Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs

Whenever I think about comfort food, Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs instantly comes to mind. Picture this: you come home after a long day, and the first whiff of warm, melted cheese fills the air as the oven does its magic. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It all started one evening when I wanted to create something new with the kids. We were all craving a fun twist on our favorite chicken parmesan, and that’s how Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs came into being. We all crowded around the kitchen, laughing and making these delicious sandwiches together. The joy on their faces as they took their first bites was priceless. The blend of crispy chicken fingers, savory spaghetti sauce, and gooey melted cheese tucked inside soft hot dog buns made it an instant hit.

What You Need for Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs

When it comes to crafting the perfect Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs, the ingredients play a crucial role. Each component complements the others beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that appeals to all ages. Here’s a breakdown of the key players that make this dish so special:

• 2 Tbsp melted garlic butter – This adds a rich flavor and enhances the overall taste of the buns.
• 8 hot dog buns – The perfect vessel for holding all the delicious fillings!
• 8 cooked breaded chicken fingers – These provide the main protein source and give the dish its hearty texture.
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce – A flavorful classic that brings moisture and tanginess.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melty and gooey, it’s a must-have for that cheesy goodness.
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds a delightful sharpness and depth of flavor.
• Fresh basil – A sprinkle of this aromatic herb brightens up the dish.

Making Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs

Let’s dive into the fun part: making Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs. This is where the magic happens! Each step is easy to follow, ensuring that you can whip these up without any hassle.

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. This step is crucial for ensuring your bird dogs bake evenly and come out perfectly crispy.
2. Heat the spaghetti sauce in the microwave for 45 seconds, or until warm. This step not only warms the sauce but also allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier.
3. Brush the inside of the hot dog buns with melted garlic butter. This adds a deliciously rich flavor and ensures the buns get that nice golden color.
4. Place the cooked chicken fingers in the hot dog buns. Feel free to chop them up if they’re too large; this helps with even distribution of the flavors.
5. Top each chicken finger with 2 Tbsp of spaghetti sauce. Make sure every bite has that delightful sauce to complement the chicken.
6. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese. Be generous with the cheese; after all, who doesn’t love a gooey, cheesy goodness?
7. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. This will add a wonderful sharpness that balances the creaminess of the mozzarella.
8. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and cook until the cheese has melted, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
9. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. This not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that elevates the dish.

Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs turn out perfectly every time!

• Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven for the best results.
• Freezing: You can assemble the sandwiches and freeze them before baking. This is great for meal prep! Just thaw and bake when you’re ready.
• Pairing: Consider serving these with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the sandwiches.
• Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the chicken fingers and cheese, to elevate the overall flavor.
• Experiment: Don’t hesitate to add your twist! Try different cheeses or sauces to create your own version of this dish.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs

When it comes time to serve your Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Side Dishes: Pair with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a delightful crunch.
• Salads: A fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the sandwiches.
• Occasions: These sandwiches are perfect for game days, casual family dinners, or even potluck gatherings.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, consider serving with a cool coleslaw to complement the warm flavors.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs are not just a dish; they’re a delightful experience that brings family and friends together. I encourage you to try making these sandwiches for your next meal. They’re easy, fun, and oh-so-delicious!

Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Parmesan Bird Dogs, combine crispy chicken fingers, gooey cheese, and savory sauce all tucked into a delicious bun. It's the perfect easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy the whole family. Make it tonight for a crowd-pleasing treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 sandwiches

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 Tbsp melted garlic butter
• 8 pieces hot dog buns
• 8 pieces cooked breaded chicken fingers
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh basil chopped

Equipment

• Rimmed Baking Sheet
• Rotary Cheese Grater
• Chef Knives
• Cutting Board
• Basting Brush

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Heat spaghetti sauce in the microwave for 45 seconds, or until warm.
3. Brush the inside of the hot dog buns with melted garlic butter.
4. Place chicken fingers in hot dog buns.
5. Top each chicken finger with 2 Tbsp spaghetti sauce.
6. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
7. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and cook until the cheese has melted, 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

• Tip 1: I baked the sandwiches for a few minutes until the cheese melted. You can also place the sandwiches under the broiler.
• Tip 2: I like to chop up the chicken meat before adding it to the buns. Sometimes the chicken strips are too big for the hot dog buns. You can leave them whole if you prefer.
• Tip 3: Can Bird Dogs be made in advance? Yes! Assemble the sandwiches and cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake the sandwiches wrapped in aluminum foil until heated through.
• Tip 4: Can Bird Dogs be frozen? Yes! Assemble the sandwiches. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and bake covered in aluminum foil until heated through.
• Tip 5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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Meet Violet Lane

The Creative Spark I see the kitchen as my art studio. I love experimenting with colors and textures, and I’m usually the one asking, “What if we added this?” I encourage the team to take risks and try new flavor combinations. I love the energy of cooking with six other people it’s chaotic, colorful, and inspiring. I’m hands-on with the cooking and styling, always trying to make our plates look as artistic as they taste.