Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe: My Copycat Version

Updated: July 2026 |

The day I found out Arby’s pulled the Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich from my local menu, I stood at the counter asking the cashier like it was going to change anything. It didn’t, so I went home and figured out this copycat Arby’s chicken salad sandwich recipe instead.

If you have ever craved that sweet, crunchy, creamy combination and come up empty at the drive-thru during off-seasons, this copycat recipe gets you there without waiting on Arby’s annual summer return.

Why Make This Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe at Home?

Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad is a seasonal item that typically returns during the summer months and disappears for the fall and winter. Making your own version means you are never stuck waiting for menu rotations.

It is also genuinely simple. There is no complex cooking involved beyond preparing the chicken, so this comes together faster than most lunch sandwich recipes you will find.

What’s In Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich?

Based on the official menu ingredients and years of ordering it myself, the classic combination comes down to a handful of core components that all play a specific role:

• Cooked, Diced Chicken Breast: The tender protein base.
• Red Seedless Grapes: Cut in half for bursts of juicy sweetness.
• Diced Celery: Provides essential crisp crunch.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds nutty depth and texture contrast.
• Diced Red Apple: Tossed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Arby’s uses crisp red apples, though Honeycrisp or Gala work wonderfully.
• Mayonnaise: The classic creamy binder.
• Honey Wheat Bread & Green Leaf Lettuce: The signature soft-yet-sturdy vehicle.

Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 mins❄️ Chill Time: 1 hr🥪 Yield: 4 Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 red apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), diced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 slices honey wheat bread
• 4 leaf lettuce leaves

Instructions

1. Prevent Browning: Toss the diced apple with lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine Produce & Protein: Add the chicken, halved grapes, celery, and pecans to the bowl and mix well.
3. Add Dressing: Stir in the mayonnaise until evenly coated. Add an extra tablespoon if you prefer a creamier texture.
4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors meld together.
6. Assemble: Place lettuce leaves and about 1 cup of chicken salad between two slices of honey wheat bread and serve.

Tips for Getting the Texture Right

A few crucial details learned through trial and error that elevate this recipe:

1. Dry Your Produce Thoroughly

Pro-Tip to Avoid Watery Salad: After washing grapes and celery, pat them completely dry with paper towels before dicing. Extra surface water breaks down the mayonnaise dressing while chilling, making the salad runny instead of creamy.

2. Dice Everything to Uniform Size

When chicken, apples, and celery are roughly the same size, every bite delivers a balance of flavors rather than one giant piece of chicken and a stray grape.

3. Toast the Pecans

A quick 3-minute toast in a dry skillet over medium heat brings out rich oils in the pecans. Let them cool completely before mixing them into the cold salad.

Can You Make a Lighter Version?

Yes. Swapping half the mayonnaise for plain low-fat yogurt lightens the calorie density without losing creaminess. While not a 100% exact fast-food match, it holds up exceptionally well for healthy meal prep.

Pairing Your Homemade Lunch

To recreate a full Arby’s lunch experience at home, consider pairing your sandwich with:

• Seasoned curly fries cooked crispy in an air fryer
• A homemade Jamocha Shake or chocolate milk shake
• Our copycat Arby’s roast beef recipe if you are prepping lunch for a crowd

When the seasonal item returns to stores in summer, check Arby’s hours, Arby’s breakfast hours, and what time Arby’s serves lunch to catch it fresh at the drive-thru.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arby’s chicken salad sandwich still on the menu?

It returns annually as a seasonal summer limited-time offering (typically May through late August) across participating nationwide locations.

What kind of apples does Arby’s use in their chicken salad?

Arby’s uses crisp diced red apples (similar to Red Delicious), though Honeycrisp or Gala offer superior crunch and tartness for copycat recipes.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken breast works wonderfully and cuts prep time down significantly.

How long does homemade chicken salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

This Arby’s chicken salad sandwich recipe is ideal for quick summer lunches or advance meal prep. Give it a try, and explore the rest of therbysmenu.com for more fast-food copycats and menu guides!