How much protein is in Arby's chicken?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to publicly available nutrition guides, the amount of protein in Arby's chicken varies significantly depending on the specific menu item and preparation, with options ranging from roughly 24g to 39g. A clear understanding of these differences can help you make a more informed choice when considering how much protein is in Arby's chicken and how it fits into your dietary goals.

Quick Summary

The protein content in Arby's chicken offerings varies widely across the menu, with options like the Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich providing around 24-26g while the 5-piece chicken tenders contain up to 39g of protein per serving.

Key Points

Protein Varies Widely: The amount of protein in Arby's chicken depends heavily on the specific menu item, ranging from 24g to over 40g per serving.
Tenders Offer High Protein: The 5-piece chicken tenders provide a significant 39 grams of protein, making it one of the most protein-dense chicken options.
Roast is a Leaner Choice: Arby's roasted chicken products, like the Market Fresh wraps, typically offer a higher protein-to-fat ratio than their crispy, fried counterparts.
Sandwich Protein is Moderate: Crispy chicken sandwiches, including the Classic and Buffalo, generally contain around 24-27 grams of protein.
Watch Add-ons: Ingredients like bacon, cheese, and sauces can increase protein but also dramatically increase calories, fat, and sodium.
Customization is Key: For maximum protein with less fat, a custom-ordered roasted or grilled chicken option without heavy additions is the best bet.
Always Verify Nutrition: Due to potential menu changes, always check the latest official Arby's nutrition guide for the most accurate information.

A Closer Look at Arby's Chicken Protein

For those watching their macronutrient intake, protein is a key consideration, and the method of cooking can drastically alter the final nutritional value. Arby's menu features both crispy (fried) and roast (sometimes called 'grilled' or 'Market Fresh') chicken, each with distinct protein levels and overall nutritional profiles. Crispy items tend to be higher in calories, fat, and sodium due to the breading and frying process, while roasted chicken typically offers a leaner protein source.

To give a precise answer to how much protein is in Arby's chicken, you must analyze individual menu items. For example, a single Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich is reported to contain approximately 24-26 grams of protein. In contrast, the 5-piece order of Chicken Tenders can provide a much higher protein dose, delivering up to 39 grams per serving. Knowing these specifics is crucial for anyone counting macros, whether you're trying to meet a protein target for muscle building or managing calorie intake for weight loss.

Factors Affecting Chicken Protein Content

Preparation Method: Fried, breaded items like the crispy sandwiches and tenders have a different nutritional makeup compared to leaner, roasted versions.
Added Ingredients: The inclusion of cheese, bacon, and sauces (like those in the Buffalo or Chicken Bacon Swiss sandwiches) adds to the total fat, calories, and sometimes protein, but also increases the sodium significantly.
Serving Size: An order of 3-piece tenders will naturally have less protein than a 5-piece order, making serving size a critical factor in your total protein calculation.

Comparison Table: Arby's Chicken Protein by Menu Item


Arby's Chicken Item	Protein (grams)	Calories	Total Fat (grams)	Sodium (mg)
Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich	24g	510	25	1230
5 Piece Chicken Tenders	39g	610	30	1990
3 Piece Chicken Tenders	25g	350	17	970
Roast Chicken Club Sandwich (Old Menu)	30g	460	19	1440
Chicken Bacon Swiss (Crispy)	35g	610	30	1510
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (Crispy)	24g	500	23	1860
Roast Chicken Club Wrap	41g	650	35	1370
Grilled Chicken Breast (Natural)	26g	122	2	520

*Note: Arby's menu items and nutritional information can change. Always check the official Arby's website or in-store guides for the most current data.

Choosing a Higher-Protein Arby's Meal

If maximizing protein is your goal, options like the 5-piece chicken tenders or the roast chicken wraps stand out. For example, the Roast Chicken Club Wrap, which includes turkey and bacon along with the roast chicken, offers a robust 41 grams of protein. By contrast, the Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich offers a moderate amount of protein but comes with a higher fat and sodium load due to the frying process and mayonnaise.

For a leaner, protein-focused option, consider a custom order that includes the grilled or roasted chicken breast without heavy sauces or cheeses. The basic Natural Grilled Chicken Breast, for instance, offers a significant 26 grams of protein with very little fat and fewer calories overall, making it a powerful foundation for a protein-rich meal.

The Impact of Add-ons and Sauces

It's important to remember that the total protein count is only one part of the nutritional picture. Side items and sauces add extra calories, fat, sugar, and sodium. While the 5-piece tenders have the most protein, adding dipping sauces can significantly increase the sugar intake. A salad with a protein add-on can be a good way to manage overall calories while still getting a solid protein serving.

Conclusion

The protein content in Arby's chicken varies significantly across its diverse menu. Whether you're choosing a crispy sandwich, tenders, or a roasted wrap, it's essential to examine the specific nutritional details of each item. Items with breading and frying, such as the Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich, provide a moderate protein amount, while options like the 5-piece Chicken Tenders or roasted wraps offer a much larger protein boost. By consulting Arby's nutritional information, you can strategically select menu items that best align with your personal protein goals while managing other nutritional factors.

Get the most up-to-date information directly from the source:

Arby's Nutrition, Allergen, Ingredients & Gluten Free Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

A 5-piece order of Arby's chicken tenders contains approximately 39 grams of protein. It is important to note that this is the content without any dipping sauces, which would add extra calories and sugar.

The Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Arby's provides around 24 to 26 grams of protein per sandwich, depending on the reporting source.

While the specific content varies by product, Arby's roasted chicken products often have a better protein-to-fat ratio. However, a large portion of crispy chicken, like the 5-piece tenders, can contain a very high absolute amount of protein.

To maximize protein, your best option is to order the largest chicken portion available, such as the 5-piece chicken tenders, or a roasted chicken wrap like the Roast Chicken Club Wrap, which offers 41g of protein.

Yes, Arby's has had grilled chicken options on its menu, sometimes called 'Natural' or included in 'Market Fresh' wraps and sandwiches. The Natural Grilled Chicken Breast item is particularly lean, with 26g of protein.

The Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich contains approximately 24 grams of protein, a comparable amount to the Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

Arby's chicken, especially in larger portions or leaner preparations, can provide a significant amount of protein. The 5-piece tenders, with 39g of protein, could be a suitable post-workout option, though the high fat and sodium content should also be considered.