chick fil a sauce recipe is hands down the reason I ever bother getting takeout sometimes, but honestly, who has the budget for drive-thru every week? Not me, that’s for sure. Plus, the craving hits when it’s not convenient, doesn’t it always? So if you love dunking crispy nuggets or even drizzling it on your fries, you’ve probably wondered if you can make it at home (yes, and way easier than expected). Side note, if you need something sweet after, you have to try this apple pie filling recipe—total comfort food. Speaking of chicken, you can up your dinner game with these best chicken marinade recipes. Anyways, let’s talk sauce.
Table of Contents
Tips & Substitutions
Alright, first thing’s first: you do not need to buy a boatload of fancy ingredients for this copycat Chick fil A sauce. Trust me, the magic is in the basics. If you’re out of honey, swap in a little maple syrup (it’s a stretch, okay, but sometimes desperation kicks in). No Dijon? Plain yellow mustard totally does the trick. I’m personally not above stirring in smoked paprika instead of regular if I want a little drama. And PSA: always taste as you go. Your sweet tooth might be stronger than mine—adjust the honey. Want it a tiny bit tangier? Squeeze in an extra shot of lemon juice, or even a tiny dash of vinegar.
Also, don’t limit this sauce to just chicken. Slap it on burgers, dunk your fries, or mix into your chicken and gravy recipe for an unexpected twist. It keeps in the fridge for a few days, but in my house, it never lasts that long. My cousin put it on his chicken-broccoli rice casserole. Wild, but shockingly delicious.
“I made your Chick fil A sauce last night, and my family licked the bowl—literally—so I doubled it for our next cookout!”

More Sauce & Dressing Recipes
Can we just say it’s kinda addictive trying new sauces at home? I find that once you nail the copycat Chick fil A sauce, you’ve got the confidence to mix up your own spins next time. If you like a creamy vibe, check out a magic homemade ranch or a bold spicy buffalo dip. Ever heard of homemade Raising Cane’s chicken tenders sauce? That’s spun my cravings in a whole new direction. Pro tip: Have these on hand for picky eaters or, if you’re like me, a fridge full of random chicken leftovers. There’s a reason bottled dressings don’t give you the same joy as something mixed fresh.
My group of friends once went “sauce crazy” for a potluck—each of us brought a homemade dip. Y’all, nobody even touched the plain ketchup.

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (not miracle whip, please)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon if you’re feeling zesty)
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce (the smokier, the better)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or go wild, use maple in emergencies)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of smoked paprika (regular paprika is totally fine)
- Salt (just a whisker, adjust to taste)

Get the Recipe
Ready for this? Dump everything in a bowl. Seriously, just chuck it all in. Grab a fork or whisk and mix until it looks smooth and “saucy.” Done. That’s it. Taste it right now—if it feels a little flat, toss in a bit more lemon or honey. If you want that exact restaurant vibe, let it chill in the fridge for ten minutes (if you can wait that long). Sometimes I double-batch this stuff and put it on literally everything.
Great with nuggets, fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, or hey, slather it on a quick wrap. If you really want to go full “copycat,” serve it with this chicken and broccoli rice casserole recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
- Use as a dipping sauce for nuggets or fries.
- Spread on sandwiches for an epic lunch.
- Swirl into wraps or tortillas.
- Spoon over a simple grilled chicken salad for extra oomph.
Rate This Recipe
Be honest, did you nail the copycat Chick fil A sauce the first time? I’ll admit, my first try needed more honey (I was stingy—don’t be me). Drop a comment or rate how your batch turned out, honestly! Your feedback helps fellow readers know if this one’s foolproof or if you had to tweak things to match the real deal. If your friends buzz about it, that’s a victory lap.
“Never expected to crave a homemade sauce on day-old veggies, but this one honestly makes anything irresistible.”
Common Questions
How long does this sauce stay fresh?
It’ll keep in your fridge for about a week. Make sure to use a clean spoon every time to avoid funky flavors showing up.
Can I make it without mayo?
That’s tough. Mayo makes it creamy. You could try Greek yogurt if you’re feeling adventurous, but it’ll taste totally different.
Does it work with spicy barbecue sauces?
For sure! If you like heat, use a spicy BBQ and even add some hot sauce on purpose. It’s your kitchen, your rules.
What can I serve this sauce with?
Literally everything, but grilled chicken, crispy nuggets, and even as a dip for roasted veggies are my regulars.
Can I freeze copycat Chick fil A sauce?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The texture turns a bit funky after thawing, trust me.
Go Make This Chick fil A Sauce Happen
So that’s really it, my ridiculously simple but “five-star restaurant” take on the legendary copycat Chick fil A sauce. You control the sweet, smoky, and tangy, and honestly, friends and family will lose their minds when you bring it out. Check out these versions too for extra inspo: this tasty homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe – A Beautiful Mess or how Copycat Chick Fil A Sauce – Family Fresh Meals does it. Want to geek out on technique? How to Make Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce | America’s Test Kitchen deep-dives the science for you. Now, go dip something!

Chick fil A Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise not miracle whip, please
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard or Dijon if you’re feeling zesty
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce the smokier, the better
- 1 tablespoon honey or go wild, use maple in emergencies
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- pinch smoked paprika regular paprika is totally fine
- to taste salt just a whisker, adjust to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Dump everything in a bowl.
- Grab a fork or whisk and mix until smooth and ‘saucy’.
- Taste and adjust lemon or honey to your preference.
- Chill in the fridge for ten minutes for best results.