Arby’s Just Launched 3 New Chicken Cheesesteaks, and One Comes With a Spicy Twist
Arby’s built its reputation on roast beef, but its latest menu addition puts chicken in the spotlight. And this time, the fast-food chain isn’t introducing another ordinary chicken sandwich.
Instead, Arby’s is taking a familiar cheesesteak combination, replacing the traditional beef with seasoned chicken, and offering customers three different ways to enjoy it.
On October 12, 2026, the restaurant chain officially introduced its new Chicken Cheesesteak lineup, featuring the Classic Chicken Cheesesteak, Chicken Deluxe Cheesesteak, and Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak.
All three sandwiches combine marinated chicken with melted cheese and toasted bread, but each offers something different. One keeps things simple, another adds fresh vegetables, and the third brings a spicy kick.
The new sandwiches are available at participating Arby’s restaurants nationwide for a limited time, giving customers another reason to reconsider their usual drive-thru order.
Arby’s Is Giving Its Cheesesteak Menu a Chicken Makeover
For years, Arby’s has been known for its signature roast beef sandwiches. But the chain has increasingly explored other meat-centered offerings, including steak sandwiches and specialty chicken options.
Its latest addition builds on the popularity of the Angus Cheesesteak, which helped establish cheesesteaks as a more prominent part of the restaurant’s menu.
Rather than introducing just one chicken variation, Arby’s decided to offer three.
According to the company’s October 12 announcement, the chicken is marinated in a seasoning blend containing garlic, onion, and paprika.
The preparation process also involves searing, slicing, and sous vide cooking, a method that uses controlled temperatures to cook food.
Arby’s describes this combination as central to producing the texture and flavor it wants for the new sandwiches.
Each version features seasoned chicken, melted Cooper American cheese, and a toasted sesame roll.
From there, customers can choose between the classic combination, a deluxe version with vegetables, or a spicier alternative.
The Classic Chicken Cheesesteak Keeps Things Simple
Sometimes, a sandwich doesn’t need an elaborate list of ingredients to make an impression.
The new Chicken Cheesesteak follows that approach, combining seasoned chicken with melted Cooper American cheese and caramelized onions on a toasted sesame roll.
It’s a straightforward combination built around the chicken, creamy cheese, and onions.
The caramelized onions introduce a sweeter flavor that contrasts with the savory meat and cheese.
For customers familiar with Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak, the ingredients should sound recognizable. The biggest difference is the switch from beef to chicken.
According to reporting from Brand Eating, the sandwich was listed at $7.49 at an Arby’s restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky.
However, that figure shouldn’t be mistaken for a guaranteed nationwide price.
Restaurant prices vary by location, so customers should check their local menu before ordering.
For anyone who prefers uncomplicated sandwiches, the original Chicken Cheesesteak appears to be the most traditional option among the three newcomers.
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The Chicken Deluxe Cheesesteak Adds a Fresh Twist
Not everyone wants a cheesesteak loaded with nothing but meat, onions, and melted cheese.
For customers who prefer more variety, Arby’s introduced the Chicken Deluxe Cheesesteak.
This version starts with the same seasoned chicken, melted Cooper American cheese, and caramelized onions found in the classic sandwich.
It then adds shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes.
Those additions create a different texture profile, pairing the warm ingredients with vegetables commonly found on traditional deli-style sandwiches.
Early launch coverage reported the Deluxe at $8.49, about $1 more than the classic version at the locations reflected in those reports.
Whether the extra toppings justify the difference depends on personal preference.
Some customers may appreciate the additional ingredients, while others may prefer the simpler combination of chicken, cheese, and onions.
Either way, the Deluxe gives shoppers another option without moving too far away from the original recipe.
The Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak Brings the Heat
For customers who like their fast-food sandwiches with a little excitement, the Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak may be the most interesting newcomer.
It features the same seasoned chicken, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and toasted sesame roll used in the original.
The difference is a spicy glaze added to the sandwich.
Arby’s hasn’t positioned this as an entirely separate creation. Instead, the glaze adds heat to the familiar cheesesteak combination.
Early reports list the sandwich at about $7.99, placing it between the Classic and Deluxe versions.
The spicy variation also arrives as fast-food chains continue experimenting with bolder flavors to make familiar menu items feel different.
Customers who already enjoy spicy chicken sandwiches may find the concept appealing, particularly if they prefer melted cheese and caramelized onions over more conventional sandwich toppings.
However, spice tolerance varies, and the chain’s announcement doesn’t provide a standardized heat rating.
Early Taste Tests Reveal Some Surprises
With three sandwiches arriving at once, customers naturally ask: Which one is actually worth ordering?
An early review published by The Takeout offers some insight.
Food writer Dennis Lee sampled all three sandwiches during a preview and generally enjoyed the lineup.
Interestingly, his favorite wasn’t the most elaborate offering.
Lee preferred the classic Chicken Cheesesteak, noting that the melted cheese and caramelized onions brought the sandwich together.
He also liked the Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak, describing its glaze as an interesting departure from the restaurant’s more familiar flavors.
The Deluxe received a less enthusiastic response.
Lee found that the lettuce and tomatoes didn’t work particularly well alongside the hot sandwich ingredients.
Of course, one review doesn’t determine how every customer will respond. Someone who prefers vegetables on sandwiches might come to a different conclusion.
Still, the early tasting reminds us that more toppings don’t automatically make a sandwich more appealing.
Prices are examples from launch coverage, not guaranteed nationwide prices. Tax and additional charges may apply.
Arby’s also offers half-pound versions of the chicken cheesesteaks at participating restaurants, according to Brand Eating.
Those larger sandwiches were reported to cost $13.49 to $14.49.
Customers looking to make their sandwich a complete meal can check whether their location offers a combo with a side and drink.
Prices, combinations, and participating locations may differ, so the Arby’s app or local restaurant menu is the best place to confirm current options.
Why Arby’s Is Expanding Beyond Its Famous Roast Beef
The launch represents another step in Arby’s efforts to offer customers more variety beyond the sandwiches that made the chain famous.
Its Angus Cheesesteak helped establish a place for this sandwich style on the menu, and the new chicken versions build on that foundation.
The differences are relatively simple, but meaningful.
Customers who prefer chicken can now enjoy a cheesesteak-style sandwich without ordering the Angus version.
Meanwhile, those who appreciate familiar cheesesteak ingredients can choose between a traditional combination, additional vegetables, or a spicy glaze.
The strategy also allows Arby’s to introduce something new without abandoning the meat-focused identity associated with its brand.
With three variations, customers have several reasons to explore the lineup.
How Long Will the Chicken Cheesesteaks Be Available?
One important catch for anyone interested in trying the sandwiches.
Arby’s has confirmed the new Chicken Cheesesteaks are limited-time offerings, but it hasn’t announced a specific nationwide end date.
That means availability could change, and customers shouldn’t assume the sandwiches will remain on the menu indefinitely.
The company says the lineup is available at participating restaurants nationwide, with ordering options including in-store purchases, drive-thru service, online ordering, and the Arby’s mobile app.
Customers can visit Arby’s official website to check their nearest participating location.
For now, the new sandwiches offer an interesting choice for Arby’s customers who want something beyond the traditional roast beef sandwich.
The Classic provides the simplest combination, the Deluxe adds vegetables, and the Spicy introduces a hotter flavor.
Whether any of them eventually earns a permanent place on the menu remains to be seen.
But for anyone who enjoys chicken, melted cheese, and a toasted roll, Arby’s latest launch offers three new reasons to stop by before they’re gone.
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