Recreate Copycat Arby’s Chicken Salad at home! Juicy chicken, crisp apples, grapes, celery, and pecans in creamy mayo—perfect for sandwiches!
Ever had a fast-food favorite that just vanished from the menu without warning? Yeah, that was me with Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich. One day, I was happily devouring that creamy, crunchy, sweet-but-savory masterpiece, and the next—it was nowhere to be found.
Devastating, right?
So, instead of waiting for them to bring it back (which they do sometimes, but only seasonally), I decided to take matters into my own hands. And honestly? This homemade version is even better. It’s fresher, lighter, and you can make it whenever you want—no seasonal menu drama involved.
Let’s get to it!
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Arby’s Chicken Salad Recipe?
This isn’t just any chicken salad. If you’ve had the Arby’s version before, you know what makes it special. If you haven’t? Let me introduce you to your new favorite lunch:
- The perfect texture combo – Creamy mayo, crunchy celery and pecans, juicy grapes and apples, and tender chicken. Every bite is chef’s kiss.
- The balance of flavors – The sweetness of the fruit pairs so well with the slight saltiness of the chicken and nuts.
- Takes just 10 minutes – Seriously, it’s ridiculously easy to make.
- Great for meal prep – It keeps well in the fridge, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks.
- Customizable to your taste – Want it lighter? Swap mayo for Greek yogurt. Prefer almonds to pecans? Go for it!
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is super simple, but every ingredient has a role to play.
The Main Ingredients
- Chicken – I use cooked, cubed chicken breast, but rotisserie chicken works great too.
- Mayonnaise – Gives it that classic creamy texture. Want a lighter option? Try half mayo, half Greek yogurt.
- Celery – Adds a nice crunch that breaks up the creaminess.
- Pecans – For that signature nutty bite. Toasting them? Even better.
- Apples – Arby’s uses Red Delicious, but I say go for Honeycrisp or Gala for extra crunch.
- Grapes – The secret ingredient that makes this so good. Use red, seedless grapes for best results.
To Serve
- Honey wheat bread – The perfect soft-yet-sturdy sandwich bread.
- Lettuce leaves – Optional, but they add freshness and a little extra crunch.
How To Make Copycat Arby’s Chicken Salad?
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the chicken, apples, celery, grapes, and pecans into small, even pieces. You want every bite to have a little of everything!
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Want To Save This Recipe?
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, pecans, apples, and grapes. Add the mayonnaise and mix until everything is well coated. Give it a taste. Want more mayo? Add a little extra. Feel like it needs more crunch? Toss in more celery.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Lay a lettuce leaf on a slice of honey wheat bread, then pile on the chicken salad. Add the second slice of bread, press gently, and boom—you’ve just made a perfect Copycat Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Slice in half, serve with some chips or a pickle, and dig in.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended—the mayo and fruit won’t hold up well when thawed.
- Make-Ahead Tip: If prepping in advance, add the apples and pecans just before serving so they stay fresh and crunchy.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to tweak it? Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:
- Healthier Version – Swap out half the mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado mayo.
- Nut-Free Alternative – Leave out the pecans or use sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Different Bread Options – Try serving it on croissants, wraps, or even over a bed of greens.
- Add Some Spice – A pinch of curry powder gives it a fun twist.
What to Serve with Copycat Arby’s Chicken Salad?
Looking for the perfect side dish? Here are some ideas:
- Potato chips – Because why mess with a classic?
- Pickles – That tangy crunch balances out the creamy chicken salad.
- Fruit salad – Light, fresh, and pairs perfectly.
- Sweet potato fries – Sounds odd, but trust me—it works.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Just chop it into bite-sized pieces.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them in. Keeps them fresh and bright.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep! Just use dairy-free mayo or even mashed avocado.
This Copycat Arby’s Chicken Salad is everything you loved about the original sandwich—but even fresher and better because you made it yourself! It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for meal prep.
So, what do you think? Are you team classic Arby’s chicken salad, or do you have your own fun twist? Let me know in the comments!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Copycat Arby’s Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
- 8 ounces cooked chicken breast cubed
- 8 ounces mayonnaise
- 2 ounces celery finely chopped
- 2 ounces pecans chopped
- 4 ounces red apples chopped (preferably Red Delicious or Honeycrisp)
- 4 ounces red seedless grapes chopped
For Serving
- 4-8 slices honey wheat bread or bread of choice
- 2-4 lettuce leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Begin by finely chopping the cooked chicken, celery, pecans, apples, and grapes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that every bite contains an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, celery, pecans, apples, and grapes. Pour in the mayonnaise and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated. If necessary, adjust the consistency by adding more mayonnaise to achieve the desired creaminess.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Lay a lettuce leaf on one slice of honey wheat bread, then spoon a generous portion of the chicken salad mixture onto the lettuce. Top with another slice of bread and gently press down to hold the sandwich together.
Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately. This chicken salad can also be served on a croissant, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Bread: Use gluten-free bread, wraps, or lettuce cups.
- Mayonnaise: Ensure the brand used is certified gluten-free.
- Pecans: While naturally gluten-free, check for cross-contamination if using pre-packaged nuts.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
