Arby's added three new cheesesteak variations to its menu starting October 12, 2026, and this time the star is chicken rather than the chain's signature roast beef.

Sporked reports the lineup includes the Chicken Cheesesteak with seared, seasoned chicken, melty American Cooper cheese and caramelized onions on a toasted sesame roll; a Chicken Deluxe Cheesesteak adding crisp shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes; and a Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak finished with a spicy glaze for extra heat.

All three are available in-restaurant, at the drive-thru, online and via the Arby's app at participating U.S. locations.

For a chain built on roast beef, the surprising move is the protein: Sporked notes beef is 'taking a back seat' while chicken Cheesesteaks become the addition everyone is ordering.

The Economic Times reports the launch follows the Angus Cheesesteak introduced earlier in 2026, which became a permanent menu item featuring thinly shaved Angus beef.

Instead of relying only on traditional beef options, Arby's continues expanding its menu with different takes on familiar favorites — a notable pivot for a brand whose identity is so tightly bound to beef sandwiches, and one outlets say gives customers a genuine choice beyond the usual burger-and-beef routine.

Both outlets describe a similar construction underneath the three variations. According to Sporked, the chicken is seared with a seasoning blend starring garlic, onion and paprika, then sliced and cooked sous vide for an extra-juicy result.

The Economic Times says the chicken is marinated in that spice blend, cooked sous vide to stay moist, then seared and served with cheese on a toasted sesame roll — and identifies the cheese as Cooper Sharp, an aged American cheese often linked with Philly-style cheesesteaks.

The choice of a Philly-associated cheese on a chicken sandwich is the kind of detail fast-food watchers are already debating.

Here is the catch fans should know: Sporked reports the three sandwiches will not stick around forever and have only been promised at participating locations for a limited time, with no end date announced.

The Economic Times likewise notes Arby's has not said when the Chicken Cheesesteaks will leave the menu and suggests checking with your local restaurant on availability.

It also frames the launch within a busy year for the chain — which operates more than 3,500 restaurants and is part of Inspire Brands — after the return of sliders and Steak Nuggets and the new French Dip Royale. The lesson both outlets share: try one now, not later.