Applebee’s Chicken Salad

5 from 4 votes

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 Time20

Total Time20

Course: Dinner, Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Applebee's Chicken Salad

Servings: servings

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $9.96

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

US - Metric

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

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