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This Chicken Dog sandwich mixes two comfort classics, putting crunchy chicken strips and crispy bacon into a hot dog roll. You get the best of both worlds - all the yummy goodness of fried chicken with the grab-and-go style of a hot dog, all covered in a sweet-tangy topping that ties everything together.
I came up with these sandwiches while trying to use up some extra chicken strips. My kids went nuts for them, and now they ask for "those chicken dogs" every couple weeks. Once you try the mix of crunchy chicken, bacon and that amazing sauce, you'll be hooked too.
What You'll Need
- Mayonnaise: Makes our signature sauce nice and creamy
- Smokey barbecue sauce: Gives that outdoor grilled taste we all love
- Honey: Adds just the right amount of sweetness
- Yellow mustard: Brings that classic hot dog zing
- Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of fancy kick
- Lemon juice: Perks up the flavors and cuts through the heaviness
- Breaded chicken tenders: Go for super crunchy ones for the best texture
- Thick cut bacon: Brings smoky flavor and saltiness. Don't skimp here!
- Brioche hot dog buns: Their butteriness works magic with the crunchy fillings
- Fresh vegetables: Add some snap and freshness to balance out the heavier stuff
How To Make It
- Mix Your Special Sauce:
- Stir together mayo, both types of mustard, BBQ sauce, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix until it's all one smooth color. Pop it in the fridge while you work on everything else. It'll get a bit thicker as it cools, making it just right for spreading.
- Get Your Chicken Ready:
- Cook your chicken strips following the box directions, making sure they hit 165°F inside. For extra crunch, try cooking them in an air fryer at 400°F for about 8 minutes, flipping once halfway. They should look golden and make a nice crunch when you bite into them. Just remember that cooking times can change depending on what brand you're using.
- Fix Up The Bacon:
- Cook your bacon until it's nice and crisp but still bends a little. You can lay the strips on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or cook in a pan over medium heat, turning often. Pat with paper towels when done to get rid of extra grease. You might need to snap them to fit in your buns.
- Get Your Buns Warm:
- Give your brioche buns a quick toast for about a minute. This helps keep the sauce from making them mushy and adds a nice bit of crunch. Watch them closely – brioche can burn in a flash. You want them warm with just a slight golden color inside, but still soft.
- Put It All Together:
- Spread plenty of sauce on both sides of each warm bun. Tuck hot chicken strips inside, trimming if needed. Put crispy bacon on top of the chicken. Add some lettuce, then tomato slices, red onion, and pickles. Finish with a bit of fresh black pepper and an extra drizzle of sauce if you want more flavor.
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The sauce really makes these sandwiches stand out. I tried a bunch of different versions before getting it just right, and adding that touch of honey was the game-changer that pulled everything together. My partner now puts this stuff on practically everything from potatoes to grilled meat.
Prep In Advance
You can make the sauce up to 3 days before you need it and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. Actually, it tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors mix together. Just give it a quick stir before using since it might separate a bit.
Switch It Up
While the buttery brioche buns work amazingly well, normal hot dog buns or small sub rolls do the job too. If you want something healthier, try whole grain buns for a nutty taste and some extra fiber.
What Goes With It
These Chicken Dogs taste amazing with crunchy regular fries or sweet potato fries on the side. For something lighter, try a simple green salad with vinegar dressing to cut through the richness of the sandwich.
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This combo delivers big on taste, cool presentation, and crowd-pleasing power. It'll definitely be a hit no matter when you serve it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the sandwich sauce ahead of time?
You bet! The sauce actually gets better when made early. You can whip it up to 3 days before and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. This gives all those tasty flavors time to mingle and develop.
- → What can I substitute for brioche hot dog buns?
If you can't find brioche buns, try regular hot dog buns, soft pretzel rolls, or even long sandwich rolls. Just make sure whatever you choose is sturdy enough to hold all your fillings without getting soggy. A quick toast will help any bun type stay firm.
- → Can I make these sandwiches with homemade chicken tenders?
For sure! To make your own chicken tenders, cut chicken breasts into strips, coat them in flour, dunk in whisked eggs, then roll in seasoned breadcrumbs. Pop them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through, or try 10-12 minutes in an air fryer at 380°F.
- → What sides pair well with these sandwiches?
These tasty sandwiches go great with regular fries, sweet potato fries, creamy coleslaw, chunky potato salad, or a simple green salad. If you want something lighter, try some roasted veggies or a colorful corn and black bean mix.
- → How can I make these sandwiches spicy?
To kick up the heat, mix some hot sauce or cayenne into your sauce. You could also swap in spicy BBQ sauce, top with sliced jalapeños, or add pepper jack cheese. Another option is using spicy chicken tenders instead of plain ones.
- → Can I prepare elements of this sandwich for a crowd?
You sure can! When feeding lots of people, create a DIY sandwich station with all ingredients laid out. Mix the sauce beforehand, cook big batches of chicken and bacon, and slice all your veggies in advance. You can toast buns right before eating or let everyone toast their own.