Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich Hillstone Copycat
Make your own version of the iconic Hillstone ‘Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich’ with this simple, flavorful recipe.
Ryan Nordheimer•
October 27, 2025
Make your own version of the iconic Hillstone ‘Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich’ with this simple, flavorful recipe featuring perfectly crispy fried chicken and tangy toppings.
Recreate the famous Hillstone “Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich” at home with this easy-to-follow, delicious copycat recipe. This iconic sandwich is known for its perfectly fried, golden-brown chicken breast that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Paired with tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and a flavorful mayo spread, this sandwich brings together a satisfying crunch with juicy, seasoned chicken, making it a must-try for sandwich lovers. Whether you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal or looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this copycat recipe delivers all the flavor and texture of the original.
This copycat version of Hillstone’s “Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich” captures the essence of the original, with a few key techniques that make it stand out. The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken stays juicy, while the combination of flour and cornstarch in the coating delivers an ultra-crispy crust that holds up even after frying. The blend of garlic powder and paprika adds a depth of flavor, and the homemade honey mustard mayo perfectly complements the savory chicken with just the right touch of sweetness.
Hillstone Chicken Sandwich is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, planning a game day spread, or simply craving comfort food, this crispy chicken sandwich will satisfy. Its irresistible crunch and juicy interior make it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s customizable—swap out the toppings for your favorites like spicy jalapeños or swap in a brioche bun for extra richness.
Trending Ingredients and Customization
Crispy fried chicken sandwiches are trending across the culinary world, thanks to their balance of flavors and textures. With the rise in popularity of homemade comfort foods and fried chicken sandwiches, this recipe taps into key food trends, offering a satisfying, restaurant-style meal that’s easy to recreate at home. You can also customize the recipe by adding your own twist—try a spicy mayo for a kick, or serve it with coleslaw for a southern-inspired version.
My Hillstone “Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich” Copycat recipe delivers all the crave-worthy elements of the original, from the perfectly fried, juicy chicken to the fresh, tangy toppings. This sandwich offers an irresistible combination of crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or introducing something new to your family dinner rotation, this crispy chicken sandwich is sure to become a household favorite.
Hey! My name is Ryan Nordheimer. Welcome to my cooking and baking site. I’m a 25-year old home cook living in the East Village in New York City. Hopefully you enjoy my food through my own, tried-and-true recipes.
Ingredients (22)
Ingredients (22)
Chicken Marinade
Kale Slaw
Frying
Assembly
Instructions
Marinating
Place one chicken breast (4) in a plastic bag. Using a mallet or heavy object, flatten chicken breast to about 1/4-inch thick.
Transfer to a cutting board and cut in half. Repeat with the other chicken breasts.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (2 cups), hot sauce (2 Tbsp), and kosher salt (2 Tbsp).
Add the chicken pieces. Cover and allow to marinate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
Kale Slaw
In a large bowl, whisk together the neutral oil (¼ cup), apple cider vinegar (¼ cup), soy sauce (2 Tbsp), honey (1 Tbsp), toasted sesame oil (1 tsp), and chili flakes (½ tsp).
Add the kale (5 oz), celery (4 stalks), roasted peanuts (¼ cup), and parmesan cheese (¼ cup). Using tongs or hands, mix thoroughly, enough to break down the kale somewhat. Taste for seasoning.
Cooking & Assembly
Add flour (2 cups), kosher salt (1 Tbsp), garlic powder (2 tsp), and paprika (2 tsp) to a plate and stir to mix. Take a few tbsp of marinade and drizzle into the dry mixture to create lumps.
Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour well.
In a large pan, add enough neutral oil to come up about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat to 375 °F.
Add the chicken, working in batches to not overcrowd the pan. Continue to cook, maintaining a temperature around 350°F, until the bottom side is golden brown. Flip and continue to cook until both sides are golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack.
Place a chicken piece on the bottom of each bun (8). Pile on as much kale slaw as you can fit on top, followed by 2 slices of Swiss (8 slices), 1 slice of tomato (2), and the top bun. Affix with a toothpick.
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