This spring, as football fever hits Auburn and Alabama, there’s no better excuse to fire up some exciting tailgating recipes. Among my top favorites is the Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs. Imagine the perfect fusion of a hotdog and a chicken tender slathered in buffalo sauce, topped with gooey cheddar cheese, and nestled in a soft bun with creamy coleslaw and a drizzle of ranch. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that my whole family absolutely enjoy. These are not just snacks; they are a way to bring joy to every football season party!
Creating such a delicious treat is simple and can even be done in the parking lot if you’re rushing to the game. All you need is a few essential equipment pieces from your kitchen. A torch works wonders to melt the cheese and also keeps the chicken tenders heated. For an impeccable taste, I highly suggest using Martin’s Potato Rolls; they are simply the best and make a world of difference with their soft texture. These Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs are perfect for lunch or dinner, presenting a fun twist to the traditional chicken sandwich. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Where Did the Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs Originate From?
Though it’s not clear who came up with the idea first, Buffalo chicken bird dogs likely originated in South Carolina. Traditionally, people use their favorite chicken tenders, any kind will do. First, remove the tendon to prepare the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning in to make the tenders crispier when you grill them. To make the perfect Buffalo wing sauce, mix a bit of melted butter for a velvety texture. When adding the chicken, make sure to sprinkle some of this sauce while grilling to achieve a delicious balance of flavor and taste.
What You Need to Make Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs
To make delicious Buffalo chicken bird dogs, start by choosing your favorite chicken tenders—any kind will do. Remember to remove the tendon if needed. For seasoning, just use salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I like to rub these spices onto the chicken to help the tenders get crispier when you grill them.
Next, make a velvety Buffalo wing sauce by mixing a little melted butter with your favorite Buffalo sauce. This will give it a smooth texture. When adding the chicken, sprinkle a bit of the sauce over it while grilling to infuse it with flavor. This way, you achieve that perfect balance and delicious taste.
Seasoning and Grilling the Chicken Tenders
To create the perfect Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs, start by preparing the chicken in the right way. Begin by placing your chicken tenders in a bowl and drizzle some olive oil over them. Next, season the chicken with your favorite chicken rub and a bit of cornstarch. Toss the tenders until they are evenly coated. This will ensure an even flavor and crispiness.
Once seasoned, place the tenders on a preheated grill set to high heat. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Make sure you flip the chicken back and forth to achieve those beautiful grill marks and a nice char on both sides. When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and place it back in the bowl. Generously pour buffalo sauce over the chicken, ensuring you cover it completely with the sauce. Finally, assemble everything together, and your delicious Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs are ready to enjoy!
Assembling the Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs
The secret to making perfect Buffalo chicken bird dogs starts with toasting your hot dog buns on the grill or under the broiler in the oven for just a minute. This gives them the perfect crisp. Once that’s done, lay a creamy homemade coleslaw at the bottom of each bun. It adds a refreshing crunch and balance to the later spicy flavors. Place one or two chicken tenders right on top of the coleslaw. These tenders should be juicy and well seasoned. It’s also a good idea to sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on them and, if you like, melt the cheese a bit for extra gooey goodness.
Now for the fun part–add a drizzle of ranch dressing and finely chopped green onions. This combination not only makes the flavors pop, but also adds a delightful twist to a regular chicken sandwich. These bird dogs are super satisfying and very easy to make. They’re guaranteed to make you happy and must be given a try the next time you’re in the mood for something different.
The sauce for these Buffalo chicken bird dogs is what makes them truly special. The spicy buffalo flavor contrasted with the creamy components of the coleslaw and ranch dressing creates an exciting play of flavors. It’s this harmonious balance that makes these bird dogs a fun take on a traditional chicken sandwich. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll not only enjoy assembling them, but you’ll also relish every bite of these culinary delights!
What sides go with Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs?
Brown Butter Lobster Ravioli Sauce
Whipped Ricotta Dip With Lemon
INGREDIENTS
I’m excited to share how you can make Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs with a few simple ingredients.
- 🐔 Start by taking 8 chicken tenders and coat them with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- 🌿 Sprinkle them generously with your favorite chicken rub or seasoning and then add a tablespoon of cornstarch to get that perfect crunch.
- 🔥 Next, cook the tenders until they’re crispy and golden.
- 🍲 While the tenders are cooking, get 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce ready and mix in 2 tablespoons of ranch to give it a creamy, tangy kick.
- 🥄 Once the tenders are done, toss them in the buffalo-ranch mixture.
- 🌭 Now, take a package of hotdog buns and fill each with the buffalo chicken tenders.
- 🧀 Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and add some sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
- 🌟 If you like, you can also add an optional garnish to make it extra special.
- enjoy
Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs
Experience a new way to enjoy a chicken sandwich with these Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs! They blend flavorful tenders, spicy sauce, and creamy coleslaw in a hot dog bun for a unique and delicious meal. 🌟
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Tenders: In a deep bowl, combine cornstarch with a bit of seasoned flour. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders, then rub the oil in to coat evenly. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Mix the cornstarch and flour mixture, then add the tenders, tossing them to ensure they are well coated. 🍗
- Grill the Chicken: Set your grill to high heat. Place the tenders on the grill, flipping once, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°. 🌡️
- Toast the Buns: While the chicken cooks, toast your hot dog buns on the grill.
- Assemble the Bird Dogs: For the assembly, place a spoonful of coleslaw at the bottom of each hotdog, or hot dog, bun. Next, add the grilled tenders, a generous drizzle of buffalo sauce, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Melt the cheese under a grill broiler, then finish with ranch dressing and chopped green onions. 🧀🍔
Enjoy these inventive bird dogs, a fun twist on a classic sandwich. ✨
FAQS
How to make a bird dog?
Thinking about cooking “Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs” brings a mouthwatering expectation. Picture this: first, you need to put a baking sheet under the broiler. Spread around half a tablespoon of mayonnaise on each bun. Meanwhile, broil until the cheese melts, which takes around 1 to 2 minutes. Next, snugly place a chicken tender inside each bun, then drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey mustard on top. The extra punch of flavor comes from sprinkling chives on top. Don’t forget to add a slice of crispy bacon in the bun. Your preparation will involve 2 tablespoons of cheese, each bun and one tender per bun. This combination ensures a savory, delicious experience that would please any crowd.
What is a bird dog in South Carolina?
When thinking about “Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs,” it’s impossible not to mention a South Carolina bird dog, which is a regional favorite. This delicious sandwich features a crispy chicken tender stuffed in a bun, topped with flavorful bacon and melted cheese. What’s truly unique is the drizzled mustard-honey sauce, which is akin to the state’s iconic Carolina Gold barbecue sauce. Each bite captures the essence of Southern comfort food, making it an irresistible choice for any meal.