You know those days, right? You’re scrolling through pictures, and suddenly BAM! You get this overwhelming craving for that specific, sweet, crunchy chicken salad sandwich you used to grab on your lunch break. It’s just… nostalgic. But driving out? Ugh, no thanks! I totally get it, which is why I spent ages nailing the flavor profile of the classic Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich right here in my own kitchen. Trust me, once you taste how spot-on this is—the sweetness, that perfect sharpness from the onion—you won’t bother with the drive-thru again. It’s fast, it’s fresh, and honestly, it’s way better because I know exactly what’s in it. We’re talking fifteen minutes from fridge to mouth, people!

Why You Will Love This Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich Copycat

Honestly, homemade is always better, and this copycat recipe proves that point perfectly. Why go through the trouble of driving somewhere when you can whip up something this good while the coffee is still brewing?

It’s lightning fast! Total prep time is under 15 minutes, making it the ultimate emergency lunch maker.
We’ve nailed the sweetness-to-pickle ratio that makes the original so addictive. It’s spot-on, I promise!
You control the ingredients, meaning you can load up on fresh celery for that necessary crunch.
Since we aren’t using tons of fillers, the chicken flavor really shines through. You get more real food for your effort.
It’s perfect for making ahead! Mix up a big batch and have lunches ready for days.
You can easily swap out the relish if you prefer a tangier flavor—Dill pickles work wonders here, too.

If you need another super-fast, lunch-changing salad recipe, you should absolutely check out my recipe for avocado tuna salad next!

Ingredients for the Perfect Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich

This recipe is so simple, which is part of the magic! You don’t need a pantry full of specialty items to get that familiar, comforting taste. Everything goes into one bowl! Here’s what you absolutely need to gather before you start mixing. Remember, the quality of your mayo makes a huge difference here; don’t skimp if you want that creamy texture that defines this chicken salad.

For the absolute best mouthfeel in your Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich, please use a good, full-fat mayonnaise. A lighter, watery mayo just won’t hold things together right or give you that richness we are aiming for.

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (Make sure it’s cooled down, warm chicken makes soupy salad!)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (The good stuff, remember!)
1/4 cup finely chopped celery (This is non-negotiable for the crunch!)
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (This provides that signature sweetness.)
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion (Just a little bit keeps it from overpowering the chicken.)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (For a little kick to cut through the richness.)
1/2 teaspoon salt (Or to taste—start small!)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly ground always tastes best.)
4 slices white bread (The classic choice for this style of sandwich.)
Lettuce leaves (Crisp romaine or iceberg keeps it authentic.)

If you’re looking to make a whole spread of amazing salads, I have another fantastic recipe featuring dried cherries and walnuts that you might adore. You can check out my Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad for another quick lunch idea!

Expert Tips for Making the Best Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich

Getting that deli-style perfection right at home isn’t just about throwing things in a bowl, even though this recipe is pretty straightforward. A couple of tiny tweaks really push this Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich from ‘good’ to ‘wait, did I just buy this?’ Trust me, these tips make all the difference when you are trying to recreate a favorite chain flavor.

If you’re running short on time, definitely lean on the rotisserie chicken trick mentioned in the notes. It saves so much time, but make sure you pull the meat when it’s warm—it shreds easier then. Then, let that cooked chicken cool completely; otherwise, it melts the mayo right away and you end up with oily soup instead of thick salad!

We want that signature texture, so don’t forget to pair this with some other great recipe ideas, like my Cranberry Chicken Salad if you’re feeling fruity!

Achieving the Right Chicken Texture for Your Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich

This is crucial, so listen up! You want the chicken finely shredded, but not puréed into oblivion. If you use a food processor, use the pulse button maybe three times max—just enough to break down the big chunks. Over-processing turns it into paste, and that’s not what Arby’s does. We need tiny shreds that bind nicely with the mayonnaise and relish. Fine shredding is what gives you that classic mouthfeel where you get a little bit of everything in every single bite.

The Importance of Chilling Your Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich Mixture

Seriously, do not skip this step, especially with copycat recipes. When you mix the salad, the flavors are all shouting at each other—the onion, the sweet relish, the mustard. You have to give them time to calm down and blend! I insist that you chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes. Even better? Cover it and stick it in the fridge overnight! When you taste it cold the next day, you’ll understand why I’m so firm on this. That resting period allows the pickle juice and spices to fully permeate the chicken, making the whole sandwich taste much more authentic and developed.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Assemble Your Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich

Alright, the mingling is done, the chicken salad has had its nap in the fridge—now for the fun part! This is where we turn that amazing mixture into the specific sandwich experience we are aiming for. Remember, we need that crisp lettuce barrier between the wet salad and the bread, or things get soggy fast!

First things first: grab your bowl of chilled chicken salad. You’ll want to give it one last quick stir before you start plating up. Now, take your four slices of white bread. Lay two slices side-by-side on your cutting board. If you want to toast the bread super lightly, go ahead, though the original sandwich usually isn’t toasted, so standard soft white bread is the way to go.

Next, layer your lettuce. Take a few good leaves—we want coverage! Place the lettuce neatly on top of each of the bottom two slices. This acts like a little moisture shield! Then, grab a spoon and divide that beautiful, creamy mixture evenly between the two lettuce-topped slices. Don’t be shy, but don’t pile it so high it won’t hold together.

Top each one with the remaining slice of bread. Press down gently—just enough so it sticks together! If you’re making this ahead of time, wait on the bread and lettuce until you’re ready to eat. If you feel like you need another great salad recipe for serving alongside, check out my Apples and Cheddar Chicken Salad. Slice them diagonally, because triangles taste better, and enjoy immediately!

Customizing Your Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich: Variations

Look, I love keeping things classic, but sometimes you need to switch things up, right? This base recipe for the Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich is so solid that it handles a few easy tweaks like a champ, and it still tastes like the favorite you know and love. We aren’t talking about turning it into a whole new recipe; we are just adding a little personality!

The biggest change most people make is messing with the relish. If you want something with more of a zing that cuts through the mayo a bit, swap out that sweet pickle relish for chopped dill pickles. You might need to add a tiny pinch of sugar back in if you do that, but it gives the salad a completely different, slightly sharper edge. Also, if you happen to have some leftover walnuts or pecans, toasting a small handful and folding them in adds a fantastic texture boost. Just don’t overdo it—we don’t want this to become a nut salad!

Speaking of adding texture, if you want to explore other flavor profiles that stick pretty close to this deli style, you should take a peek at my Chicken and Avocado Salad recipe. It’s a bit creamier but still super satisfying for a quick lunch.

Bread and Lettuce Swaps for the Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich

The pure nostalgia of this sandwich definitely lives on soft, plain white bread, but let’s be real, sometimes we want a little more chew or structure. If you aren’t using the classic slices, I highly recommend going for a soft, buttery croissant. It elevates the whole experience, turning a quick lunch into something approaching fancy brunch!

If you want to go heartier, a decent quality whole wheat bread works well, especially if you toast it ever so slightly just before spreading. Toasting gives the bread enough spine to hold up to that creamy chicken salad mixture without getting instantly soggy. For the lettuce, forget the sad, wilted iceberg. I’ve found that crisp, cold Romaine hearts or even green leaf lettuce makes a huge difference. They give you that audible, satisfying CRUNCH when you bite in, which is key to making any good sandwich memorable.

Storage and Make-Ahead for Your Chicken Salad Mixture

One of the best things about making a great batch of chicken salad is that you don’t have to eat it all right away! Having this mixture tucked away in the fridge is like having a ready-made lunch solution for those crazy weeknights. It’s so easy to pull out a scoop and assemble a quick sandwich when you have zero energy to cook.

When storing, you absolutely MUST keep the salad separate from the bread and lettuce. Bread goes stale or gummy when refrigerated, and lettuce wilts in five minutes flat when touching mayo. Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the coldest part of your fridge. Because we are using mayonnaise, which contains eggs, I wouldn’t push it past four days, although honestly, mine never lasts that long!

Now, about freezing… I usually advise against it for mayo-based salads. When you thaw mayonnaise, it tends to separate and can get watery or oily, which ruins that beautiful, creamy texture we worked so hard to achieve. It’s much better to stick to making a big batch and eating it within a few days. That way, every single Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich you make has that fresh, perfect consistency!

Serving Suggestions for Your Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich Lunch

So, you’ve got the perfect, nostalgic Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich ready to go. Hooray! But lunch isn’t just about the main event, is it? You need something on the side to make it feel like a complete, satisfying meal—not just a snack grabbed in a rush. Since this sandwich is rich, creamy, and a little sweet, we need sides that offer contrast, whether that’s salty, tangy, or just light and fresh.

First up, you can never go wrong with classic, salty crunch. A bag of plain, thick-cut potato chips is always the first thing I reach for. They provide that loud crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread and creamy filling. Don’t complicate this one; the salty oiliness perfectly balances out the sweetness of the relish in the salad.

If you’re looking for something a little heartier, especially if you’re having this on a colder day or just want more substance, serve it alongside a small bowl of creamy, smooth tomato soup. The slight acidity of the tomato cuts through the fat from the mayonnaise beautifully. It’s like dipping fries in a milkshake, but for grown-ups—it just works!

Now, if you want to keep things slightly lighter but still packed with flavor—and this is my absolute favorite way to pair it—you have to make a batch of really amazing potato salad! I know, potato salad with chicken salad seems like carb overload, but stick with me. My recipe for Ultimate Delicious Potato Salad has just the right amount of tang and seasoning to complement the sandwich without competing with it. Just serve the sandwich cut in half alongside a scoop of the chilled salad, and you’ve got a truly unbeatable lunch spread ready to go!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

I know you’re getting ready to mix up a batch of this amazing deli-style chicken salad, but sometimes questions pop up when you’re in the middle of cooking! Honestly, I think I’ve answered every single thing I’ve ever been asked about making this at home over the years. Here are the ones I get most often about perfecting this Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich clone.

Can I use canned chicken instead of shredded chicken for this Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich?

Technically, yes, you absolutely *can* use canned chicken, especially if you’re in a total rush! But I have to give you a heads-up: the texture won’t be quite the same as using freshly cooked and shredded chicken breast. Canned chicken tends to be a bit more uniformly mushy. If you use it, make sure you drain every last bit of liquid from the can first—we don’t want a watery base! If the mixture seems too loose after adding the mayo, just add an extra tablespoon of celery or maybe another half tablespoon of mayo to thicken it back up. It’ll still taste great, just maybe slightly less like the restaurant version.

How do I adjust the sweetness in this Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich copycat?

That sweet pickle relish is the secret sauce, so it provides most of the sweetness we need! If you find that your relish brand is not as sweet as the one I prefer, or if you just like things a little sweeter than average—and hey, no judgment here!—you can easily boost it up.

Try adding half a teaspoon of granulated white sugar when you add the salt and pepper, and mix it in well. Taste it after the sugar dissolves a bit. Another trick I sometimes use when I feel like the flavor needs rounding out is adding a tiny splash—I mean literally just a few drops—of honey instead of sugar. Honey gives a more complex sweetness that just sings with the Dijon mustard. If you are ever looking for other creamy, sweet lunch options, be sure to check out my Tuna Salad with Avocado recipe!

Is this Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe low-carb friendly?

Well, as it’s written with white bread and sweet relish, it’s definitely not our lowest-carb option! However, the actual chicken salad mixture itself is naturally low in carbs. If you need to keep the carbs down for dietary reasons, skip the white bread entirely! You can serve the salad mixture right over a big bed of crisp lettuce (like we do in the instructions), or scoop it into lettuce wraps. It makes a fantastic, protein-packed meal that way. You get all the great flavor without the bread.

Nutritional Snapshot of the Homemade Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich

Since we are making everything from scratch using pretty standard measurements, I wanted to give you a quick rundown of what you can expect from this Arbys Chicken Salad Sandwich. Now, you know how it is with homemade stuff—this is just an estimate! The exact numbers depend on the fat content of your mayo and how much chicken you pile on!

But generally speaking, this salad packs a serious protein punch, which is exactly what I like in a lunch that needs to keep me going through the afternoon slump. Having these numbers on hand is helpful if you’re watching certain macros—plus, it just feels good knowing exactly what you’re eating for once!

Here is a general idea based on the standard recipe serving two people:

Serving Size: 1 sandwich (open-faced style, meat/lettuce/bread)
Calories: Approximately 450 per sandwich
Protein: Around 35g (Hello, muscle fuel!)
Fat: Roughly 25g (Remember, this is mostly from that delicious, creamy mayo)
Carbohydrates: About 30g (Mostly coming from the white bread)
Sugar: Low, usually around 8g (Almost all from the sweet pickle relish, naturally)

Keep in mind that if you swap that white bread for lettuce wraps, or if you use less mayo, those numbers will drop significantly, especially on the fat and carb counts. Enjoy knowing you made the best version of this classic right in your own kitchen!

Arby’s Style Chicken Salad Sandwich

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A recipe for a chicken salad sandwich similar to the one served at Arby’s.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices white bread
Lettuce leaves

Instructions

Combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, sweet pickle relish, red onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.
Place lettuce leaves on two slices of bread.
Spoon half of the chicken salad mixture onto the lettuce on each of the two bread slices.
Top with the remaining slices of bread.
Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For a different flavor, substitute sweet pickle relish with chopped dill pickles.
Chill the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before assembling the sandwiches for better flavor.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Lunch
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 650
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 4
Unsaturated Fat: 21
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35
Cholesterol: 100

Keywords: Arbys, chicken salad, sandwich, deli style, quick lunch