Chick-fil-A sauce is a popular dipping sauce known for its sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor. It is essentially a blend of honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and mayonnaise, with additional notes of lemon juice and spices. The sauce combines creamy, smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet elements, making it a favorite accompaniment for chicken nuggets, sandwiches, and fries.
Key Ingredients
- Mayonnaise (for creaminess)
- Barbecue sauce (for smoky flavor)
- Honey (for sweetness)
- Yellow mustard (for tanginess)
- Lemon juice (for a touch of acidity)
- Additional spices such as paprika, turmeric, and vinegar may be included in commercial versions
Origin and Description
The sauce was reportedly created by accident in 1980 when an employee mixed barbecue and honey mustard sauces at a Chick-fil-A franchise. It became popular locally before being sold nationwide starting in 2008. Chick-fil-A sauce is now available for purchase in stores and is a staple at Chick-fil-A restaurants
Commercial Ingredients
The commercial sauce includes soybean oil, sugar, tomato paste, vinegar, natural hickory smoke flavor, mustard seed, egg yolk, and preservatives like xanthan gum and calcium disodium EDTA
Homemade Copycat Recipe Example
A simple homemade version can be made by whisking together:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
This mixture replicates the creamy, smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor profile of the original sauce
. In summary, Chick-fil-A sauce is a creamy honey mustard and smoky barbecue sauce blend with a hint of lemon, beloved for its unique and versatile flavor.
