Arby’s Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe – Classic, Deluxe & Spicy

Arby's Chicken Cheesesteak brings a new twist to the classic cheesesteak sandwich, swapping traditional beef for tender, seasoned chicken layered with melted white American cheese and sweet caramelized onions.

Inspired by Arby's newest limited-time sandwiches, this homemade version recreates the combination of juicy chicken, creamy cheese and a warm toasted sesame roll. You can make the classic sandwich, add lettuce and tomato for the Deluxe, or finish it with a sweet and spicy glaze for the Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak.

The best part? You can prepare all three versions from one simple chicken filling, making it an easy dinner for families who enjoy different toppings.

What's New About Arby's Chicken Cheesesteak?

Arby's launched its new Chicken Cheesesteak lineup in October 2026, following the popularity of its Angus Cheesesteak.

According to the official Arby's Chicken Cheesesteak announcement, the sandwiches feature chicken marinated with garlic, onion and paprika, then seared, sliced and cooked sous vide.

The three restaurant versions are:

• Chicken Cheesesteak: Seasoned chicken, melted Cooper Sharp American cheese and caramelized onions on a toasted sesame roll.
• Chicken Deluxe Cheesesteak: The classic sandwich with shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes.
• Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak: The classic sandwich finished with a spicy glaze.

All three are limited-time menu additions at participating Arby's restaurants.

Our homemade recipe uses a skillet instead of sous vide equipment, so it's much easier to prepare in an everyday kitchen. It's an unofficial copycat inspired by the restaurant sandwiches, not Arby's proprietary recipe.

Ingredients for Homemade Arby's Chicken Cheesesteak

This recipe makes four sandwiches, with optional toppings for the Deluxe and Spicy variations.

For the Seasoned Chicken

• 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water

For the Caramelized Onions

• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons water, as needed

For the Sandwiches

• 4 soft sesame hoagie rolls, approximately 7–8 inches long
• 8 slices Cooper Sharp white American cheese, or regular deli white American cheese
• 1 tablespoon softened butter, for toasting

For the Deluxe Version (Optional)

• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced

For the Homemade Spicy Glaze (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon melted butter
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar

How to Make Arby's Chicken Cheesesteak at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice them into thin strips, approximately ¼ inch thick. Cutting across the grain helps keep the chicken tender.

In a mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and olive oil.

Add the sliced chicken and toss until evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the onions.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

Add the sliced onions and salt. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown.

If the onions begin sticking, add a tablespoon of water and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Transfer the onions to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Seasoned Chicken

Increase the heat to medium-high.

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in an even layer. Cook in two batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Add the chicken broth and stir for another 30 seconds to loosen the flavorful browned bits from the pan.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and return the caramelized onions to the skillet.

Divide the chicken and onions into four portions. Place two slices of white American cheese over each portion.

Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and coats the chicken.

Step 5: Toast the Sesame Rolls

Split the sesame rolls lengthwise without cutting completely through.

Lightly butter the inside of each roll and toast in a clean skillet or under the broiler until golden.

The bread should be lightly crisp on the inside but remain soft enough to hold the filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Classic Chicken Cheesesteak

Use a spatula to transfer one portion of the cheesy chicken and onions into each toasted roll.

Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the bread is warm.

How to Make the Deluxe and Spicy Versions

Chicken Deluxe Cheesesteak

Prepare the classic sandwich, then add shredded iceberg lettuce and thinly sliced tomato.

Place the vegetables on top of the melted cheese just before serving so they remain cool and crisp.

The fresh vegetables balance the richness of the chicken and cheese.

Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak

Combine the hot sauce, honey, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan.

Warm gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring until smooth.

Drizzle approximately one-quarter of the glaze over each sandwich before closing the roll.

The sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet heat that works particularly well with the creamy American cheese.

This glaze is our homemade interpretation; Arby's exact spicy glaze formula has not been disclosed.

Getting That Melted Cheesesteak Texture

The cheese makes a significant difference to the finished sandwich.

Cooper Sharp is a white American cheese known for its smooth melting texture and slightly sharper flavor. It's the cheese used in Arby's new Chicken Cheesesteak lineup.

If you cannot find it, regular deli white American cheese is a practical substitute.

Avoid using only shredded mozzarella or cheddar if you want the same creamy consistency. Both can taste delicious, but they create a different texture.

Another useful trick is adding a small splash of chicken broth before melting the cheese. The extra moisture helps keep the chicken tender and prevents the filling from becoming dry.

Can You Make Arby's Chicken Cheesesteak Without Sous Vide?

Absolutely.

Although Arby's uses a sous vide preparation for its chicken, you don't need any special equipment to make a satisfying homemade version.

Thinly slicing the chicken, cooking it quickly in a hot skillet and finishing it with melted cheese creates a juicy filling without a lengthy cooking process.

The key is not to overcook the chicken. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from direct heat or reduce the heat while the cheese melts.

What to Serve with Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches

These sandwiches work well with simple sides such as crispy oven fries, air fryer potato wedges, coleslaw or a fresh green salad.

For a lighter meal, serve half a sandwich with a generous portion of roasted vegetables.

You can also use the same seasoned chicken filling to make a cheesesteak rice bowl or a warm chicken wrap when you don't have sandwich rolls available.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cooked chicken and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, provided they were cooled and refrigerated promptly.

Keep the rolls, lettuce, tomatoes and spicy glaze separate until serving.

For reheating, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth until steaming hot throughout. Add the cheese during the final minute, then assemble the sandwich in a freshly toasted roll.

Cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to three months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Easy High-Protein Meals

If you enjoy hearty sandwiches and protein-rich dinners, explore our High Protein Meals collection for more satisfying recipes.

You might also enjoy our recent Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl, which combines seasoned beef, rice, roasted sweet potatoes and avocado with a sweet-spicy drizzle.

For another comforting dinner, try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice Skillet, featuring tender chicken and rice in a creamy parmesan sauce.

And if you have leftover chicken, onions or cheese to use up, visit our Free AI Recipe Generator to discover dinner ideas using ingredients already in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is on Arby's new Chicken Cheesesteak?

The classic sandwich features seasoned chicken, melted Cooper Sharp American cheese and caramelized onions on a toasted sesame roll. The Deluxe adds lettuce and tomato, while the Spicy version includes a spicy glaze.

How many calories are in Arby's Chicken Cheesesteak?

According to Arby's published menu information, the classic Chicken Cheesesteak contains 660 calories, while the Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak contains 760 calories. The Chicken Deluxe Cheesesteak has been reported at 670 calories. These are restaurant figures, not the nutrition values for our homemade recipe.

What cheese does Arby's use?

Arby's uses Cooper Sharp American cheese, a creamy, meltable cheese with a slightly tangy flavor. Regular white American cheese is a suitable homemade alternative.

Is Arby's Chicken Cheesesteak spicy?

The regular and Deluxe versions aren't intended to be spicy. The Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak includes a glaze that adds heat. You can adjust the cayenne and hot sauce in our homemade version.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are flavorful and remain juicy when cooked. Slice them thinly and cook thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the chicken and caramelized onions in advance, then refrigerate. Reheat thoroughly and melt the cheese just before assembling the sandwiches.

Love a good cheesesteak sandwich? Don't miss our Arby's New Angus Cheesesteak Recipe, featuring tender, seasoned beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese tucked inside a warm, toasted roll. It's another delicious Arby's-inspired favorite you can easily recreate at home!