Master the Famous Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Salad at Home

Discover how to make the ultimate sweet, savory, and crispy Applebee’s Chicken Salad with this easy-to-follow copycat recipe. Featuring crunchy lettuce, tender crispy chicken, toasted sliced almonds, classic chow mein noodles, juicy mandarin oranges, and a perfectly balanced creamy Asian-inspired dressing, this homemade version brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

The Enduring Appeal of Applebee’s Chicken Salad

The Applebee’s Chicken Salad, often affectionately known as the Oriental Chicken Salad, holds a special place in the hearts of many diners. Its irresistible blend of textures and flavors—crispy chicken, fresh greens, a medley of nuts and noodles, all coated in a uniquely sweet and tangy dressing—makes it a standout menu item. It’s no wonder this salad has garnered such immense popularity over the years. However, enjoying it at the restaurant can be a pricy affair, and the caloric count often exceeds 1500 calories for a single serving, making it a less-than-ideal option for regular indulgence.

Good news for fans! Today, we’re unveiling a simple yet incredibly flavorful copycat recipe that allows you to recreate this beloved salad right in your own kitchen. Our homemade version streamlines the process, utilizing convenient store-bought crispy chicken tenders, and offers a slightly more nutritious profile without sacrificing any of the signature tastes you adore. Plus, making it at home means you have full control over the ingredients, allowing for customization to fit your dietary preferences or simply to perfect the flavor to your liking.

While striving for authenticity, we’ve also introduced a delightful twist: mandarin oranges. These vibrant segments add an extra burst of sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast that elevates the salad even further. If you prefer a strictly authentic rendition, feel free to omit them, but we highly recommend giving them a try for an added touch of freshness!

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Copycat Salad

Creating this iconic salad requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that contribute to its distinctive crunch, freshness, and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble your masterpiece:

• Coleslaw Mix: For that signature crunch and vibrant color, we use a store-bought package that typically contains shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. This convenient mix provides instant texture and nutrition without the need for extensive chopping.
• Romaine Lettuce Mix: The base of our salad is crisp romaine lettuce. You can opt for a bag of pre-chopped romaine for ultimate ease or, for maximum freshness, chop whole romaine hearts yourself. Romaine offers a refreshing crunch that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Mandarin Oranges: These juicy, sweet segments are our delightful addition. Use canned mandarin oranges (drained well, ideally those packed in water or light syrup with no added sugar) or fresh clementine segments for a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely tang.
• Chow Mein Noodles: Essential for that satisfying crispy texture, these unique noodles are a hallmark of the Applebee’s salad. You’ll typically find them in the international foods aisle or sometimes near the dry pasta section of your grocery store. Don’t skip them if you want the authentic experience! Look for brands like La Choy Chow Mein Noodles.
• Sliced Almonds: These add a wonderful nutty flavor and an extra layer of crunch. You can add them directly from the bag, but for an enhanced aroma and deeper flavor, we highly recommend toasting them lightly. See our quick tip below for how to do this easily.
• Crispy Chicken Tenders: To make this recipe truly simple, we rely on store-bought frozen crispy chicken tenders. Brands like Tyson’s® crispy chicken strips are an excellent choice. The key is to bake or air fry them until golden and perfectly crispy – avoid microwaving, as it won’t achieve the desired texture. Once cooked, let them cool slightly before slicing them thinly for easy distribution throughout the salad.

Crafting the Signature Applebee’s Chicken Salad Dressing

The dressing is truly the heart and soul of this salad, binding all the diverse flavors and textures together with its creamy, sweet, and tangy profile. Achieving that perfect balance is crucial for an authentic copycat experience. Here are the essential ingredients:

• Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our dressing. Using a good quality mayonnaise, like Best Foods® mayo, ensures a rich flavor that isn’t overly sweet or vinegary, providing the ideal foundation.
• Dijon Mustard: For a sophisticated depth of flavor and a touch of tang, Dijon mustard is indispensable. It acts as an emulsifier, helping the dressing come together smoothly, and provides a subtle kick that regular yellow mustard simply can’t replicate. Grey Poupon is a classic choice.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: This is the secret ingredient that imparts the distinctive Asian-inspired aroma and flavor profile unique to Applebee’s. A small amount goes a long way, adding an incredible depth. Look for toasted sesame oil in the Asian section of your grocery store. It’s distinctly different from untoasted sesame oil and crucial for the right taste.
• Rice Vinegar: Providing a light, crisp tang, rice vinegar is key to balancing the richness of the mayo and the sweetness of the honey. It offers a milder acidity compared to other vinegars, making it perfect for this dressing. Note that rice wine vinegar is the same thing, so either works.
• Honey: This natural sweetener brings the essential sweetness that rounds out the dressing’s flavor profile. Add honey gradually and adjust to your personal taste preference, ensuring it complements the tang of the vinegar without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings, but vital for enhancing all the other flavors. Season to taste after whisking everything together.

How to Assemble Your Homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad

With all your ingredients prepped, assembling this delicious salad is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps for the perfect result:

1. Prepare the Crispy Chicken: Begin by cooking your frozen crispy chicken tenders. For the best texture, air fry them according to package directions until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool down to a warm temperature, then slice it thinly into strips or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 8 ounces (roughly 2 cups or 4-5 tenders) total.
2. Whisk the Dressing: While the chicken is cooking, gather all your dressing ingredients: mayo, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and Dijon mustard. In a medium bowl, whisk them together until thoroughly combined and smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the honey or vinegar if needed to achieve your desired sweet-tangy balance.
3. Combine the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, the coleslaw mix, the drained mandarin oranges, and the prepared sliced chicken. Ensure all components are evenly distributed.
4. Dress and Toss: Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using salad tongs, gently but thoroughly toss the salad until all the greens, chicken, and oranges are beautifully coated with the creamy dressing.
5. Garnish and Serve Immediately: Divide the dressed salad among individual serving plates. Just before serving, generously sprinkle the crispy chow mein noodles and toasted sliced almonds over each portion. The key is to add these crunchy elements right before eating to maintain their crispness. Enjoy your fresh, homemade Applebee’s Chicken Salad!

What to Serve with Your Applebee’s Chicken Salad

This vibrant Applebee’s Chicken Salad is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a more complete dining experience. Here are some ideas to complement its unique flavors:

• Light Soups: A warm, comforting bowl of soup is an excellent accompaniment. Consider a creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup or a flavorful Roasted Red Pepper Soup. Their gentle flavors won’t overpower the salad and add a soothing element to your meal.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: To enhance the freshness and sweetness of the mandarin oranges in the salad, a colorful fruit salad is a fantastic choice. Mix your favorite in-season fruits, or try a zesty Blackberry Lime Fruit Salad with Orange Zest for a refreshing side.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy and hearty addition, roasted vegetables are always a good idea. Options like tender Roasted Carrots, crisp Roasted Broccoli, or perfectly seasoned Roasted Green Beans provide additional nutrients and a pleasant contrast in texture.
• Quinoa or Couscous: If you’re looking for something to add more “staying power” to your meal, a simple side of fluffy Quinoa or light Couscous can be a great choice. These grains offer a subtle nutty flavor and absorb any residual dressing beautifully.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread can be a delightful accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any extra dressing.

Customization & Flavor Variations

One of the best aspects of making your Applebee’s Chicken Salad at home is the freedom to customize it. Feel free to experiment with ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Protein Alternatives: Instead of crispy chicken tenders, you can use freshly grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and texture with extra vegetables. Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), cucumbers, snow peas, or edamame can all be wonderful additions.
• Nut & Seed Swaps: If you’re not a fan of almonds or want to try something different, consider using toasted cashews, peanuts, or even sunflower seeds for a different nutty flavor and crunch.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the dressing.
• Herbaceous Twist: Fresh cilantro or green onions, finely chopped, can be mixed into the salad for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of lettuce is best for this salad?

A combination of crisp romaine lettuce and a coleslaw mix (which includes green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots) provides the best texture and visual appeal, mimicking the original Applebee’s version. You want a sturdy green that holds up well to the dressing.

Can I use homemade crispy chicken instead of frozen tenders?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own crispy chicken, thinly slice chicken breasts, bread them (perhaps with panko for extra crispness), and then bake or pan-fry until golden. This offers a fresher, more controlled alternative to store-bought options.

Is the mandarin orange addition authentic to the original Applebee’s salad?

No, traditionally, the Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad does not include mandarin oranges. Our recipe incorporates them as an optional, delicious enhancement for added sweetness and juiciness. Feel free to omit them for a strictly authentic copycat.

How can I make the dressing lighter?

To reduce calories and fat in the dressing, you can use a light mayonnaise. You could also experiment with reducing the honey slightly or using a natural sugar substitute if desired, though this might alter the signature flavor balance.

Can this salad be made gluten-free?

Yes, it can! The main considerations are the crispy chicken tenders (ensure they are gluten-free breaded or use grilled chicken) and the chow mein noodles (opt for gluten-free crispy rice noodles or crispy fried onions instead). All other ingredients are typically gluten-free.

More Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed this vibrant and flavorful Applebee’s copycat, you might also love these other refreshing salad creations:

• Asian Pasta Salad with a zesty sesame dressing, perfect for potlucks.
• Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad featuring a bright chili-lime dressing.
• Asian Cucumber Salad, light and refreshing with avocado and green onions.
• Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad, a delightful blend of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, almonds, and feta.
• Quinoa Salad, a hearty and healthy option with a light lemon dressing.

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