Chick-fil-A sauce is nothing short of heavenly. This secret sauce tastes fantastic with anything on the Chick-fil-A menu (and its secret menu). Since it’s not possible (or probably in our best interest) to head to Chick-fil-A daily to get our fix, we felt it was high time to create a Chick-fil-A sauce recipe that’s easy to make at home.
Keep reading for all the “saucy” details. Then make one of these Chick-fil-A copycat recipes to dip into it!
What Does Chick-fil-A Sauce Taste Like?
It’s creamy, tangy, sweet and smoky. This golden-hued dipping sauce has been around for decades, and its proprietary blend of ingredients (allegedly ranch, honey mustard and barbecue sauce) keeps customers coming back for more.
Key Ingredients in Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
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You don’t need much to make a spot-on Chick-fil-A sauce recipe. However, selecting the right option for each ingredient is the secret to making the best copycat Chick-fil-A sauce at home.
Mayonnaise
In testing, we found that real mayonnaise yielded the most authentic-tasting copycat Chick-fil-A sauce. Light mayonnaise and Miracle Whip simply didn’t give this sauce the right flavor. That said, feel free to use a mayo brand made with avocado oil or olive oil if you want to.
Mustard
If you do a search for copycat Chick-fil-A sauce, you’ll see recipes listing everything from yellow mustard to spicy brown mustard and honey mustard. We found that a good-quality Dijon mustard was the best choice. It has the right amount of bite and acidity, so there’s no need to add extra acid (many other recipes add white or apple cider vinegar).
Barbecue Sauce
What is the best barbecue sauce for homemade Chick-fil-A sauce? You want a sauce that’s sweet but not overly sweet. A Kansas City barbecue sauce or Memphis-style barbecue sauce both have a nice balance of sweet and tangy. (Learn more about the different regional styles of BBQ sauce.)
Honey
While you could use store-bought honey mustard that already has honey in it, we liked using the real deal (any type of honey will do). Packaged honey mustard often contains extra artificial sweeteners. In contrast, pure honey has natural sweetness that shines in the finished sauce.
Editor’s Tip: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the recipe. More or less may be required depending on the barbecue sauce brand or recipe used.
How to Make Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce at Home
This recipe makes about 3/4 cup of sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
Directions
Step 1: Combine
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In a medium bowl, combine the mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce and honey.
Step 2: Stir
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Stir everything together until evenly mixed. Then spread, drizzle and/or dip to your heart’s content.
Tips for Making Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
How to Store Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce
You can store this copycat Chick-fil-A sauce recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Recipe Variations
Because we know we can’t be the only ones who like to mix our Chick-fil-A sauces together, here are some of our favorite ways to put a twist on the classic recipe:
- Spicy Chick-fil-A Sauce: Opt for a spicy barbecue sauce and/or spicy brown mustard rather than Dijon. A dash of black pepper never hurt either.
- Buffalo Chick-fil-A Sauce: Add a few teaspoons of your favorite buffalo sauce to the recipe.
- Polynesian Chick-Fil-A Sauce: Inspired by those who enjoy mixing Chick-fil-A sauce with Polynesian sauce, add a few tablespoons of homemade Sweet-and-Sour Sauce to the copycat recipe above.
- Healthy Chick-fil-A Sauce: Swap the mayo for low-fat Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add some protein. Light sour cream is another healthy alternative to consider.
What to Serve with Chick-fil-A Sauce
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Replicate your Chick-fil-A order at home with copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets or a fried chicken sandwich. This copycat Chick-fil-A sauce recipe would be great served with one of these slow cooker pulled pork recipes or oven-baked french fries, too!
Our Best Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes
Loaded Grilled Chicken SandwichI threw these ingredients together on a whim and the sandwich turned out so well, I surprised myself! If you're in a rush, microwave the bacon—just cover it with a paper towel to keep it from spattering too much. —Dana York, Kennewick, Washington
Inspired By: Chick-fil-A Cobb SaladThis skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Fun fact: Did you know
Chick-fil-A salad dressings are coming to their menu in 2023?
Inspired By: Chicken NuggetsI developed this recipe specifically to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. The first time I made them I knew I had a winner because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine equal parts barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to taste. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia
Inspired By: Chick-Fil-A SauceThis fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
Inspired By: Fresh Brewed Sweet TeaA pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. —kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member
Inspired By: Chick-Fil-A Butter BiscuitYou can make biscuits any day of the week with this simple 3-ingredient buttermilk biscuits recipe.
Inspired By: Chicken Noodle Soup SideWhen I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
Inspired By: Grilled Chicken Cool WrapThis portable recipe is perfect for outdoor dining in the summertime. We like the fun, fresh spin on regular coleslaw using pineapple and toasted almonds. —Barb Agnew, Mahnomen, Minnesota
Microwave Egg SandwichIf you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Inspired By: Garlic and Herb Ranch SauceRanch dressing got its start on a real dude ranch in California. Punch up the western original with green salsa, green chiles, jalapenos and cilantro for more color and spice. Serve the dip along with your favorite wings to feed a crowd. —Lindsay Duke, Goodrich, Texas
Chicken StripsHere's how to deep-fry or bake crispy, golden chicken strips, plus tons of ideas for how to serve them.
Inspired By: Fresh-Squeezed LemonadeA friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Loaded Waffle FriesMake any dinner fun with my Loaded Waffle Fries, topped with a savory blend of cheese, scallions and bacon. I copied this family-favorite recipe from a local restaurant, and it's great with hot dogs, burgers or by itself. —Jeffrey Viccone, Decatur, Illinois
Star-Spangled ParfaitsThe best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors. —Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Strawberry MilkshakeGrab your spoon: this strawberry milkshake is thick, bright with strawberry flavor and infinitely customizable.
Asian Chicken SaladOur Asian chicken salad transforms the classic American chicken salad into a vibrant, Asian-inspired dish in just 25 minutes, combining familiar flavors with exciting textures and tastes.
Inspired By: 4 Chick-n-MinisMy 11-year-old son invented these sliders at dinner one night when he set his chicken on a biscuit. The rest of us tried it his way, and now we enjoy these sandwiches all the time. —Jodie Kolsan, Palm Coast, Florida
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee ShakesThe winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
Inspired By: Barbeque SauceI've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
Breakfast BurritosI discovered breakfast burritos at a workshop of holiday breakfasts offered at our church. It was a big hit! It works really well when you're cooking for a crowd. I like to serve salsa or hot sauce with them. —Catherine Allan, Twin Falls, Idaho
Inspired By: Chick-fil-A Grilled Market SaladMy family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Inspired By: Hash BrownsEver since we met, my husband has made me hash browns with bacon, pepper jack and sour cream. We share it when we have guests, too. —Annie Ciszak Pazar, Anchorage, Alaska
