A good sauce can transform a meal—and this Chick Fil A BBQ Sauce Recipe is proof.
Rich, smoky, slightly sweet, and with just the right tang, it captures everything you love about the original Chick Fil A Sauce in a homemade version.
You only need 10 minutes of prep, a handful of everyday ingredients, and a little stovetop time to bring this classic to life.
It’s not just for chicken nuggets, either—drizzle it on grilled meats, spread it on burgers, or serve it as a dip for fries. With bold flavor and no preservatives, this Chick Fil A BBQ Sauce is a crowd-pleaser you’ll reach for again and again.
Chick Fil A BBQ Sauce Recipe
Make your own Chick Fil A BBQ Sauce at home with this quick and easy recipe. Ready in 25 minutes, this tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce uses simple pantry ingredients and pairs perfectly with chicken, fries, and more.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Course: Sauce/Dip
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: Makes about 1 cup
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 90 calories per tablespoon
Ingredients
For this delectable BBQ sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to whip up your very own Chick Fil A BBQ Sauce recipe:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure all the ingredients are fully combined by giving it a good stir.
- Cook The Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember, the key to a great BBQ sauce is finding the perfect balance of flavors!
- Cool And Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions
This versatile BBQ sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving ideas to get you started:
- As A Dip: Serve it as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, strips, or grilled vegetables.
- With Burgers: Elevate your burgers by slathering this sauce over the patty before serving.
- For Grilling: Use it as a marinade or glaze for grilled chicken, pork, or beef to add a delicious smoky flavor.
Perfect Pairings
The best pairings for your homemade Chick Fil A BBQ Sauce include grilled chicken sandwiches, homemade chicken nuggets, or even a refreshing coleslaw to balance the flavors.
Storage
Your homemade Chick Fil A BBQ Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For the best flavor, let the sauce sit for a day or two before using, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
The Health Aspect
For those mindful of their health, consider using reduced-sugar ketchup or a sweetener substitute to lower the sugar content. You can also opt for a low-sodium ketchup to decrease the salt intake.
Conclusion
Creating your own Chick Fil A BBQ Sauce recipe is not only simple, but it’s also incredibly satisfying.
This recipe allows you to bring a taste of Chick Fil A into your home, with the added joy of making it from scratch. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring some flavor to the table!
FAQs
Can I Make This BBQ Sauce Vegan?
Yes, just ensure your sugar and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
How Long Can I Store The Homemade BBQ Sauce?
Keep chilled for a maximum of two weeks or freeze for a maximum of three months.
Can I Use This Sauce As A Marinade For Meats?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for marinating chicken, or beef.
What Can I Do If The Sauce Is Too Thick?
Add a little water or apple cider vinegar to thin it out to your liking.
Are There Any Allergens In This Recipe?
This recipe is generally allergen-friendly, but always check your specific ingredients if you have allergies.

Chick Fil A BBQ Sauce Recipe: Your New Go-To Dip!
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure all the ingredients are fully combined by giving it a good stir.
- Cook The Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember, the key to a great BBQ sauce is finding the perfect balance of flavors!
- Cool And Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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