Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred or dice the meat to the desired consistency. The slight seasoning from the rotisserie chicken can actually enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy if I'm packing it for lunch?

The key is creating barriers between the bread and moist ingredients. Pack the chicken salad separately and assemble your sandwich just before eating, or if that's not possible, place lettuce leaves on both bread slices before adding the chicken salad. This creates a moisture barrier that keeps your bread fresh for hours.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise to make this healthier?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent mayo substitute for a lighter version. Start with a 50/50 blend of yogurt and mayo, then adjust to your preference. You can also try mashed avocado mixed with a little lemon juice for a completely different but delicious dairy-free option.

Why did my chicken salad turn out watery after sitting in the refrigerator?

Excess moisture usually comes from the fruits and vegetables releasing their juices. To prevent this, make sure to pat your chicken very dry before dicing, drain grapes well after washing, and consider salting and draining your diced celery for 10 minutes before adding it to the mix.

Homemade Arby's Market Fresh Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Name: Homemade Arby's Market Fresh Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup diced red apple; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (juice of one small lemon); 2 1/2 cups grilled chicken breast, diced; 1 cup halved grapes; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise; Salt and pepper, to taste; Lettuce leaves; Thick-sliced wheat bread

This Homemade Arby’s Market Fresh Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich is a delightful recreation of the popular restaurant favorite that’s even better made in your own kitchen. It combines tender grilled chicken, crunchy pecans, crisp apples, and juicy grapes for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal solution for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for busy weekdays!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy the iconic taste of Arby’s famous chicken salad without leaving your house—and at a fraction of the cost.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet grapes, tart apples, savory chicken, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your preference—add more pecans for extra crunch or adjust the mayo for your ideal creaminess.
Meal Prep Champion: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious sandwiches all week long—the flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grilled Chicken Breast: The star protein that provides a hearty base. Using pre-grilled chicken saves time, but you can cook your own for extra flavor.
Red Apple: Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness. Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for best results.
Lemon Juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright note to balance the richness.
Grapes: Brings bursts of natural sweetness and juicy texture that elevates the whole salad.
Celery: Provides essential crunch and a subtle savory note that balances the sweeter elements.
Pecans: The defining ingredient that gives this sandwich its signature texture and nutty flavor.
Mayonnaise: Binds everything together with creamy richness. Choose real mayo for the best flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip this!
Wheat Bread: Thick-sliced hearty wheat bread stands up to the chunky filling and completes the sandwich experience.
Lettuce: Adds a fresh crispness and prevents the bread from getting soggy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

Swap the chicken for turkey, or try a vegetarian version with chickpeas for a completely different but equally delicious sandwich filling.

Fruit Swaps

Replace grapes with dried cranberries for a tangy twist, or try pears instead of apples for a softer texture with similar sweetness.

Nut Options

Walnuts or sliced almonds make excellent alternatives to pecans if you prefer or have allergies.

Creamy Base

For a lighter option, use half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise, or try avocado mayo for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Homemade Arby’s Market Fresh Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Dice the red apple into small, uniform pieces and place in a medium bowl. Immediately toss with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tangy note.

Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients

Add your diced grilled chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, and pecans to the bowl with the apples. Mix gently to distribute everything evenly.

Step 3: Add Dressing

Start with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and fold it into the mixture until everything is lightly coated. The moisture from the fruits will thin the dressing slightly as it sits.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go. The right amount of seasoning makes all the difference between a good chicken salad and a great one.

Step 5: Chill and Marry Flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour. This resting time allows all the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble Sandwiches

When ready to serve, place a generous scoop (about 1 cup) of chicken salad on a slice of thick wheat bread, top with crisp lettuce leaves, and complete with another bread slice.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast Your Bread: While Arby’s serves theirs on soft bread, lightly toasting your wheat bread adds delightful texture contrast and helps prevent sogginess.
Chicken Preparation: For the juiciest chicken, let it rest after grilling before dicing. Pat it dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in your salad.
Texture Matters: Dice all ingredients to similar sizes for the perfect bite—not too chunky, not too fine.
Toast Those Pecans: Though not in the original, toasting pecans before adding them intensifies their flavor dramatically. Just 5 minutes in a dry skillet will transform your sandwich.
Keep Everything Cold: For food safety and best texture, make sure all ingredients are well-chilled before and during preparation.

How to Serve

As a Classic Sandwich

Serve on thick-sliced wheat bread with fresh lettuce for the authentic Arby’s experience. A pickle spear on the side adds a perfect tangy complement.

In a Wrap

Roll the chicken salad in a whole wheat tortilla with extra lettuce and sliced tomatoes for a portable lunch option.

On a Croissant

For an elevated version, serve on buttery croissants for a café-style treat that’s perfect for brunch.

In Lettuce Cups

Skip the bread entirely and serve in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb, refreshing option that’s perfect for summer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The chicken salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. In fact, many people find it tastes even better on day two!

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the chicken salad up to two days in advance for parties or gatherings. Store separately from bread and assemble just before serving.

Freezing

This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing as mayonnaise can separate and the fresh fruits and vegetables will lose their crisp texture when thawed.

Meal Prep

Portion the chicken salad into individual containers and keep a loaf of bread handy for quick sandwich assembly throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred or dice the meat to the desired consistency. The slight seasoning from the rotisserie chicken can actually enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.
How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy if I’m packing it for lunch?

The key is creating barriers between the bread and moist ingredients. Pack the chicken salad separately and assemble your sandwich just before eating, or if that’s not possible, place lettuce leaves on both bread slices before adding the chicken salad. This creates a moisture barrier that keeps your bread fresh for hours.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise to make this healthier?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent mayo substitute for a lighter version. Start with a 50/50 blend of yogurt and mayo, then adjust to your preference. You can also try mashed avocado mixed with a little lemon juice for a completely different but delicious dairy-free option.
Why did my chicken salad turn out watery after sitting in the refrigerator?

Excess moisture usually comes from the fruits and vegetables releasing their juices. To prevent this, make sure to pat your chicken very dry before dicing, drain grapes well after washing, and consider salting and draining your diced celery for 10 minutes before adding it to the mix.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Arby’s Market Fresh Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that proves homemade versions of restaurant favorites can actually surpass the original. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, meal prepping for the week ahead, or serving it at your next gathering, this versatile chicken salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements makes it irresistible – and knowing exactly what goes into it makes it that much more satisfying!