Recreate the restaurant favorite at home! This simple copycat of Applebee’s Chicken Salad brings together crunchy lettuce, crispy chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, savory chow mein noodles, and a rich, creamy, sweet dressing for an unforgettable meal.

Applebee’s Chicken Salad: The Ultimate Homemade Copycat Recipe

There’s something irresistibly delicious about Applebee’s Chicken Salad that keeps people coming back for more. Its unique blend of textures and flavors—from the satisfying crunch of fresh greens and crispy chicken to the sweet burst of mandarin oranges and the savory, creamy dressing—makes it a standout dish. However, ordering this beloved salad at the restaurant can quickly add up, both in cost and calories. What if you could enjoy that same incredible taste from the comfort of your kitchen, with fresher ingredients and a mindful approach to nutrition?

Today, we’re diving into the art of recreating this iconic salad at home. This copycat Applebee’s Chicken Salad recipe is designed to be simpler, more accessible, and a tad more nutritious, without compromising on any of the delightful flavors you crave. We’ll leverage the convenience of store-bought crispy chicken tenders to save time, allowing you to whip up this restaurant-quality meal in no time. While staying true to the original, my version also introduces a small enhancement: succulent mandarin oranges, adding an extra layer of sweetness and a vibrant texture that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Of course, if you prefer the classic approach, you can easily omit them.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad that tastes just like the real deal – or even better!

Why Make This Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Salad at Home?

Bringing your favorite restaurant dishes into your home kitchen offers a multitude of benefits. Beyond the sheer joy of culinary creation, making Applebee’s Chicken Salad yourself provides significant advantages:

• Cost Savings: Dining out, especially for a large salad, can be surprisingly expensive. Preparing this copycat recipe at home drastically reduces the cost per serving, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal more often without breaking the bank.
• Control Over Ingredients: When you cook at home, you’re in charge. You can select the freshest produce, choose your preferred brand of crispy chicken, and opt for healthier alternatives like low-sugar mandarin oranges or organic greens. This control is invaluable for those with dietary restrictions or specific health goals.
• Healthier Alternatives: Restaurant versions often pack a high caloric punch, sometimes exceeding 1500 calories per serving due to generous portions of dressing and fried chicken. Our homemade recipe, while still indulgent, allows you to moderate dressing portions, choose leaner chicken, and incorporate more fresh vegetables, resulting in a more balanced and nutritious meal.
• Customization: Love extra crunch? Add more chow mein noodles. Prefer a tangier dressing? Adjust the rice vinegar. Home cooking empowers you to tweak the recipe to suit your personal taste, making it truly *your* perfect salad.
• Freshness Guaranteed: There’s nothing quite like a salad made with freshly prepared ingredients. The crispness of the lettuce, the warmth of recently cooked chicken, and the vibrant flavors of the dressing are unparalleled when assembled just before serving.

This recipe isn’t just about replicating a dish; it’s about elevating your home dining experience with fresh flavors and smart choices.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad

The magic of Applebee’s Chicken Salad lies in its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating this beloved dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting the best components:

• Crispy Chicken Tenders: The star of the show! For convenience, I highly recommend using store-bought frozen crispy chicken strips, such as Tyson’s® crispy chicken strips. Baking or air frying them ensures they achieve that perfect golden crispness. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing thinly; this helps maintain their texture and makes them easier to incorporate into the salad. If you prefer to make your own from scratch, simply bread and fry or bake chicken breast tenders until crispy. Aim for about 8 ounces (roughly 2 cups or 4-5 tenders) of cooked chicken.
• Romaine Lettuce Mix: The foundation of any great salad. A bag of pre-chopped romaine lettuce offers ultimate convenience. Its crisp, slightly bitter leaves provide an excellent base that holds up well to the dressing. Alternatively, you can purchase whole romaine hearts and chop them yourself for extra freshness.
• Coleslaw Mix: This adds a fantastic crunch and vibrant color. Look for a simple store-bought package that contains green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. Be sure to pick one without a pre-mixed dressing, as we’ll be making our own signature dressing. This mix contributes an additional layer of texture and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Mandarin Oranges: My secret ingredient for an extra burst of sweetness and tang! Canned mandarin oranges (preferably in light syrup or juice, with no added sugar) are convenient and delightful. Drain them well before adding. For a fresh alternative, segments from clementines or small oranges work wonderfully. These citrus notes brighten the entire salad and pair wonderfully with the creamy dressing.
• Chow Mein Noodles: These crunchy fried noodles are indispensable for that signature textural contrast. Find them in the international or dry pasta aisle of most grocery stores. Their savory crispness is a non-negotiable component that makes this salad truly special.
• Sliced Almonds: Adding a delicate nuttiness and another layer of crunch, sliced almonds are a must. You can add them directly from the bag for ease, or for an enhanced flavor, take a few minutes to toast them.

Crafting the Signature Creamy Sweet Dressing for Applebee’s Chicken Salad

The dressing is arguably the heart of Applebee’s Chicken Salad, tying all the diverse ingredients together with its creamy, sweet, and subtly tangy profile. Getting this right is crucial for an authentic copycat experience. Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible dressing:

• Mayonnaise (Mayo): A good quality mayonnaise forms the creamy base. I personally love using Best Foods® (or Hellmann’s® depending on your region) mayo because it offers a rich, balanced flavor that isn’t overly sweet, providing the perfect canvas for our dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: This is a key ingredient for the unique flavor. Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy note that is distinct from yellow mustard. Do not substitute with yellow mustard; Dijon is essential for the characteristic taste of this dressing.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Even a small amount of toasted sesame oil makes a significant impact, infusing the dressing with a wonderfully nutty and aromatic depth. You’ll typically find it in the Asian section of your grocery store. Toasted sesame oil, with its darker color and more intense aroma, is preferred over regular sesame oil for this recipe. A brand like Oi Toasted Sesame Oil is an excellent choice.
• Rice Vinegar: This mild, slightly sweet vinegar adds a delicate tang that balances the richness of the mayo and the sweetness of the honey. It’s often labeled as “rice wine vinegar,” which is the same product. It’s less acidic than white vinegar, contributing to the dressing’s smooth profile.
• Honey: The natural sweetener that provides the “sweet” in our creamy sweet dressing. Add honey slowly and adjust to your personal taste preference. The amount can vary depending on the sweetness of your mandarin oranges and how sweet you like your dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors. Start with the suggested amounts and then adjust to taste after whisking everything together.

How To Make Applebee’s Chicken Salad: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Applebee’s Chicken Salad copycat is straightforward and can be done in just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect salad every time:

1. Prepare the Crispy Chicken: Begin by cooking your frozen crispy chicken tenders according to the package directions. Air frying often yields the crispiest results, but oven baking works just as well. Once cooked through and golden, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool for a few minutes until they are warm to the touch. This makes them easier to handle and prevents them from wilting the salad greens. Thinly slice or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Whip Up the Dressing: While the chicken is cooking and cooling, prepare your signature dressing. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and Dijon mustard. Using a small whisk, mix all the ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferred balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
3. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and the coleslaw mix. Add the drained mandarin oranges and the thinly sliced crispy chicken. Ensure all ingredients are well-distributed within the bowl.
4. Dress and Toss: Pour the freshly made dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using salad tongs or your hands, gently toss the salad until all the components are thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing. Be sure to mix everything together well to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
5. Serve and Garnish: Divide the dressed salad among individual serving plates or bowls. For the final, essential touch, generously top each serving with crispy chow mein noodles and sliced almonds. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate crunch and freshness. Enjoy your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad!

Tips for the Best Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad

To ensure your copycat Applebee’s Chicken Salad is nothing short of perfect, consider these additional tips:

• Chill Your Ingredients: For a truly refreshing salad, make sure your lettuce, coleslaw mix, and mandarin oranges are well-chilled before assembly. While the chicken should be warm when sliced, allowing it to cool slightly prevents it from wilting the greens.
• Don’t Overdress: While the dressing is delicious, it’s potent. Start with about two-thirds of the dressing and add more if needed. You want the salad to be coated, not swimming, to maintain the crispness of the greens and noodles.
• Personalize Your Crunch: Feel free to adjust the amount of chow mein noodles and sliced almonds to your liking. Some prefer a lighter crunch, while others love a generous topping. You can also experiment with other crunchy toppings like crispy wonton strips or toasted cashews.
• Add More Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding finely diced bell peppers (red or yellow for color), shredded cucumber, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. These additions can complement the existing flavors without overpowering them.
• Homemade Chicken Option: If you have time and prefer to avoid pre-made chicken strips, you can easily make your own. Season chicken breast tenders, pan-fry or bake until cooked, then bread with panko breadcrumbs and a light egg wash before a quick fry or air fry for ultimate crispiness.

What To Serve With Applebee’s Chicken Salad

While this chicken salad is substantial enough to be a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a complementary side can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions:

• Light Soups: A warm, comforting soup provides a lovely contrast to the cool, crisp salad. Consider a classic roasted tomato basil soup or a rich roasted red pepper soup. The smooth texture and savory warmth of the soup create a balanced meal.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Enhance the sweetness and freshness of your meal with a vibrant fruit salad. A simple mix of your favorite in-season fruits or a special recipe like a blackberry-lime fruit salad with orange zest would be a perfect complement.
• Roasted Vegetables: For an extra dose of nutrients and a savory side, roasted vegetables are an excellent choice. Simple yet delicious options include roasted carrots, tender roasted broccoli, or crisp-tender roasted green beans. Their natural sweetness and slight char pair beautifully with the salad.
• Quinoa or Couscous: If you’re looking for a side that adds more staying power and a boost of healthy grains, a simple side of quinoa or fluffy couscous is ideal. You can prepare them plainly or with a touch of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
• Warm Bread or Rolls: A slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra dressing or simply enjoying alongside your meal. Garlic bread or cheese bread can also add a comforting touch.

More Delightful Salad Recipes to Explore

If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Applebee’s Chicken Salad, you’ll surely enjoy exploring these other fantastic salad recipes:

• Asian Pasta Salad: A delightful pasta salad featuring a flavorful sesame dressing, perfect for potlucks or a light lunch.
• Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad: A vibrant and zesty salad packed with fresh ingredients and a chili-lime dressing that’s bursting with flavor.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and crisp cucumber salad enhanced with creamy avocado and savory green onions, ideal as a side dish.
• Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad: A beautiful sweet and savory salad featuring fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and salty feta, all tied together with a tangy poppy seed dressing.
• Quinoa Salad: A hearty and nutritious quinoa salad tossed with fresh vegetables, avocado, and a bright lemon dressing, making it a perfect meal prep option.

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Applebee’s Chicken Salad

By Chelsea Lords

Try this easy copycat of Applebee’s Chicken Salad with fresh lettuce, crispy chicken, sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, mandarin oranges, and a creamy sweet dressing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• Large bowl

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen crispy chicken strips see note 1
• 1 (10-ounce) package hearts of romaine salad see note 2
• 8 ounces coleslaw mix 1/2 of 1 package, see note 3
• 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges
• 1/3 cup crispy chow mein noodles see note 4
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds see note 5

Dressing

• 1/3 cup mayo
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Cook chicken strips according to package directions (air frying preferred). Let cool to warm, then thinly slice or chop.
2. While the chicken is cooking, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, coleslaw mix, drained mandarin oranges, and sliced chicken.
4. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well to coat. Divide chow mein noodles and almonds evenly among individual servings. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Use Tyson® Crispy Chicken Strips or any preferred brand. Cook in the oven or air fryer, not the microwave. Slice the chicken for even distribution. Aim for about 8 ounces (~2 cups or 4–5 tenders) total.
Note 2: This is just plain romaine lettuce that has been chopped.
Note 3: Use a mix with only green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots (don’t grab a prepared coleslaw mixed with dressing).
Note 4: These crunchy noodles are found in the international or dry pasta aisle.
Note 5: I like getting toasted sliced almonds.
Storage: Dressed salad doesn’t store well. For leftovers or make-ahead, store the dressing separately from the salad. Keep chicken, almonds, and chow mein noodles separate from the lettuce/coleslaw and dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 33.2g | Protein: 7.3g | Fat: 23.4g | Cholesterol: 13.8mg | Sodium: 300.8mg | Fiber: 5.5g | Sugar: 21.6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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