Arby Chicken Sandwich: A Complete Guide to Flavor and Quality

A Brief History of Arby’s Chicken Sandwich

Let’s rewind a bit. Picture this: It’s the early 2000s, and you’re sitting in the back seat of your family’s car. You just pulled up to an Arby’s drive-thru, stomach growling, eyes locked on the menu. You’re about to order your usual roast beef sandwich, but then—there it is—the Arby Chicken Sandwich, golden, crispy, sitting perfectly inside a toasted bun. One bite, and you’re hooked.

Fast forward to today, and the Arby’s Chicken Sandwich has become a fan favorite, rivaling even the biggest fast-food chains. But what makes it so special? Why do people keep coming back for it? More importantly, can you recreate it at home? The answer: Absolutely!

In this guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about the Arby’s Chicken Sandwich—its history, what makes it stand out, and most importantly, how you can make a perfect Arby’s-style chicken sandwich right in your kitchen.

What Makes Arby’s Chicken Sandwich Special?

With so many fast-food chicken sandwiches out there, what makes the Arby’s Chicken Sandwich different? Let’s break it down:

1. The Perfect Crunch

Unlike other fast-food joints that rely on a soft, barely-there crust, Arby’s goes for maximum crispiness. The chicken filet is coated in a seasoned buttermilk batter, then double-breaded for that extra crunch.

2. Juicy and Tender Inside

The crispy outer layer is only half the magic. Inside, you’ll find perfectly cooked, juicy chicken. Arby’s uses real chicken breast, which means you’re biting into quality, not some processed meat.

3. The Right Bun Matters

It’s not just about the chicken—the bun makes a huge difference. Arby’s uses a buttery, slightly toasted brioche bun, which adds a subtle sweetness and the perfect texture.

4. Signature Sauces & Toppings

A great sandwich isn’t just about the protein. The Arby’s Chicken Sandwich typically comes with:

• Mayo or Arby’s special sauce (slightly tangy, creamy, and rich)
• Crisp lettuce for freshness
• Thick-cut tomatoes for juiciness

Ingredients for Homemade Arby’s Chicken Sandwich

Want to recreate the Arby’s Chicken Sandwich at home? You’ll need the right ingredients. Here’s a sneak peek:

Main Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Seasoning blend (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne)
• Brioche buns

Toppings & Sauces:

• Mayonnaise or spicy sauce
• Fresh lettuce
• Tomato slices

The full ingredient list with exact measurements will be in the recipe card at the end!

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Arby’s Chicken Sandwich at Home

Making the Arby’s Chicken Sandwich at home isn’t as hard as you think. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect crispy chicken sandwich.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken

Not all chicken is created equal. To get the best Arby’s-style chicken sandwich, you need high-quality chicken breasts. Go for organic or free-range if possible—they tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Brining for Extra Juiciness

One of the secrets to Arby’s Chicken Sandwich is the brining process. To keep the chicken tender and flavorful, soak it in a buttermilk brine for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!).

Pro Tip: Add a little salt and black pepper to the buttermilk to help break down the fibers, making the chicken extra juicy.

Step 2: The Crispy Coating

Here’s where the magic happens. The crispy texture of Arby’s Chicken Sandwich comes from a double-breading technique.

Dry Coating:

1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, and spices.
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off.
3. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture.

Wet Coating:

1. Dip the chicken back into a buttermilk-egg mixture (this helps bind the flour).

Second Dry Coating (For Extra Crunch!):

1. Coat it one more time in the flour mixture.
2. Press firmly to ensure the breading sticks.

Pro Tip: Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to set and stick better.

Step 3: Frying to Perfection

The secret to a crispy, golden-brown crust? The right frying technique.

1. Use the right oil – Canola or peanut oil works best.
2. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) – Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cool, and the chicken absorbs oil, making it greasy.
3. Fry for 5-6 minutes per side – Until crispy and cooked through.
4. Drain on a wire rack – This keeps the crust crispy.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches for even cooking.

Nutritional Facts: Is Arby’s Chicken Sandwich Healthy?

While it’s undeniably delicious, the Arby’s Chicken Sandwich isn’t exactly diet food. Let’s break down its nutritional value:

While the high protein content is great, the sodium and fat levels are something to watch if you’re eating it regularly. But hey, everything in moderation, right?

Step 4: Choosing the Right Bun

You wouldn’t put a filet mignon on plain white bread, right? The same logic applies here. The bun plays a huge role in the Arby’s Chicken Sandwich experience.

Why Brioche?

Arby’s uses a soft, buttery brioche bun that’s slightly sweet and fluffy. This isn’t just about looks—it absorbs sauces perfectly, keeps the sandwich from falling apart, and complements the crispy chicken’s crunch.

Toasting for Extra Flavor

Ever noticed how restaurant sandwiches always taste better? One secret: toasted buns. Here’s how to get that perfect golden-brown crust:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on each bun half.
3. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.

Pro Tip: Use mayonnaise instead of butter—it creates an extra crispy, caramelized texture that enhances the flavor.

Step 5: Picking the Best Toppings & Sauces

A sandwich without toppings? That’s just sad. Arby’s keeps it simple, but every ingredient has a purpose.

Classic Toppings

• Crisp lettuce – Adds freshness and crunch.
• Thick-cut tomatoes – Brings juiciness and a slight tang.

Sauce Secrets

A dry sandwich is a crime. Arby’s typically uses mayo, but you can upgrade with:

• Spicy Mayo – Add a little hot sauce for a kick.
• Garlic Aioli – A garlicky, creamy alternative.
• Honey Mustard – Sweet, tangy, and delicious.

Pro Tip: Want the authentic Arby’s taste? Mix mayo with a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice.

Step 6: Assembling Like a Pro

Now comes the fun part—stacking it up! Follow this order for the best bite every time:

Bottom Bun – Toasted and ready.
Crispy Chicken – The star of the show.
Sauce – Spread evenly on top of the chicken.
Lettuce & Tomato – Freshness overload.
Top Bun – Lightly pressed to hold everything together.

Boom! You just made a homemade Arby’s Chicken Sandwich!

Variations of Arby’s Chicken Sandwich

Want to mix things up? Arby’s has different versions of their famous chicken sandwich, and you can recreate them at home!

1. Spicy Arby’s Chicken Sandwich

Love a little heat? Here’s how to add a fiery twist:

• Spicy Breading – Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the flour mix.
• Spicy Sauce – Mix mayo with hot sauce or Sriracha.
• Pepper Jack Cheese – Melts beautifully for extra flavor.

Pro Tip: Add jalapeño slices for an even bigger kick!

2. Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich

If you prefer the pure, unfiltered crunch, skip the sauce and keep it basic:

• Stick to mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
• Use extra cornstarch in the breading for maximum crispiness.

3. Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Healthier Version)

Watching your calories? Try this lighter alternative:

• Instead of frying, grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side.
• Use Greek yogurt-based sauce instead of mayo.
• Swap the brioche bun for a whole wheat bun.

Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before grilling for extra juiciness.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Even the best cooks run into problems. Here’s how to fix common mistakes when making a homemade Arby’s Chicken Sandwich.

1. Why Is My Chicken Not Crispy?

Ever fried chicken only to end up with a soggy mess? Here’s why:
Oil temperature too low → Chicken absorbs oil, making it greasy.
Skipping the second breading → One coat isn’t enough for crunch.
Stacking hot chicken on a plate → Steam softens the crust.

Fix:
✔ Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C).
✔ Always do a double-breading process.
✔ Drain chicken on a wire rack, not paper towels.

2. How to Avoid a Dry Chicken Patty?

Dry chicken = sad sandwich. If your chicken is tough, here’s what went wrong:
❌ Overcooking – Chicken dries out fast.
❌ Skipping the buttermilk brine – This step is crucial for moisture.
❌ Using thin chicken breasts – They cook too quickly.

Fix:
✔ Use thicker chicken breasts and pound them evenly.
✔ Brine in buttermilk for at least 4 hours.
✔ Fry until golden brown, then check with a meat thermometer (165°F / 75°C).

3. Best Breading Techniques for Extra Crunch

Want Arby’s-level crispiness? You need to master the breading process.

Double dredging – Flour → Buttermilk → Flour.
Cornstarch boost – Mix cornstarch with flour for extra crunch.
Rest before frying – Let the coated chicken sit for 10 minutes before frying.

Recipe Card: Full Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s everything you need to make the best homemade Arby’s Chicken Sandwich:

Final Thoughts: Is Arby’s Chicken Sandwich Worth Trying?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, the Arby’s Chicken Sandwich is a fast-food legend. Now, with this ultimate guide, you can make a perfect homemade version anytime!
So what do you think? Ready to try this at home? Let me know how yours turns out!