Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce

This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce is a spot-on homemade version of the famous Chick-fil-A sauce. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, it comes together in minutes and instantly upgrades fries, sandwiches, wraps, and grilled chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, simple, and incredibly versatile. You only need five common ingredients and a bowl to mix them in. The balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, and you can easily adjust it to suit your personal taste. It’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Directions

Add the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, lemon juice, and mustard to a medium bowl.
Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and evenly combined.
Taste and adjust if needed, adding a little more honey for sweetness or lemon juice for tang.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce, which equals approximately 8 servings of 2 tablespoons each.
Preparation time is 5 minutes.
Chilling time is 30 minutes.
Total time is about 35 minutes.

Variations

For a smokier flavor, use a smoky-style barbecue sauce.
For a tangier sauce, increase the mustard to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
For a lighter sweetness, reduce the honey to 3 tablespoons.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of paprika or a small amount of chili sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Stir well before each use, as natural separation may occur.
This sauce is served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

FAQs

What does this sauce taste like?

It has a creamy texture with a balance of sweet honey, tangy mustard and lemon, and smoky barbecue flavor.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling, making it ideal to prepare a day in advance.

Is this sauce good for sandwiches?

Absolutely, it works great as a spread for chicken sandwiches, wraps, and burgers.

Can I use light mayonnaise?

Yes, light mayonnaise can be used, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

What barbecue sauce works best?

A classic, mildly smoky barbecue sauce gives the most balanced flavor.

Can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the honey by one tablespoon and add a little extra mustard or lemon juice.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if all your individual ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch.

How long should it chill before serving?

At least 30 minutes is recommended for the best flavor.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may separate when thawed.

Conclusion

This copycat Chick-fil-A sauce is an easy and reliable way to recreate a restaurant favorite at home. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a must-have sauce for dipping, spreading, and sharing with family and friends. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your refrigerator.

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