Southern Chicken Bacon Cheddar Dogs Recipe

If you’re looking to shake up your cookout routine with something irresistibly Southern and outrageously delicious, Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dogs are here to steal the show (and maybe your heart!). Imagine juicy chicken tenders and crispy bacon tucked into warm buns, showered with melting cheddar and a generous swirl of honey mustard—each bite is pure comfort and Southern charm.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dogs such a slam dunk? The short-and-sweet list of ingredients, each pulling its weight for flavor, texture, or that pop of inviting color. Gather these Southern staples, and you’ll have a handheld treat no one can resist.

• Chicken Tenders (ready-to-eat): Go for crispy fried or grilled tenders—they add that irresistibly juicy, hearty bite that sets this apart from your average dog.
• Thick-Cut Bacon (cooked crisp): Smoky, crunchy bacon brings salty depth and classic Southern comfort to every mouthful.
• Soft Hot Dog Buns: Choose buttery, fresh buns to do justice to those rich fillings and keep everything deliciously held together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully over warm chicken and bacon, delivering creamy, tangy flavor pockets.
• Honey Mustard Dip: A sweet, tangy drizzle ties everything together and sings with Southern flair—use your favorite store-bought brand or go homemade if you have time!

Variations

One of the best things about Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dogs is their adaptability—it’s so easy (and fun) to riff on the original, tailoring flavors, spice, or even dietary details to suit your crew’s preferences.

• Spicy Kick: Add a few pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard for a lively Southern heat!
• Barbecue Twist: Swap the honey mustard for a sweet-and-smoky barbecue sauce, or use half-and-half for the best of both worlds.
• Gluten-Free: Choose your favorite gluten-free buns, or carefully wrap everything in a crisp lettuce leaf for a low-carb option.
• Extra Southern Crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or crushed kettle chips for fun texture and a playful take on traditional toppings.

How to Make Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dogs

Step 1: Warm the Buns

Start by gently warming your hot dog buns. A quick pass in a low oven or on a warm skillet for just a minute or two yields pillowy-soft, slightly toasted buns that hold up to all those hearty fillings without falling apart.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Bacon

If your tenders and bacon are coming straight from the fridge, pop them in a skillet or microwave just long enough to heat through—no one can resist a bite when the chicken’s hot, the bacon’s crisp, and the cheese melts beautifully on top!

Step 3: Assemble the Dogs

Lay a chicken tender inside each warmed bun, then nestle a slice of crisp bacon alongside. Tuck in a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese right on top—the heat from the chicken and bacon will begin melting it instantly.

Step 4: Finish with Honey Mustard

Give your Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dogs their signature crown: drizzle with plenty of honey mustard dip. This sweet and tangy finish pulls the whole bite together and captures the very spirit of Southern comfort food!

How to Serve Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dogs

Garnishes

Add a flurry of sliced green onions or a handful of finely chopped chives for a fresh bite, or go classic with sweet bread-and-butter pickles. Even a sprinkle of extra cheddar or crushed kettle chips on top can make these Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dogs pop visually and flavor-wise!

Side Dishes

Pair your hot dogs with Southern favorites: creamy coleslaw, tangy baked beans, crispy shoestring fries, or a cool potato salad make the perfect plate alongside these savory dogs. They’re especially fun with a tall glass of sweet tea or homemade lemonade.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a DIY Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dog bar for parties, with various sauces and toppings in colorful ramekins. Or slice the finished dogs into thirds and secure with picks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter—everyone gets a taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover assembled hot dogs, wrap them individually in foil and place in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the bread is best enjoyed sooner for that perfect, fluffy texture.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dogs fresh, you can freeze extra cooked chicken tenders and bacon separately. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat, then quickly assemble with fresh buns and toppings for speedy homemade “dogs” anytime!

Reheating

To revive assembled hot dogs, warm them gently wrapped in foil in a 325°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Add a fresh drizzle of honey mustard and extra cheese before serving for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you crave real Southern flavor with a playful twist, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into these Southern Style Chicken Bacon Hot Dogs. They’re easy, utterly satisfying, and guaranteed to make your next cookout or weeknight lunch extra special—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this new classic. Enjoy, y’all!

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