Experience the tropical flavor explosion that has made Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce a fan favorite with this straightforward homemade version. With three everyday ingredients, you can recreate this vibrant, tangy, sweet-and-sour sensation that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with tangy zip. This sweet and sour sauce transforms ordinary chicken nuggets into something special while opening up countless creative culinary possibilities in your kitchen.
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What Makes Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce So Irresistible
Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian Sauce stands apart from typical sweet-and-sour sauces at other fast-food chains. The secret lies in its intensely balanced flavor profile that combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of vinegar and the rich tomato base of Catalina dressing. The name pays homage to the Tiki culture phenomenon of the 1940s and 50s rather than authentic Polynesian cuisine, but the result is undeniably delicious.
Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce Ingredients
- Catalina salad dressing – The tomato-based foundation that provides sweetness, tang, and the characteristic orange-red color
- Honey – Natural sweetener that balances the acidity and adds depth of flavor
- Apple cider vinegar – Provides the essential tangy kick that distinguishes this from ordinary sweet sauces
Catalina salad dressing is very similar to French dressing, although the consistency is thinner, and it contains more ketchup. If you do not want to buy Catalina salad dressing just for this recipe, you can use regular or California French dressing, but the taste won’t be the same.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar in the cupboard, you can use another vinegar. Balsamic vinegar makes a particularly good substitute in this Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce recipe.
How to Make Polynesian Sauce
- Whisk together the Catalina dressing, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and put it in the fridge. Chill it for at least half an hour before serving to let all the flavors meld. Stir well before serving.
What to Serve This Sauce With
Most people like to use Polynesian Sauce as a dip for chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, or French fries, but it is way more versatile than that.
Drizzle it in fried fish, chicken sandwiches, or wraps.
Add olive oil to the sauce to thin it out, and then quickly marinate shrimp or chicken breasts for 20 minutes before pan-searing.
Brush a little of the dipping sauce onto meat or veggies before grilling to turn it into a mouthwatering glaze. Pork chops, portabello mushrooms, and eggplant are delicious choices.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and preventing contamination
- Natural Separation: The Sauce may separate after 1-2 days, which is normal. Simply stir well before using
- No Freezing: Not recommended for freezing as dairy components may separate permanently
- Room Temperature: Bring to room temperature before serving for best consistency and flavor
Favorite Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes
- Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chick-fil-A Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
- Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad
- Chick-fil-A Sauce
- Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Popular Fast Food Sauce Recipes
- Arby’s Sauce
- Big Mac Sauce
- Campfire Sauce
- Horsey Sauce
- Raising Cane’s Sauce
- Smashburger Sauce
- Zax Sauce
- Zesty Sauce
Check out more of my easy sauce recipes and the best copycat Chick-fil-A recipes on Copykat!
Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce – Easy Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Catalina Salad Dressing
- ½ cup honey
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl. Mix well with a fork until fully blended together.
- Cover and place inside the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes or until ready to use.
Can Catalina honey dressing be used ?
I haven’t tried it with that salad dressing.