Last week, I decided to make this sauce from scratch after craving that familiar flavor. The Chick-Fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce is one of the most beloved sauces from the famous fast-food chain. Creamy, tangy, and smoky-sweet — it’s the secret behind the flavor of their grilled chicken sandwiches. My family loves dipping everything in it, from fries to nuggets — but what I love most is how easy it is to prepare. In just a few minutes, you can create a rich, golden sauce that tastes even better than store-bought versions. The best part is that you can adjust the flavor exactly how you like it: sweeter, smokier, or tangier.

I have made this several times now, and every batch turns out delicious. I use good-quality honey and a hickory-style barbecue sauce for that signature smokiness. Always whisk everything thoroughly and warm it gently — this makes the texture silky and helps all the flavors melt together perfectly.

You can serve it with chicken nuggets, crispy fries, some grilled vegetables, also with sandwiches, wraps, and even seafood. It’s that kind of sauce that makes every dish feel a little more special and satisfying.

It’s Perfect For:

• Grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps
• Dipping crispy chicken nuggets or tenders
• Fries, onion rings, and roasted potatoes
• As a burger spread or glaze
• Brushed over grilled meats, seafood, or wings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (use a smoky-style BBQ sauce for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan
• Airtight jar or container
• Rubber spatula

How to Make Chick-Fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce

Step 1

Prepare the base: In a medium-sized bowl, add the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, and yellow mustard. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy. The mixture should already start to look golden and glossy.

Step 2

Add the flavor boosters: Stir in the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. These ingredients balance out the sweetness with tangy and smoky notes. Taste the sauce — you should get that signature sweet-and-smoky Chick-fil-A flavor. Adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3

Simmer for richness: Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully and gives the sauce a slightly thicker, silkier consistency. Do not boil — gentle heating is enough to make it perfect.

Step 4

Cool and serve: Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. Once cooled, it will thicken a bit more, creating that creamy, dippable texture. Transfer it to a jar or small bowl for serving.

Tips for the Best Chick-Fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce

• Use real honey for depth. Natural honey has a more complex sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky barbecue flavor.
• Pick the right BBQ sauce. Go for one that’s smoky or mesquite-style. It gives that signature Chick-Fil-A flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Don’t skip Dijon mustard. It adds a smooth, slightly sharp tang that ties the flavors together beautifully.
• Heat slowly and gently. Warming the sauce helps the ingredients blend but don’t overheat or it may separate.
• Adjust sweetness gradually. Add honey little by little and taste as you go. The balance between sweet and tangy is what makes this sauce shine.
• Chill before serving. Let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to thicken and develop flavor before serving.
• Use it beyond dipping. Brush it on wings, drizzle over wraps, or toss it into pasta salad — it’s more versatile than you think.

Optional Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce for a spicy twist
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar for extra caramel sweetness
• A few drops of liquid smoke for deeper flavor
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt for a tangier version
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne for a kick of heat
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for umami richness

How to Serve Chick-Fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce

I love serving this sauce warm and fresh out of the pan, especially with grilled chicken or nuggets. The creamy texture and shiny glaze cling perfectly to every bite, creating that signature Chick-Fil-A flavor that’s both sweet and smoky. When I make it at home, I like to drizzle it over grilled chicken sandwiches or wraps for an extra punch of flavor.

I also use this sauce as a dip during parties. It’s a crowd favorite when paired with crispy fries, onion rings, or roasted veggies. Everyone always ends up asking for the recipe — it’s just that addictive. I often keep a small jar of it in the fridge for easy dipping anytime we have something fried or roasted.

When I’m cooking dinner, I sometimes brush this sauce over chicken wings or shrimp skewers in the last few minutes of grilling. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a shiny coating that’s full of flavor. It’s not just a sauce — it’s the little touch that makes a meal unforgettable.

Is Chick-Fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce Healthy?

This sauce is relatively wholesome when enjoyed in moderation. It’s made from simple ingredients like honey, mustard, and mayonnaise — no artificial colors or preservatives like store-bought brands. The sweetness comes from real honey, and the smoky tang comes from natural BBQ sauce.

You can make it even healthier by using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version. It’s a delicious, homemade way to enjoy your favorite fast-food flavor without the guilt.

Variations and Substitutions

• Low-Fat Version
  Use light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt instead of regular mayo. It keeps the texture creamy while cutting down on calories.
• Spicy Honey BBQ
  Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or crushed chili flakes to bring a little heat to the mix. Perfect for spicy food lovers.
• Vegan Substitute
  Replace mayo with vegan mayo and use maple syrup instead of honey. The result is creamy, plant-based, and delicious.
• Extra Smoky Flavor
  Stir in a drop or two of liquid smoke or use a mesquite BBQ sauce. This version is great for grilling enthusiasts.
• Sweet-Tangy Blend
  Mix a little more honey and lemon juice for a refreshing twist that works great as a salad dressing or sandwich spread.
• Garlic Lover’s Edition
  Add 1 teaspoon roasted minced garlic. It brings out a deep, savory flavor that’s perfect for meats.
• Tropical BBQ
  Add a tablespoon of pineapple juice for a fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with shrimp or pork.
• Maple Glaze Version
  Swap the honey for maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon. This cozy version is perfect for fall and winter meals.

How to Store and How to Reheat

Store your Chick-Fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce in a sealed glass jar or airtight container. It lasts up to 7 days in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Always stir before using since it can thicken slightly when chilled.

To reheat, warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Avoid using high heat or microwaving for too long, as that may cause the sauce to separate. If it thickens too much, whisk in a teaspoon of water or milk to restore its smooth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-Fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce

What makes Chick-Fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce different from regular BBQ sauce?
This sauce is creamier and less tangy than regular BBQ sauce. It has a balance of smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors from the honey and mustard blend, giving it a smoother, richer taste.

Can I use this sauce on more than just chicken?
Absolutely! It pairs wonderfully with fish, grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, or even as a salad dressing. I’ve also used it as a burger spread, and it adds amazing flavor.

Can I skip the Dijon mustard?
You can, but Dijon adds a subtle sharpness that really balances the honey and BBQ flavors. If you replace it with yellow mustard, the sauce will be milder and slightly sweeter.

How can I make it taste exactly like Chick-Fil-A’s?
Use smoky BBQ sauce, real honey, and heat the sauce gently for a few minutes. These small steps help develop that signature flavor and consistency.

Chick-Fil-A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Sauce / DipCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

cup

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Learn how to make Chick-Fil-A’s famous Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce at home! Creamy, smoky, and sweet, this easy copycat recipe is perfect for chicken, fries, and sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (use a smoky-style BBQ sauce for best flavor)

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Prepare the base: In a medium-sized bowl, add the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, and yellow mustard. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy. The mixture should already start to look golden and glossy.
• Add the flavor boosters: Stir in the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. These ingredients balance out the sweetness with tangy and smoky notes. Taste the sauce — you should get that signature sweet-and-smoky Chick-fil-A flavor. Adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
• Simmer for richness: Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully and gives the sauce a slightly thicker, silkier consistency. Do not boil — gentle heating is enough to make it perfect.
• Cool and serve: Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. Once cooled, it will thicken a bit more, creating that creamy, dippable texture. Transfer it to a jar or small bowl for serving.