the arugula adds freshness and balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brush the chicken for juicy, flavorful grilling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of the chicken and everything else.
- Optional: hot sauce for serving: For those who love an extra layer of spicy excitement.
How to Make South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Season and Grill the Chicken
Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil to keep them juicy and season them generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning ensures the chicken’s natural flavors shine through while allowing the smoky grill marks to add character.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Place the chicken onto the grill, cooking each side for about 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Letting the chicken rest briefly after grilling lets the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist once sliced for the sandwich.
Step 3: Crisp Up the Bacon
While the chicken rests, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches maximum crispiness. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease—this will give your sandwich that irresistible crunch without being too greasy.
Step 4: Toast the Hoagie Rolls
Cut your hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, then toast them either on your grill or in a toaster. You want a golden-brown exterior that adds a slight crunch and prevents the bread from becoming soggy once the fillings go on.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of that dreamy pimento cheese on each bottom half of the toasted hoagie rolls. Layer on the sliced grilled chicken, then add the crispy bacon and pickled jalapeños. Top everything off with fresh arugula for a burst of color and peppery freshness.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Place the top halves of your rolls over the fillings and press gently to hold everything together. For an optional spicy boost, drizzle with your preferred hot sauce. These South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are now ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few extra pickled jalapeño slices on the side or sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika on the top bun to enhance the smoky, tangy flavors. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also make for a beautiful and tasty garnish that complements the sandwich’s vibrant ingredients.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with simple sides like kettle-cooked chips, a crisp garden salad, or coleslaw for a touch of crunch and creaminess. Southern-style baked beans or seasoned potato wedges also make fantastic companions to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches with mini slider rolls at a party, or cut the sandwich into halves for a picnic spread. Wrapping each sandwich in parchment paper tied with twine makes them perfect for on-the-go lunches with a rustic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers. Keep the grilled chicken and bacon refrigerated and the rolls in a sealed bag. This will help maintain the texture and freshness when you’re ready to reassemble.
Freezing
While individual ingredients like cooked chicken and bacon freeze well, assembled sandwiches with fresh toppings don’t freeze as nicely because of moisture from the arugula and pickled jalapeños. It’s best to freeze the components separately for best quality upon reheating.
Reheating
Warm the grilled chicken and bacon gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Toast the hoagie rolls again to refresh their crunch. Add fresh arugula and pickled jalapeños after reheating for that perfect fresh bite every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have pimento cheese?
While pimento cheese is a classic for this recipe, you can substitute with a creamy cheddar or a spicy cheese spread. Just remember, pimento cheese’s unique tangy and slightly sweet flavor is what makes this sandwich truly special.
Is it necessary to grill the chicken, or can I pan-fry it?
Grilling adds that smoky flavor and lovely grill marks, but pan-frying the chicken works just fine. Use a bit of olive oil and cook over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through for a tasty alternative.
How spicy are these sandwiches with the pickled jalapeños?
The pickled jalapeños provide a noticeable but balanced heat that brightens the sandwich. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount or remove the seeds; for more heat, add fresh jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative, and use vegetarian bacon or extra veggies to maintain the flavors and textures in the sandwich.
What makes this a South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe and not just a chicken sandwich?
It’s the combination of traditional Southern elements like the pimento cheese and pickled jalapeños with grilled chicken and crispy bacon that gives this sandwich its South Carolina Bird Dog identity, reflecting the region’s bold and comforting flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about the South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of hearty, spicy, creamy, and fresh that feels both familiar and exciting. Once you make this delightful sandwich, you’ll understand why it’s a standout Southern favorite. So go ahead, try it out, and share this flavorful joy with friends and family!
Print
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches are a flavorful and satisfying grilled chicken sandwich featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts, creamy pimento cheese, crispy bacon, tangy pickled jalapeños, and fresh arugula, all layered on toasted hoagie rolls. This recipe combines smoky, spicy, and fresh elements for a delicious southern-inspired meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fillings
- 1 cup pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 slices crispy bacon
- 2 pickled jalapeños, sliced
- 1 cup fresh arugula
Bread and Extras
- 2 hoagie rolls
- Optional: hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare and season chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper to ensure flavorful grilled meat.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest a few minutes to retain juices before slicing.
- Cook bacon: While the chicken rests, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to absorb excess grease and maintain crispiness.
- Toast the hoagie rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise and toast them on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of pimento cheese on the bottom half of each toasted hoagie roll. Layer sliced grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, and pickled jalapeños evenly on top. Add fresh arugula as the final topping.
- Finish and serve: Place the top half of the hoagie roll over the sandwich fillings, press gently to combine, and drizzle with hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious, warm sandwich experience.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Adjust jalapeño slices to control spice level.
- Pimento cheese can be homemade or store-bought based on convenience.
- Toast the rolls just before assembling to prevent sogginess.
