Quick Answer
Arby’s has not officially discontinued the chicken cordon bleu sandwich, but it is no longer featured on their menu. The sandwich appears to have been removed from most, if not all, Arby’s locations sometime in 2022. However, some customers report still being able to order it at select locations. Arby’s has not made any formal announcement regarding the removal of the chicken cordon bleu from their menu.
What is the chicken cordon bleu sandwich?
The Arby’s chicken cordon bleu sandwich featured a breaded and fried chicken breast filet topped with ham and swiss cheese. It was served on a star cut bun. The chicken cordon bleu was introduced by Arby’s back in 2017 as a limited time offering. It returned for additional limited time runs in 2018 and 2019.
Here are some key details about the sandwich:
- Breaded and fried chicken breast filet
- Sliced ham
- Swiss cheese
- Leaf lettuce
- Tomato
- Mayonnaise
- Star cut bun
The sandwich provided a unique take on the classic chicken cordon bleu dish featuring chicken, ham, and cheese.
When did it disappear from the menu?
Reports from customers online indicate the chicken cordon bleu was removed from most, if not all, Arby’s locations at some point in 2022. An exact date is difficult to pinpoint, but it appears to have disappeared from menus in the spring or summer months.
There are some reports of people still being able to order the sandwich at select Arby’s as recently as Fall 2022. However, it is no longer featured on the chain’s online menu or mobile app.
Arby’s has made no formal announcement regarding the removal of the chicken cordon bleu. It simply disappeared without any promotion or notification to customers. This has left some people wondering if it will ever return.
Why would Arby’s discontinue it?
While Arby’s has not provided an official explanation, there are some potential reasons why the chicken cordon bleu may have been discontinued:
- Low sales – As a limited time offering, it may not have been a big seller after the initial launch period.
- Complexity – It required multiple ingredients (chicken, ham, cheese) compared to standard sandwiches.
- Higher costs – Ingredients like ham and swiss likely made it more expensive to produce than other chicken sandwiches.
- Streamlined menu – Arby’s may have decided to simplify offerings and discontinue some underperforming LTOs.
Discontinuing menu items is a common practice in the fast food industry. Removing an item allows companies to focus on more popular products and control costs. The chicken cordon bleu may have been discontinued for any number of business reasons.
Has Arby’s discontinued other menu items?
Yes, Arby’s has discontinued other menu items over the years as part of regular changes and limited time offerings. Some other items that have been removed from their menu include:
- Smokehouse Brisket – Limited time sandwich in 2019
- Bourbon Bacon & Steak – Limited time sandwich in 2020
- Smoke Mountain Sandwich – Limited time sandwich in 2016
- Pork Belly Sandwich – Limited time offering in 2015
- Flatbreads – Removed in 2019 after several years on menu
Discontinuing menu items allows Arby’s to focus on core offerings, introduce new products, or remove underperforming options. It is a standard practice for fast food chains. The chicken cordon bleu appears to be the latest casualty at Arby’s as they tweak the menu.
What are people saying about it?
Many Arby’s customers are disappointed that the chicken cordon bleu appears to have been removed from menus. Here are some reactions:
- “Nooo I loved the chicken cordon bleu sandwich! Bring it back Arby’s!”
- “This was my go-to order. What happened to it?”
- “First they got rid of the Smokehouse Brisket which I loved, now the chicken cordon bleu. Arby’s is breaking my heart!”
- “I wish they’d bring it back. The chicken, ham, and swiss was such a good combo!”
- “SERIOUSLY ARBY’S WHY DID YOU GET RID OF THE CHICKEN CORDON BLEU I LIVED FOR THAT SANDWICH”
Many people praised the flavor combination of breaded chicken, ham, and swiss. Customers seem disappointed to lose this unique sandwich option at Arby’s. There is clearly demand for its return if Arby’s is monitoring consumer comments.
Could it come back in the future?
There is certainly a possibility based on the customer response that Arby’s could bring back the chicken cordon bleu sandwich for a future limited time offering. While they haven’t made any announcements, the company does have a history of occasionally reviving discontinued menu items.
Some examples of LTO sandwiches Arby’s has brought back after removing include:
- Beef ‘n Bacon Cheddar – Originally discontinued in 2016, returned in 2020
- Philly Beef ‘n Cheese – Removed from menus in 2015, brought back in 2018
- Roast Beef Gyro – Taken off menu in 2017, returned for a 2021 LTO
So the chicken cordon bleu could potentially make a comeback on the Arby’s menu at some point down the road. The company may decide to gauge interest and sales before making it a permanent menu item again. But for now it remains discontinued or extremely hard to find at Arby’s locations.
Where else can you find it?
While Arby’s appears to have removed the chicken cordon bleu sandwich, you can still find similar sandwiches at some other restaurant chains. Here are a few places to get a chicken cordon bleu fix:
- Penn Station East Coast Subs – Their menu features a chicken cordon bleu sandwich with fried chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard.
- McAlister’s Deli – Select locations of this deli chain offer a chicken cordon bleu sandwich topped with ham, Swiss, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard.
- Corner Bakery Cafe – Their seasonal menu sometimes includes a chicken cordon bleu Panini with chicken, ham, Swiss cheese and Dijon mayo.
- Homemade – Chicken cordon bleu is easy to make yourself with breast, ham and Swiss cheese.
So while it may no longer be an option at Arby’s, other restaurants do serve some variation of the popular chicken cordon bleu sandwich. Check your local eateries for availability if you are craving this classic flavor combination.
Could Arby’s bring back these discontinued favorites?
In addition to calls for the return of the chicken cordon bleu sandwich, some Arby’s fans are also requesting they resurrect some other discontinued menu items. Here are a few that customers would love to see again:
| Discontinued Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Loaded Italian | Sandwich with salami, capicola, ham, Provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, Italian vinaigrette on star cut bun |
| Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich | Grilled chicken breast with cheddar, bacon, barbecue sauce, spinach, tomato and mayo on a multi-grain bun |
| Chicken Bacon Swiss Croissant | Fried chicken, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a croissant bun |
Bringing back former favorites allows brands like Arby’s to benefit from nostalgia and give customers the taste of “throwback” products they enjoyed. Menu rotation and LTOs also keep the brand feeling fresh. There is certainly demand for Arby’s to resurrect discontinued sandwiches like these fan favorites.
Could Arby’s add more premium sandwiches in the future?
In addition to bringing back former menu items, Arby’s also has an opportunity to add new premium or upscale sandwiches to the menu. This could help them compete with higher-end quick-service chains like Panera Bread or McAlister’s Deli.
Here are some examples of elevated sandwiches and ingredients Arby’s could potentially explore:
- Gourmet cheese – Specialty options like brie, goat cheese, gouda.
- House-roasted meats – Higher quality sliced proteins like oven-roasted turkey, ham, or beef.
- Innovative proteins – Trendy meats like sous vide chicken, pork belly, or smoked brisket.
- International flavors – Global taste inspirations from regions like Italy, France, or Asia.
- Premium breads – Pretzel rolls, brioche, foccacia and other artisanal baked bread.
- Creative Builds – Unexpected combinations like Philly cheesesteak, French dip, banh mi inspired sandwiches.
Moving in a more upscale direction with creative, chef-inspired sandwiches could allow Arby’s to compete in a faster-casual space while commanding higher price points and margins.
Conclusion
It appears the chicken cordon bleu sandwich has likely been discontinued or indefinitely suspended on Arby’s menu, much to the disappointment of many customers. While the company hasn’t made a formal announcement, it is no longer available at most, if not all, locations as of 2022. There is always a possibility this unique LTO sandwich makes a comeback in the future, just like other limited-run classics have done. Fans who still crave that signature blend of breaded chicken, ham and Swiss cheese do have some alternative options at restaurants like Penn Station or McAlister’s Deli. In the meantime, Arby’s would be wise to monitor feedback and consider bringing back favorites while also potentially expanding their offerings into more premium sandwiches. The chicken cordon bleu may be gone for now, but for Arby’s customers, hope of its eventual return lives on.