After that, you add pecans for that additional crunch. Top it off with a creamy dressing, and that’s it! You’ve got yourself an out-of-this-world chicken salad. It’s perfect for lunch or even a light dinner. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll always make it, just like this mega-popular Chick-Fil-A chicken salad. And while we’re at mega-popular, you might want to check Arby’s Bronco berry sauce and Arby’s beef and cheddar sandwich!

Ingredients

• 1 cup red apple, diced

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice (or juice from 1 small lemon)

• 3 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, cubed (poached or roasted)

• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved

• 1 cup celery, chopped

• 1 cup pecans, chopped

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh lettuce leaves

• 16 slices thick-sliced honey wheat bread

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken
Dice the cooked chicken into ½-inch cubes, or shred it with two forks if you prefer a more rustic texture.

2. Mix the salad base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, apples, grapes, celery, and pecans. Gently toss to evenly distribute all ingredients.

3. Make the dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is well coated.

4. Chill (optional but recommended)
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. For the best taste, let it chill overnight.

5. Assemble the sandwiches
Lightly toast the honey wheat bread. Add a crisp lettuce leaf to the bottom slice, spoon on a generous amount of chicken salad, and top with the second slice of bread.

6. Serve and enjoy
Serve immediately, or enjoy the salad on its own, in lettuce cups, or wrapped in a tortilla for a low-carb option.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh chicken: Poached or roasted chicken breast works best for tenderness.

• Add crunch: Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts if desired.

• Balance the sweetness: Use slightly tart apples, like Granny Smith, for a more balanced flavor.

• Make it ahead: The salad can be made 1 day in advance, but assemble the sandwiches just before serving for the freshest texture.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Not recommended — the mayo and fresh fruit won’t hold up well.

Have you enjoyed this Arby’s chicken salad? Why not give that image below a whirl and smash it onto your Pinterest board? Because great food deserves a good share, right?

The Best Chicken for Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich

When making this Arby’s-inspired sandwich, it’s worth noting that the authentic recipe champions poached chicken breasts. It’s a process that ensures tenderness and taste. Personally, I’m a fan of cubing the chicken for that even distribution in every bite. But shredding is a great way to go if you’re feeling adventurous: your kitchen and culinary rules.

Poached Chicken: Poaching is like a soft bath for your chicken. It’s a serene method that provides your meat with tenderness and juiciness. And if you’re scratching your head on how to do it, you can check in this Chicken Salad recipe.

Rotisserie Chicken: It’s fast, delicious, and ready to be cubed or shredded. A sizable rotisserie chicken will give you around 4 cups, more than you’re aiming for.

Grilled Chicken: Had a BBQ chicken or oven-roast this summer? Leftovers are out of this world here. Dice ’em, shred ’em, and it’s a premium flavor key if they’ve got that crispy golden skin.

Smoked Chicken: Ever tried smoked chicken? Sure you have. It adds a lovely, woody undertone to your chicken salad, offering a unique twist.

Air-Fried Chicken: If you’re into the air fryer craze, this crispy, more beneficial option will add a comforting crunch to your salad.

Slow-Cooked Chicken: Let your chicken simmer and soak up flavors over hours. The outcome? Chicken is so tender and juicy that it virtually melts in your mouth.

Leftover Chicken: That chicken from last night’s dinner? Whether from a previous BBQ, a family dinner, or a takeout chicken, it’s primed to be the star in this salad.