Deborah Raney's Arby's-style Chicken Salad

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched her writing career after twenty happy years as a stay-at-home mom. 

She is currently writing a new five-book series, the The Chicory Inn Novels. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, recently traded small-town life in Kansas––the setting of many of Deb's novels––for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita. They love traveling to visit four children and five grandchildren who all live much too far away. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

Deborah's Latest Book Release - Two Roads Home 

Nagging setbacks continue to challenge Grant and Audrey Whitman's initiation into the world of inn keeping, but larger challenges brew when an occasional flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitman's son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington's outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. 

But Corinne and Jesse are both restless—and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped up charges of harassment from a disgruntled co-worker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk. With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a beautiful life before it crumbles beneath them? Purchase the book HERE. 

Deborah's Recipe for Arby’s-style Chicken Salad

6 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic salt, and either stewed or grilled under the broiler for 8-10 minutes on each side

2 medium apples, cored and diced

1 small-medium bunch of grapes (if grapes are large, slice in half)

1 small to medium onion finely chopped

diced celery, if desired

3/4- 1 cup pecan pieces

1 cup mayo mixed with 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (This helps keep the diced apples from turning dark)

Chicken may be diced or shredded (Kitchenaide stand mixer paddle attachment works great for shredding poultry)

Add other prepared ingredients, except for pecans. Toss with mayo dressing and chill. Stir in pecans just before serving (to keep them from getting soggy). Serve on a lettuce leaf, or as filling for a wrap or croissant sandwich.