Try this simple copycat of Applebee’s Chicken Salad: crunchy lettuce crispy chicken, sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, mandarin oranges, and a creamy sweet dressing.
Applebee’s Chicken Salad
Applebee’s Chicken Salad is super popular, and for good reason! It’s crunchy, sweet, savory, and filling. Ordering it at the restaurant is pricy, and it’s over 1500 calories,.
Today, I’m sharing how to make this salad at home! My version is simpler (thank you, store-bought chicken tenders!) and a bit more nutritious, while keeping all the flavors you love.
I do add one ingredient you won’t find in Applebee’s salad: mandarin oranges. They add sweetness and texture, but you can skip them for a more authentic version.
Ingredients
- Coleslaw mix: Use a store-bought package with green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.
- Romaine lettuce mix: Buy a bag of chopped romaine lettuce or chop whole romaine hearts yourself.
- Mandarin oranges: Use canned mandarin oranges (no added sugar) or fresh clementine segments for sweetness.
- Chow mein noodles: These crunchy noodles add great texture. Find them in the international or pasta aisle.
- Sliced almonds: Add directly from the bag or toast them for extra flavor (see quick tip below).
- Crispy chicken tenders: I use Tyson’s® crispy chicken strips. Bake or air fry them (not microwave), let them cool, then slice thinly and add to the salad.
Quick Tip
How to toast almonds: Put almonds in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until they smell good and are lightly browned. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
Applebee’s Chicken Salad Dressing Ingredients
- Mayo: I love using Best Foods® mayo. It’s got a great flavor that’s not too sweet.
- Dijon mustard: Use Dijon, not yellow mustard, for the right flavor.
- Sesame oil: This small amount adds a special flavor. Find it in the Asian section of the store. Toasted sesame oil is my personal favorite.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a light tangy flavor and balances the dressing. (Rice wine vinegar is the same thing.)
- Honey: Add honey slowly and to taste preference for the right amount of sweetness.
Quick Tip
This dressing mixes best when whisked with a small whisk instead of stirring with a spoon or fork.
How To Make Applebee’s Chicken Salad
- Cook Chicken: Bake or air fry chicken tenders based on package directions. Let cool, then slice thin.
- Make Dressing: Mix mayo, honey, rice vinegar, oil, and mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Salad: In a big bowl, mix romaine lettuce, coleslaw mix, drained mandarin oranges, and sliced chicken.
- Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Serve: Plate the salad and top with chow mein noodles and sliced almonds. Enjoy!
What To Serve With Applebee’s Chicken Salad
- Soup: A light soup like tomato basil or roasted red pepper soup
- Fruit Salad: Mix your favorite in-season fruits or try my favorite fruit salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, roasted broccoli, or roasted green beans on the side.
- Quinoa or Couscous: A side of quinoa or couscous for some extra staying power!
Storage
Applebee’s Chicken Salad Storage
This salad doesn’t store well once dressed. Eat it soon after dressing to avoid a soggy salad!
To make ahead: Store ingredients separately in the fridge. Cook chicken tenders and assemble just before eating.
Dressing: Make a day ahead, store in a jar, and whisk before using.
More Salad Recipes
- Asian Pasta Salad with a sesame dressing
- Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad with a chili-lime dressing
- Asian Cucumber Salad with avocado and green onions
- Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad with almonds and feta
- Quinoa Salad with a lemon dressing
Applebee’s Chicken Salad
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
- Cook chicken strips according to package directions (air frying preferred). Let cool to warm, then thinly slice or chop.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, coleslaw mix, drained mandarin oranges, and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well to coat. Divide chow mein noodles and almonds evenly among individual servings. Enjoy!
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
hi – thi looks delish.. could yu recommend a prepared bottled dressing that might work with this recipe.. thank you!!
Nothing beats this Applebee’s Chicken Salad! It’s delicious and so quick and easy to make. I will even go as far as to say it’s better than the actual Applebee’s Chicken Salad!
Thanks so much Cody! 🙂