Copycat Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce

Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce (Copycat)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• That signature glossy, sweet-and-sour cling you expect for dunking nuggets and fries.
• Everyday pantry ingredients—no special shopping trip required.
• Quick stovetop whisk, done in minutes, with make-ahead friendly results.
• Easy to tweak: sweeter, tangier, spicier—make it yours.

Grocery List

• Produce: 1 small garlic clove; optional: small wedge of pineapple or 100% pineapple juice.
• Dairy: None.
• Pantry: Ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, kosher salt, sweet paprika (optional), red pepper flakes (optional), cornstarch.

Full Ingredients

Sauce Base

• 1/2 cup ketchup (120 g)
• 1/3 cup honey (113 g)
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (45 ml)
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (15 ml)
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated on a microplane (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for smoother texture)
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne (optional, for a whisper of heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika (optional, for color and gentle warmth)
• Pinch kosher salt (about 1/16 teaspoon)

Fruity Gloss (Optional but Recommended)

• 2–4 tablespoons 100% pineapple juice (30–60 ml), to taste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make a quick slurry

If using the fruity gloss, whisk the cornstarch into the pineapple juice until completely smooth with no lumps. This will help the sauce thicken and achieve a glossy, nugget-clinging sheen.

Step 2: Whisk the base together

In a small saucepan off the heat, whisk together the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, grated garlic (or garlic powder), red pepper flakes, paprika, and a pinch of kosher salt until uniform and silky.

Step 3: Add liquid and heat gently

Whisk in the cornstarch-pineapple slurry. If you are skipping the fruit, whisk in 2 tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce slightly. Set the pan over medium-low heat and cook, whisking constantly, until you see gentle bubbling around the edges—aim for a light simmer around 200°F/93°C.

Step 4: Thicken to glossy perfection

Continue whisking at a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes, just until the sauce turns shiny and increases in body. Avoid a hard boil; it can dull the flavor and over-thicken. When the sauce leaves a light trail on the back of a spoon, it is ready.

Step 5: Balance the flavors

Remove from heat. Taste and adjust: add 1–2 teaspoons more honey for sweeter, 1–2 teaspoons vinegar for tangier, or a dash more soy sauce for salt. If you want more heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes.

Step 6: Cool, chill, and serve

Let the sauce cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then transfer to a jar and chill for at least 30 minutes. It will thicken a touch more as it cools. Serve with chicken nuggets, waffle fries, grilled chicken, or as a sweet-and-sour dip for veggies.

Pro Tips

• For ultra-smooth texture, use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic or blend the sauce briefly with an immersion blender after cooking.
• Honey brands differ in sweetness; adjust by 1–2 teaspoons at a time to dial in your preferred balance.
• A little fruit goes a long way—2 tablespoons pineapple juice boosts sheen and brightness without making the sauce runny.
• Color not vibrant enough? A tiny pinch more paprika deepens the red-orange hue naturally.
• Yield note: with 1/4 cup pineapple juice, total yield increases to about 1 1/4 cups (10 servings).

Variations

• Extra Fruity: Swap pineapple juice for 2 tablespoons apricot or pineapple jam (skip cornstarch); whisk until dissolved, then gently warm to meld.
• Spicy Island: Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or 1 teaspoon gochujang for a sweet-heat kick.
• Gluten-Free & Vegan: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy, and agave or maple syrup instead of honey.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks. The sauce thickens as it chills; if it becomes too thick, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons warm water to loosen. For best texture, avoid freezing (cornstarch can weep when thawed). Make it a day ahead for the most unified flavor.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate per 2 tablespoons (based on base recipe, without optional pineapple): 66 calories; 0 g fat; 17 g carbohydrates; 16 g sugars; 0 g protein; ~240 mg sodium.