Copycat Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce is a tangy sauce perfect for dipping fries, chicken fingers, chicken nuggets, or anything. This easy dipping sauce only takes three ingredients and a few minutes to make—the perfect tangy sweet and sour sauce for dipping everything.
Copycat Chick fil A Polynesian Sauce
We have talked a few times about how we could only get Chick-fil-A when traveling because there wasn't one close to us.
We started making Chick-fil-A copycat recipes at home to recreate our favorites until we could get to a Chick-fil-A again.
Have you seen our recipes for Chick-fil-A Sauce and Chick-fil-A Lemonade? We also have Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade and Chick-fil-A Frosted Coffee that we LOVE!
Today, I am sharing an easy-to-follow Polynesian Sauce recipe. I worked on this recipe for a while and tried all sorts of variations until we got one we were pleased with.
I wish I had taken videos and photos of all the variations we made. Imagine my husband and I sitting at the table, going back and forth between our Polynesian Sauce and one from the restaurant to see if they tasted the same.
Some of the recipes we tried were way off, and then finally, we landed on this Polynesian Sauce Recipe that we love.
One of the best parts is it makes a medium bowl's worth of dipping sauce, so you don't have to beg the restaurant for 800 mini packages of sauce. LOL!
If you have yet to try Polynesian Sauce, it is a sweet and sour sauce with a tangy flavor.
Chick-fil-A introduced the Polynesian Sauce back in 1984, even before they brought out Chick-fil-A Sauce.
Their other popular sauces include honey mustard and barbeque sauce but we also love the Polynesian sauce taste.
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients for making an epic Copycat Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.
- Catalina Dressing
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Honey
Catalina Salad Dressing - You may see recipes that use California French Dressing instead of Catalina Dressing. We tried this dressing and did not find it the right flavor.
Honey - We like the sweet addition of honey in this recipe. You can use corn syrup but it doesn't have the same taste.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl - We are big fans of this glass batter bowl that has a handle. It makes it easy to mix ingredients and keeps the mixing bowl steady on the counter.
- Whisk
- Measuring Cup/Spoons
Preparation and Storage
Make Ahead: I suggest planning for this sauce to chill in the fridge for an hour or two. The flavors meld together and taste amazing.
Storage: Store your sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce should be good for 2-3 weeks.
Freezing/How to Freeze: We do not recommend freezing Polynesian Sauce leftovers. Catalina dressing contains oil and vinegar, which breaks when frozen.
Recipe Variations
Substitutions:
You may see recipes that use California French Dressing instead of Catalina Dressing. We tried this dressing and did not find it the right flavor.
We like the sweet addition of honey in this recipe. You can use corn syrup, but it doesn't taste the same.
Vegetarian Option: Check that the Catalina dressing you use is vegetarian. This salad dressing contains Worcestershire sauce, which may have anchovies in it.
Vegan Option: In addition to the guidance for vegetarians, vegans should replace the honey with a plant-based alternative to make this sauce vegan.
Gluten-Free: Replace the Catalina dressing with a gluten-free alternative to make this recipe safe for a gluten-free diet.
Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: The written recipe makes 20 servings of Polynesian Sauce. Scale it up or down to your desired yield.
Make It Spicy: Polynesian Sauce is not a spicy sauce, but you can add a few dashes of chili powder if you want some heat.
Sugar-Free: The written recipe contains 9 grams of sugar per serving. Swap the Catalina dressing and honey with sugar-free substitutes to make it sugar-free.
Tips for the Best Copycat Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce
- I spray my measuring cup with non-stick spray to make it easier to measure the honey and mix it with all the other ingredients.
- The longer the Polynesian Sauce sits in the fridge, the more the flavors meld together. It gets a little thicker the longer it sits in the refrigerator. If you don't like the thickness, just stir it with a spoon before serving.
- Nutrition information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, will vary depending on the products used.
- Printable recipe card instructions are below.
- Chick-fil-A listed their ingredient list as Sugar, Soybean Oil, Water, Corn Syrup, Corn Cider Vinegar, Distilled Vinegar, Tomato Paste, Salt, Paprika, Mustard Seed, Modified Cornstarch, Beet Juice, Onion Powder (Dehydrated), Garlic Powder (Dehydrated), Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol Alginate, Natural Flavor.
What to Serve with Copycat Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce
This sweet and tangy sauce is the perfect condiment for all your dipping and burger condiment needs! Here are some menu planning ideas.
Sides: Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Tater Tots, Air Fryer Onion Rings, Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers, Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Main Dishes: Big Mac Salad, Carnival Cruise Guy's Burger Joint Pig Patty Burger, BLT Burger with Avocado Aioli, Air Fryer Fish Fillets, Air Fryer Chicken Patties, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
When to Serve
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacktime
- Great dipping sauce
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Copycat Chick fil A Polynesian Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Catalina Dressing
- 3 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 7 Tablespoon Honey
Instructions
- Combine Catalina Dressing, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Honey in a bowl. Whisk to combine
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Kitchen Tools
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Dakota
Used ketchup instead of the catalina dressing because the ingredients are almost the exact same lol but it tastes great! Thanks!