Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe

This Chick-fil-A Sauce recipe tastes exactly like the iconic sauce from the restaurant. It’s smooth, flavorful, and so addictive that you’ll want to dip everything in it — from Chick-fil-A Nuggets and waffle fries to burgers and sandwiches. Best of all, this copycat Chick-fil-A sauce comes together in just a minute with a few simple pantry staples. It’s so easy to make that you’ll never need to hoard those little restaurant packets again! I’ve recreated some of the most famous sauces out there — like my In-N-Out Sauce and Shake Shack Sauce — but I have to say, this one is my personal favorite. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and smoky, and once you taste it, you’ll never want to go through the drive-thru again!

Why I Love This Chick-fil-A Sauce

If you’ve ever been to Chick-fil-A, then you already know how special their sauces are. And while they have a few amazing ones on the menu, the original Chick-fil-A sauce will always have my heart. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a subtle smoky flavor that makes it unlike any other dipping sauce out there.

For years, I found myself driving to Chick-fil-A just to grab a few extra packets of the sauce — until I finally decided to recreate it at home. After testing different combinations, I came up with this spot-on copycat version, and honestly, I think it’s even better than the original.

This homemade Chick-fil-A sauce couldn't be easier to make, and it legit takes less than one minute — and you might even have all the ingredients in your pantry. It’s made with mayonnaise, honey, mustard, and barbecue sauce, blended together to create that signature Chick-fil-A flavor that’s both smoky and sweet.

I love pairing it with my Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets, but it’s just as good drizzled on a Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich, served with fries, or as a dressing for a Southwest-style salad . And if you really want to recreate the full Chick-fil-A experience, finish your meal with my Chick Fil A cookie recipe for dessert.

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tablespoons honey
• ¾ tablespoon (2 ¼ teaspoons) yellow mustard
• ¾ tablespoon (2 ¼ teaspoons) barbecue sauce
• ¾ teaspoon lemon juice

How To Make Chick-fil-A Sauce

Step 1. Combine the ingredients

 Add the mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice to a small or medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 2. Mix the ingredients

Mix everything together with a fork until all the sauce ingredients are fully combined into a smooth mixture. 

Step 3. Serve

Refrigerate the sauce in a sealed jar or container until you're ready to use it. Pair the homemade Chick-fil-A sauce with your favorite things, such as French fries and chicken nuggets.

Expert Tips for The Best Chick-fil-A Sauce

• Use high-quality ingredients for authentic flavor. Since this copycat Chick-fil-A sauce only uses a handful of ingredients, quality matters. Choose full-fat mayonnaise for creaminess and a premium smoky BBQ sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s) for that restaurant-style depth. These two ingredients build the base of the sauce’s texture and flavor, so using the best versions makes a big difference.
• Balance sweet and tangy flavors to taste. The beauty of making this homemade Chick-fil-A sauce is that you can adjust it exactly how you like. For a sweeter flavor, add a touch more honey; for extra tang, increase the mustard or add a splash of vinegar. The right balance is all about your palate — the goal is to get that perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet with a subtle smokiness in every bite.
• Chill before serving for the best flavor. While you can eat it right away, refrigerating the sauce for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour allows the flavors to meld together and intensify. This rest time turns a good sauce into an amazing one — thicker, smoother, and closer to the real deal.
• Add smoked paprika for that signature smoky undertone. The secret to achieving that iconic Chick-fil-A smoky flavor is a small pinch of smoked paprika, about a ¼ teaspoon. It subtly enhances the BBQ notes and deepens the sauce’s color. If you want even more smoky flavor, add 1–2 drops of liquid smoke — but go easy, as it can quickly overpower the other ingredients.
• Whisk until smooth and silky. To get that perfectly creamy, restaurant-quality texture, whisk the ingredients thoroughly until completely emulsified. If the sauce seems too thick, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar or warm water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Make a double batch — you’ll want it on everything. This sauce is so versatile that you'll use it quickly, trust me! Double the recipe and store it in a sealed glass jar for up to a week. It’s not just for nuggets — it’s amazing on chicken sandwiches, wraps, burgers, fries, or even as a salad dressing or dipping sauce for veggies.
• Customize the flavor profile. If you like your Chick-fil-A dipping sauce a little spicier, add a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder for a kick. For extra tang, stir in a small spoonful of Dijon or spicy brown mustard. Want it sweeter? A drizzle of maple syrup or extra honey rounds it out perfectly.

Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe FAQs

What is Chick-fil-A sauce made of?

The Chick-fil-A sauce is a simple yet flavorful blend of mayonnaise, yellow mustard, honey, BBQ sauce, and a splash of lemon or rice vinegar. That’s it — just five ingredients! Some people even skip the BBQ sauce, but it’s what adds the smoky depth that makes the sauce taste exactly like the restaurant’s version.

What is the secret ingredient in Chick-fil-A sauce?

The secret ingredient is honey. It adds natural sweetness, a glossy texture, and that distinctive sticky-sweet finish that balances the tangy mustard and smoky BBQ. Without honey, the sauce loses its signature flavor, so don’t skip it!

Does this taste exactly like the Chick-fil-A original?

Yes — this copycat Chick-fil-A sauce recipe tastes nearly identical to the restaurant version. The combination of mayo for creaminess, BBQ sauce for smokiness, and honey for sweetness recreates that unmistakable flavor. In blind taste tests (yes, I’ve tried it!), most people can’t tell the difference.

Can I make Chick-fil-A sauce without BBQ sauce?

You can! If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can substitute 1 teaspoon ketchup + ½ teaspoon liquid smoke for a similar effect. The sauce will still be creamy, tangy, and sweet — just slightly less smoky.

How long does Chick-fil-A sauce last?

Store the sauce in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk before serving.

Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

This recipe is actually naturally dairy-free since it’s made with mayo, mustard, honey, and BBQ sauce (none contain milk). Just check that your chosen mayo brand is dairy-free. If you want to make a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and swap the honey with a dash of sugar.

Does Chick-fil-A make their own sauces?

Yes, Chick-fil-A makes all their sauces in-house, including this signature blend. They now sell bottled versions of their most popular sauces in many grocery stores, but making it from scratch at home gives you the same flavor for a fraction of the cost.

What’s the most popular Chick-fil-A sauce?

This one! The original Chick-fil-A sauce is the restaurant’s most iconic and best-selling flavor. It’s followed closely by Honey Roasted BBQ, which has a similar flavor profile but a more pronounced smoky note.

Can I scale this recipe up for a crowd?

Yes — this sauce multiplies beautifully. Just keep the ratios the same and store it in a large jar or squeeze bottle. It’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prep when you want that Chick-fil-A flavor on hand all week long.

What can I serve this sauce with?

This sauce goes well with everything! Try it with grilled nuggets, chicken tenders, baked chicken, burgers, sandwiches, garlic fries, or even as a dip for vegetables or onion rings. It also makes an amazing sandwich spread or salad dressing.

Delicious Sauce Recipes To Try Next

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• McDonalds breakfast sauce
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• Blove sauce
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• Wingstop ranch dressing recipe