Recreate the magic of Applebee’s Chicken Salad at home with this simple copycat recipe. Enjoy the delightful blend of crunchy lettuce, crispy chicken, sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, sweet mandarin oranges, and a signature creamy, savory-sweet dressing.

The Ultimate Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad Copycat

The Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad has long been a menu favorite, celebrated for its irresistible combination of textures and flavors. It’s crunchy, sweet, savory, and wonderfully filling, making it a go-to choice for many. However, regularly ordering it can be expensive, and a single restaurant serving often contains a surprisingly high calorie count.

Good news! Today, we’re diving into how to recreate this beloved salad right in your own kitchen. My homemade rendition offers all the deliciousness you adore, but with a simplified approach (thanks to readily available store-bought crispy chicken!) and a slightly more nutritious profile. You’ll achieve that classic taste without the hefty price tag or excessive calories.

For an extra burst of sweetness and vibrant color, I’ve included mandarin oranges in this recipe – an ingredient not typically found in the original Applebee’s version. They add a lovely juiciness and texture, but feel free to omit them if you prefer a strictly authentic copycat experience.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Salad

There are countless reasons why this homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad will become a staple in your recipe rotation. First, it’s incredibly satisfying, striking the perfect balance between fresh, crisp vegetables and hearty protein. The interplay of textures, from the tender lettuce and crisp cabbage to the crunchy chow mein noodles and toasted almonds, keeps every bite exciting. The sweet and savory dressing ties everything together, creating a harmonious flavor profile that mimics the restaurant favorite.

Beyond taste, this recipe is a fantastic choice for home cooks. It’s far more budget-friendly than dining out, allowing you to enjoy this gourmet-style salad without breaking the bank. Plus, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients, making it a healthier option tailored to your preferences. It’s a quick and easy meal prep solution, perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious lunch to look forward to.

Key Ingredients for Applebee’s Chicken Salad

Crafting the perfect Applebee’s Chicken Salad involves a thoughtful selection of fresh and flavorful components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that signature taste and irresistible texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Crispy Chicken Tenders: For ultimate convenience and a taste that rivals the restaurant, I highly recommend using frozen crispy chicken strips like Tyson’s® or your preferred brand. Baking or air frying them to golden perfection ensures they remain crunchy. Once cooked and cooled slightly, slice them thinly to integrate beautifully into the salad. You can also make your own crispy chicken from scratch if you prefer.
• Romaine Lettuce Mix: A bag of pre-chopped romaine hearts simplifies preparation. Romaine offers a fantastic crisp texture and a mild flavor that forms the perfect base for this salad. If you have whole heads of romaine, simply chop them yourself.
• Coleslaw Mix: Opt for a store-bought package containing a blend of green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. This mix adds another layer of satisfying crunch and a subtle earthy sweetness that complements the other ingredients. Be sure to pick one without any pre-made dressing.
• Mandarin Oranges: These small, sweet citrus segments add a delightful burst of juicy sweetness and a vibrant color contrast. Canned mandarin oranges (preferably in light syrup or no added sugar, drained well) or fresh clementine segments work wonderfully. While optional for a strict copycat, they significantly enhance the salad’s flavor profile.
• Chow Mein Noodles: These are a non-negotiable for that authentic crunch! Found in the international or pasta aisle of most grocery stores, crispy chow mein noodles provide a unique textural element that makes this salad so memorable.
• Sliced Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds bring a nutty depth and an additional layer of crunch. While you can add them directly from the bag, taking a few minutes to toast them elevates their flavor significantly. They add a sophisticated touch and a lovely aroma to the salad.

The Signature Applebee’s Chicken Salad Dressing Ingredients

The creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing is what truly brings this salad to life and makes it instantly recognizable as an Applebee’s classic. Each ingredient contributes to its unique and balanced flavor. Here’s a closer look:

• Mayonnaise: A good quality mayonnaise forms the rich, creamy base of the dressing. Brands like Best Foods® (Hellmann’s® on the East Coast) are known for their balanced flavor that isn’t overly sweet, making them ideal for this recipe.
• Dijon Mustard: This is a key ingredient for the dressing’s distinct tangy and slightly sharp notes. Do not substitute with yellow mustard, as Dijon offers a more complex and refined flavor profile that is essential for the copycat taste.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A small but mighty ingredient, toasted sesame oil adds a deeply aromatic, nutty, and savory layer to the dressing. It’s often found in the Asian or international section of your grocery store. A little goes a long way in imparting that authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Providing a delicate tang and acidity, rice vinegar brightens the dressing and balances its sweetness. It’s milder than other vinegars, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors. (Note: Rice *wine* vinegar is the same product.)
• Honey: Honey introduces a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tang of the vinegar and mustard. Add it gradually and adjust to your personal taste preference to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, while a dash of black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth. Adjust to your preference.

How to Make Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad

Preparing this copycat Applebee’s Chicken Salad is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to bring this restaurant favorite to your table:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cooking your crispy chicken tenders according to the package directions. For the best crunch, air frying or baking is highly recommended over microwaving. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool slightly until it’s warm enough to handle. Then, slice or chop it into thin, bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.
2. Whip Up the Dressing: While the chicken is cooking, gather your dressing ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, adjusting the sweetness or tang to your liking.
3. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, coleslaw mix, and the thoroughly drained mandarin oranges. Add the thinly sliced crispy chicken to this mixture.
4. Dress and Toss: Pour the freshly prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using tongs or salad servers, toss everything gently but thoroughly until all the components are well coated with the creamy dressing.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Divide the dressed salad among individual plates or serving bowls. For the ultimate crunch, top each serving generously with crispy chow mein noodles and sliced almonds just before serving. This ensures they remain perfectly crisp. Enjoy your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad immediately!

Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Salad

• Chicken Prep is Key: For the best texture, ensure your chicken tenders are truly crispy. Air frying tends to yield the crispest results in less time. Let them cool slightly before slicing to prevent them from becoming soggy when mixed with the greens.
• Don’t Overdress: Start with about ¾ of the dressing and add more if needed. It’s easier to add more dressing than to compensate for an overly dressed, soggy salad.
• Freshness Matters: Use the freshest possible lettuce and coleslaw mix. Crisp greens are fundamental to this salad’s appeal.
• Toasted vs. Untoasted Almonds: While sliced almonds are good straight from the bag, a quick toast truly unlocks a deeper, more aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: The amount of honey in the dressing can be adjusted to your preference. If your mandarin oranges are very sweet, you might need slightly less honey.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe aims for the classic Applebee’s taste, don’t hesitate to personalize it:

• Protein Swaps: Instead of crispy chicken tenders, consider grilled chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even pan-seared tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Nutty Alternatives: Pecans, walnuts, or cashews can replace almonds for a different nutty flavor and crunch.
• Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by adding finely diced bell peppers, cucumber, or shredded snow peas.
• Spice It Up: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a touch of heat.
• Fruity Additions: Sliced grapes or apple pieces could also complement the sweet and savory profile.

What To Serve With Applebee’s Chicken Salad

This hearty salad is often satisfying enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal:

• Light Soups: A warm bowl of roasted tomato basil soup or a creamy roasted red pepper soup makes for a comforting accompaniment.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits, like this blackberry lime fruit salad with orange zest, offers a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Enhance your meal with a side of simple roasted carrots, roasted broccoli, or roasted green beans.
• Whole Grains: For extra satiety, serve alongside a portion of fluffy quinoa or light couscous.

Applebee’s Chicken Salad Storage and Meal Prep Tips

To enjoy this salad at its best, timing is key. Once the dressing is added, the salad doesn’t store well, as the greens and crispy elements can become soggy. For the freshest experience, it’s best to eat the salad soon after it’s dressed.

To make ahead or store leftovers: The secret is to keep the components separate until you’re ready to serve. Store the cooked chicken tenders, chow mein noodles, and sliced almonds in individual airtight containers at room temperature (noodles and almonds) or in the fridge (chicken). The romaine lettuce, coleslaw mix, and drained mandarin oranges can be combined and stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator.

Dressing: The dressing can be made up to a day or two in advance. Store it in a jar or airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good whisk or shake before using, as some separation may occur.

When you’re ready to eat, simply combine the prepped ingredients, drizzle with the dressing, toss, and top with the crispy noodles and almonds. This method ensures every serving is as fresh and crunchy as possible!

More Delicious Salad Recipes to Try

If you love vibrant and flavorful salads, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Asian Pasta Salad with a tangy sesame dressing.
• Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad featuring a zesty chili-lime dressing.
• Asian Cucumber Salad with creamy avocado and fresh green onions.
• Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad complete with crunchy almonds and savory feta cheese.
• Quinoa Salad tossed in a bright lemon dressing.

Enjoyed this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!