Oh, you guys! If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years in the kitchen, it’s that some flavors just stick with you. And for me, the creamy, slightly sweet, perfectly seasoned Arby’s Chicken Salad is one of those unforgettable tastes. I remember road trips as a kid, my parents letting us stop at Arby’s, and me *always* ordering that chicken salad sandwich. It wasn’t just the chicken salad; it was the soft, slightly sweet bun it came on. It was pure comfort food back then, and honestly, it still is! I’ve spent *ages* trying to recreate that magic at home, and I’m thrilled to say I’ve finally nailed it. This isn’t just any chicken salad; it’s the one that tastes exactly like you’re biting into that classic Arby’s sandwich, but even better because you made it yourself with love. It’s surprisingly simple, incredibly satisfying, and a total lifesaver when you need a quick, delicious lunch or dinner. Forget those bland, boring chicken salads you might have tried to make; this one has *that* flavor, the one that instantly transports you. If you, like me, have a soft spot for that iconic Arby’s chicken salad, get ready, because your search is officially over!
What is Arby’s Chicken Salad?
So, what exactly *is* this legendary Arby’s Chicken Salad that has folks like me hooked? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food sandwich filling. It’s essentially finely shredded chicken, mixed with a creamy, slightly tangy dressing that has a hint of sweetness. It’s not overly complicated, but the balance of flavors is just *chef’s kiss*. The texture is key – it’s not chunky or watery; it’s smooth, luscious, and coats every bit of chicken perfectly. It’s the kind of chicken salad that you can eat by the spoonful (don’t tell anyone, but I’ve definitely done that!) or piled high on your favorite bread. The magic lies in the simplicity and the specific blend of ingredients that Arby’s has perfected over the years. It’s the opposite of fussy; it’s straightforward, satisfying, and tastes like a classic for a reason. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of simple pleasures and good times, all wrapped up in a delightful, creamy package.
How to Make Arby’s Chicken Salad
Quick Overview
Making this Arby’s chicken salad copycat is wonderfully straightforward. You’ll basically cook your chicken (or use rotisserie!), shred it finely, and then toss it with a simple, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, a touch of sweet relish, a hint of onion, and a secret ingredient or two that really elevates the flavor. It’s about getting that perfect, smooth consistency and that signature slightly sweet, savory balance. The beauty of this recipe is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 cups cooked chicken, finely shredded (about 2-3 Chicken Breasts, or use rotisserie chicken for ultimate ease!) – I always opt for rotisserie when I’m in a real time crunch; it has great flavor and is already cooked. If you’re boiling or poaching your chicken breasts, make sure they’re fully cooked through. You want them tender so they shred easily.
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise – Use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise. It makes all the difference in creaminess and flavor. Don’t skimp here! I sometimes use a mix of mayo and sour cream for a little extra tang, but for the classic Arby’s taste, plain mayo is best.
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish – This is crucial for that signature sweetness and slight crunch. Make sure it’s the sweet kind, not dill!
1 tablespoon finely minced yellow onion – You want it super fine so it blends in. If you’re not a fan of raw onion chunks, you can even grate it or omit it, but it adds a lovely subtle bite.
1 teaspoon white vinegar – This little bit of acid brightens everything up and balances the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon celery seed – This is my secret weapon! It adds a subtle, unique flavor that’s hard to place but so important for the Arby’s profile. You can usually find it in the spice aisle.
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste – Start with this and add more if needed. Chicken can vary in saltiness.
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste – Just a little pinch to round out the flavors.
Optional Add-ins for Serving:
Soft, slightly sweet buns (like potato rolls) – These are non-negotiable for the authentic Arby’s experience!
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, boil or poach them until they are cooked through and tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on the size. For rotisserie chicken, just pull the meat off the bones. Once cooked and slightly cooled, you want to shred the chicken *very* finely. I like to use two forks to pull the chicken apart, then chop it a bit more with a knife to get those small, uniform pieces that Arby’s is known for. The finer you shred it, the creamier your chicken salad will be.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, finely minced yellow onion, white vinegar, celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. This is where you can really start to dial in the flavor to your preference.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Dressing
Add the finely shredded chicken to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the chicken into the dressing, making sure every piece is coated. You don’t want to mash the chicken; just gently mix until it’s evenly distributed and beautifully creamy. You should see the bright relish and onion bits dispersed throughout.
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
This is a crucial step that many people skip, but trust me on this one! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for an hour. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together. The chicken absorbs the dressing, and the taste becomes so much more cohesive and delicious. It truly makes a world of difference.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, give the chicken salad a good stir. Serve it on soft, slightly sweet buns, piled high. I love adding a crisp lettuce leaf and a slice of ripe tomato for a little freshness. If you’re going lighter, serve it in lettuce cups or with your favorite crackers. This is perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a picnic!
What to Serve It With
This Arby’s chicken salad is so wonderfully versatile, it truly shines in so many ways! For a classic, nostalgic breakfast, I love it simply piled onto a lightly toasted English muffin. The warmth of the muffin softens it just slightly, and it’s surprisingly satisfying. A cup of strong black coffee is the perfect companion. If you’re planning a weekend brunch, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it alongside some fresh fruit salad, maybe some crispy bacon, and a light, bubbly mimosa. For an elegant touch, serve it in mini croissants or in small pastry shells. It’s also fantastic as a light dessert, believe it or not! Think of it as a savory-sweet treat. I love serving it in delicate phyllo cups with a tiny sprig of dill or parsley on top. It’s unexpected but so delicious. And for those cozy, late-night snacks when you’re craving something comforting, it’s unbeatable. I’ll just grab a handful of pretzels or some celery sticks and dig in. My kids are obsessed with it served in little slider buns – they’re perfect for little hands and make it feel like a treat. I’ve even mixed it into a cold pasta salad with some peas and chopped celery for a light summer meal. The options are truly endless!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Arby’s Chicken Salad
I’ve made this Arby’s chicken salad copycat more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really make it shine. First, regarding the chicken prep, the key is getting it *really* finely shredded. I know I mentioned it, but I can’t stress it enough! If you want that smooth, almost spreadable texture like the original, take the extra few minutes to shred it with forks and then give it a quick chop with your knife. This ensures no one bite is too overwhelming with chicken. For mixing advice, be gentle! You don’t want to turn your beautifully shredded chicken into mush. Use a spatula or a folding motion to combine the chicken and dressing. Overmixing can sometimes make it gummy, which is the last thing we want. You want to see distinct, yet well-coated, pieces of chicken. When it comes to swirl customization, while this recipe aims for the classic Arby’s flavor, feel free to get creative with the *dressing*! If you find you prefer a little more tang, add a tiny splash more vinegar. If you’re like me and love that celery seed flavor, don’t be afraid to add a little extra pinch. However, for the true Arby’s taste, stick closely to the recipe. For ingredient swaps, while this recipe is designed to mimic the original, if you *really* can’t find celery seed, a tiny pinch of ground celery or even a very small amount of mustard powder can add a subtle complexity, but it won’t be exactly the same. I’ve never experimented with sugar substitutes here, as the sweetness from the relish is pretty specific, but if you’re watching sugar, you might try a sugar-free relish and see how that goes – just know the flavor profile will change. For baking tips, this isn’t a baked recipe, but when I serve it on buns, I like to lightly toast the inside of the buns under the broiler for just a minute or two until golden brown. This adds a lovely texture contrast and prevents the bun from getting soggy. And for glaze variations, well, this recipe doesn’t use a glaze, but if you were thinking of serving it in a different context and wanted a topping, a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a sprinkle of paprika could be nice garnishes! The true magic here is in the chicken salad itself.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Arby’s chicken salad is fantastic for making ahead, which is why it’s such a go-to for me. If you’re planning to enjoy it within a day or two, you can safely store it at room temperature for about an hour while you’re preparing other things or serving it for a picnic, but it’s always best to refrigerate it promptly. For refrigerator storage, I always transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Glass containers are my favorite because they don’t absorb odors. It will stay wonderfully fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually tend to meld and improve over the first day, so it might even taste better on day two! I’ve never actually frozen this chicken salad because it’s so good fresh and doesn’t last long enough in my house to warrant it, but if you needed to, I’d recommend freezing it *without* the buns, of course. Wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It should be good in the freezer for about 1-2 months. When you’re ready to thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. You might notice it’s a little more watery after thawing, so you may want to stir in a tablespoon or two of fresh mayonnaise to revive its creamy texture. For glaze timing advice, since this recipe doesn’t involve a glaze, there’s no specific timing for that! However, if you were serving it as part of a larger dish that *did* have a glaze, I’d always add the glaze just before serving to keep it looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite Arby’s chicken salad copycat recipe! I truly hope you give this one a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little taste of nostalgia, a shortcut to a delicious and satisfying meal, and a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magical. The creamy texture, the subtle sweetness, that hint of celery seed… it all just comes together perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces, whether you’re a kid reliving childhood memories or an adult discovering a new favorite. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make food that tastes incredible and feels like a hug. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my classic tuna salad or my easy egg salad sandwich for more quick and comforting lunch ideas. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out, or share any fun ways you like to serve it. Happy cooking!
Arby's Chicken Salad Copycat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or finely chopped
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup celery finely diced
- 0.125 cup red onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, and diced red onion.
- Add the sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve on your favorite bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Impressed! Clear steps and so flavorful results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“New favorite here — absolutely loved. crowd-pleaser was spot on.”
“Super easy and turned out amazing! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“This sweet treat was absolutely loved — the bright really stands out. Thanks!”
“Made it tonight and wow — restaurant-level! Will definitely make Arbys chicken salad again.”
“Packed with flavor and so simple. Exactly what I wanted from Arbys chicken salad.”
