Rachel PerlmutterCulinary Producer
Rachel Perlmutter is a recipe developer, food stylist, and culinary producer at The Kitchn. Originally from Houston, Texas, she spends her free time trying to perfect kolaches and breakfast tacos that taste like home. Rachel currently lives in Brooklyn with her partner, dog, cat and rabbit, where they all share a love of seasonal local produce.
published Dec 5, 2023
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Mix smoky barbecue sauce, sweet honey, and tangy mustard together to make the most satisfying dipping sauce.
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Smoky, tangy, rich — there’s a lot to love about Chick-Fil-A sauce. This flavorful dipping sauce came on the scene and I’ve been in love ever since. My favorite part about it: It’s easy to replicate at home with condiments I always have on hand.
Sometimes copycat recipes don’t quite hit the mark, but this one passes the test (and by test, I mean the blind taste test performed by my partner and me). This homemade version was indistinguishable from the original. And much like the original, this dipping sauce is the perfect complement to crispy fries — especially the waffle variety — and chicken nuggets.
The History of Chick-Fil-A Sauce
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the early 1980s, franchise operator Hugh Fleming started making honey mustard to serve alongside their chicken nuggets because Chick-Fil-A didn’t have any sauces at the time. Then one day, an employee accidentally mixed some barbecue sauce into the honey mustard. From there, the sauce became wildly popular in the area and remained a local specialty for years.
Before retiring in 2007, Fleming gave Chick-Fil-A the recipe and they started distributing the sauce in their signature containers in restaurants nationwide the following year. Today, it’s the company’s most popular sauce.
What Is Chick-Fil-A Sauce Made Out Of?
The sauce sold in stores is a combination of their honey mustard, barbecue, and ranch sauces, but you can recreate it to perfection with just five ingredients.
- Barbecue sauce. Classic tomato-based barbecue sauce gives it that signature smokiness.
- Yellow mustard. Adds a savory bite and the signature golden color.
- Honey. The sweetness balances out the mustard.
- Mayonnaise. Adds richness and tang.
- Lemon. A splash of fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the store-bought condiments.
What to Eat with Chick-Fil-A Sauce
- Waffle fries
- Chicken nuggets or tenders
- Cajun fries
- A sandwich
Chick-Fil-A Sauce Recipe
Mix smoky barbecue sauce, sweet honey, and tangy mustard together to make the most satisfying dipping sauce.
Prep time 5 minutes
Makes 3/4 cup
Serves 4 to 6
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1/2
medium lemon
- 1/2 cup
mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons
plus 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons
tomato-based barbecue sauce, such as Sweet Baby Ray’s
- 1 tablespoon
prepared yellow mustard
Instructions
Juice 1/2 medium lemon until you have 1 teaspoon. Place in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon honey, 2 tablespoons tomato-based barbecue sauce, and 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard. Stir until smooth. Serve at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for 1 hour if you want to serve it chilled.
Recipe Notes
Make ahead: The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
