✔ Updated · video, step photos and storage times
Chick-fil-A sauce is the thing I always ask for extra of at our local Chick-fil-A, so I worked out this copycat for home. It's creamy, sweet, smoky and tangy, and a jar takes about five minutes.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Chill it for 30 minutes before serving. Straight after mixing it tastes like separate ingredients; after a rest it tastes like one sauce.
Why You'll Love This Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
- Six pantry ingredients, most are already in your fridge door.
- Tastes right, honey mustard meets smoky barbecue.
- Make a jar, it keeps for a week in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Pick a smoky barbecue sauce. A sweet, mild one leaves the sauce tasting like plain honey mustard. If yours isn't smoky, add a drop or two of liquid smoke.
- Whisk, don't stir. Honey loves to sink to the bottom. A small whisk gets it smooth in 30 seconds.
- Make it lighter. Swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. It's a little tangier, still creamy.
- Little helpers. Measuring and whisking is a great first kitchen job for kids. Just keep the honey jar close.
- Double or triple it. The recipe scales perfectly. Honestly, I could eat it with a spoon, and I have been caught dunking a fry straight into the jar.
- Storage. Don't leave it out longer than 2 hours. Covered in the fridge, it keeps up to 1 week. I don't freeze it, because mayonnaise separates and turns watery when thawed.
Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
6
servings5
minutes0
minutes95
kcal35
minutesA copycat inspired by Chick-fil-A sauce: creamy mayonnaise whisked with honey, smoky barbecue sauce, yellow and Dijon mustard and a squeeze of lemon. Sweet, smoky and tangy, ready in 5 minutes. Makes about 2/3 cup.
Ingredients
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Add the mayonnaise, honey, barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, Dijon and lemon juice to a small bowl.
- Whisk until completely smooth and an even caramel color.
- Taste and adjust: more honey for sweeter, more barbecue sauce for smokier, more lemon for tang.
- Spoon into a jar, cover and chill for 30 minutes so the flavors blend. Serve with nuggets, fries or sandwiches.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Once you mix all ingredients, you can store the sauce in the fridge for about half an hour to let the flavors come together.
Like this recipe?
Follow us @recipefairy on Pinterest
What to Serve It With
Dunk my copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets in it, spread it on a crispy chicken sandwich or serve it with a side of Chick-fil-A-style mac and cheese. Love dipping sauces? Try my Cane's-style sauce too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chick-fil-A sauce made of?
The flavor is a mix of honey mustard and smoky barbecue sauce in a creamy mayonnaise base. This copycat uses mayo, honey, barbecue sauce, yellow and Dijon mustard and lemon juice to get that sweet, smoky, tangy taste.
Is Chick-fil-A sauce the same as Polynesian sauce?
No. Chick-fil-A sauce is creamy, smoky and honey-mustardy. Polynesian sauce is a sweet-and-sour, red, vinegar-based sauce with no mayonnaise.
How long does homemade Chick-fil-A sauce last?
Up to 1 week in a covered jar in the fridge. Keep it chilled, and don't leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, because it's mayonnaise based.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream instead. The sauce will be tangier and slightly thinner, so add an extra teaspoon of honey to balance it.
What do you eat Chick-fil-A sauce with?
Chicken nuggets, chicken strips, waffle fries and chicken sandwiches are the classics. It's also great as a burger spread, a wrap sauce or a dip for sweet potato fries.
