✔ Published · new 5-minute copycat sauce with a spicy version
This copycat Burger King Royal sauce is creamy, tangy and just a little sweet, and it whisks together in 5 minutes flat. Slather it on crispy chicken sandwiches or dunk everything in it!
How Do You Make Burger King-Style Royal Sauce? (Quick Answer)
Whisk 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon honey, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon each onion powder and smoked paprika, pepper and a pinch of salt. Chill 30 minutes, then spread on crispy chicken sandwiches.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Let it chill for 30 minutes before using. The dried garlic and onion need a little time in the mayo to soften, and then it tastes like a real finished sauce instead of a spice mix. Worth the wait!
Why You'll Love This Royal Sauce
- 5 minutes, no cooking, with pantry ingredients.
- Balanced flavor: creamy, tangy, a little sweet and gently savory.
- Made for crispy chicken, and just as good on burgers, wraps and fries.
- Easy to make spicy, with a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
- Keeps for a week, so you can make it ahead.
What Does Royal Sauce Taste Like?
Think of a creamy sandwich spread that sits between plain mayo and honey mustard: rich and smooth, with a little tang, a hint of sweetness and a savory garlic-onion finish. It is milder than our copycat zesty sauce, which gets its kick from horseradish.
It's made for our copycat Burger King Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and it's great on our copycat Original Chicken Sandwich. More drive-thru favorites are in our Burger King copycat recipes.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Use real, full-fat mayonnaise. Light mayo and salad dressing make the sauce thinner and sweeter. Go for the good stuff!
- Dijon, not yellow mustard. Dijon adds a gentle tang without turning the sauce bright yellow or sharp.
- Taste before adding more honey. The sauce should be savory first and only lightly sweet. You can always add, but you can't take away.
- Chill before serving. 30 minutes lets the dried spices hydrate and the flavors cozy up together.
- Spread on a toasted bun. Toasting keeps the bun from soaking up the sauce on a hot crispy chicken sandwich.
- Keep it cold. Store it in the fridge and don't leave it out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F).
Copycat Burger King Royal Sauce
5
servings (2 tbsp)5
minutes0
minutes160
kcal35
minutesA Burger King-inspired Royal sauce: mayonnaise whisked with honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder and smoked paprika into a creamy, tangy, lightly sweet spread. Chill 30 minutes before using on crispy chicken sandwiches. Makes about 2/3 cup.
Ingredients
- For the Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 pinch fine salt
- Optional: Spicy Version
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce
Directions
- Mix and Chill
- Measure the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and spices into a small bowl.
- Whisk until completely smooth and evenly pale golden, about 30 seconds. Add the cayenne now for a spicy version.
- Taste and adjust: a little more honey for sweeter, more lemon for tangier, a pinch more salt if it tastes flat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the garlic and onion flavors bloom.
- Serve
- Spread about 1 tablespoon on each toasted bun for a crispy chicken sandwich, or serve in a small bowl for dipping nuggets and fries.
Like this recipe?
Follow us @recipefairy on Pinterest
Ways to Use Royal Sauce
| Use it on | How much | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy chicken sandwich | 1 tbsp per bun | Toast the bun first; chicken to 165°F (74°C) |
| Chicken nuggets or tenders | 2 tbsp per serving | Serve chilled as a dip |
| Fries, hash browns or onion rings | 2 tbsp per serving | Add cayenne for a spicy dip |
| Burgers | 1 tbsp per bun | Great with lettuce and tomato |
| Wraps and salads | 1 to 2 tbsp | Thin with 1 tsp lemon juice for a dressing |
Storage and Food Safety
- Fridge: keep covered for up to 1 week when made with store-bought mayonnaise.
- At the table: don't leave it out more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).
- Don't freeze: mayonnaise-based sauces separate when thawed.
More Burger King Copycat Recipes
Dip our copycat Burger King chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks or hash brown rounds in it, or spread it on a Whopper-style burger.
See the full list in our Burger King copycat recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Burger King Royal sauce?
The restaurant does not publish a recipe, and it is usually described as a creamy, savory sauce. This copycat gets a similar creamy, tangy and slightly sweet result with mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and pepper.
How do I make spicy Royal sauce?
Whisk 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or 1 to 2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce, into the finished sauce. Taste and add more a pinch at a time.
How long does homemade Royal sauce last?
Made with store-bought mayonnaise, it keeps in a covered container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Do not freeze it, since the mayonnaise separates when thawed.
What can I use Royal sauce on?
It is made for crispy chicken sandwiches, and it also works on burgers, chicken wraps, nuggets, fries, onion rings and grilled chicken. If you cook the chicken yourself, make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Plain Greek yogurt makes a lighter, tangier version. Use 1/2 cup yogurt and add a little extra honey to balance the tang.
