Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment that has become a signature menu item for the popular fast food chicken chain. The creamy, orange-colored sauce has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other fast food condiments like ketchup, mustard, or even Chick-fil-A’s own Chick-fil-A sauce. So what exactly gives Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce its trademark zesty taste? Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients that go into this fan-favorite condiment.
Main Ingredients in Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce
While the exact recipe for Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce is proprietary information, the fast food chain has revealed some of the key ingredients used to make this specialty sauce:
- Soybean oil – The base of the sauce is soybean oil, which adds a smooth, creamy texture.
- Corn syrup – A sweetener that provides the signature syrupy thickness.
- Brown sugar – Further enhances the sweetness and gives the sauce its distinctive golden brown hue.
- Water – Thins out the sauce to the desired consistency.
- Pineapple juice concentrate – Made from condensed pineapple juice, this adds tangy, tropical fruit flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds a punch of acidic brightness to balance out the sweetness.
- Garlic powder – Provides a subtle hit of savory garlic flavor.
- Onion powder – Similarly gives the sauce an underlying onion taste.
- Ground ginger – A warming spice that complements the tropical vibe.
- Salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors and balancing sweetness.
In addition to these published ingredients, food scientists who have studied Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce say it likely contains other flavor enhancers like tomato paste, dried parsley, molasses, mustard powder, and various spices. But the core ingredients like soybean oil, corn syrup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and vinegar give the sauce its quintessential sweet, tangy and gingery profile.
The Origins of Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce
So how did Chick-fil-A first develop its signature Polynesian sauce? The condiment was created by the founder of Chick-fil-A, S. Truett Cathy, in the early 1980s. Cathy was looking to add new menu offerings and create a unique sauce option to pair with Chick-fil-A’s breaded chicken strips offering at the time.
Drawing inspiration from popular Hawaiian and Asian flavors, Cathy experimented in his home kitchen with pineapple, soy sauce, ginger and various spices and sweeteners. After months of trial and error, he landed on a recipe that perfectly balanced sweet, sour and savory notes. The tangy, tropical-inspired condiment was an immediate hit with customers and became a signature menu item paired with Chick-fil-A’s chicken strips.
In the 40 years since it first debuted on the menu, Polynesian sauce has achieved an almost cult-like following among Chick-fil-A fans. It has become the restaurant’s second most popular dipping sauce after Chick-fil-A sauce. The demand for Polynesian sauce even inspired Chick-fil-A to start bottling the condiment for retail sale so fans can purchase it to enjoy at home.
What Does Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian Sauce Taste Like?
So what does this sweet and tangy sauce actually taste like? Here’s a flavor profile breakdown of Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce:
Sweet
Brown sugar and corn syrup give the sauce an immediately recognizable sweetness. The level of sweetness is similar to that of honey or pancake syrup. The sugariness hits first when you taste the sauce.
Tangy
The pineapple juice concentrate and vinegar provide a tangy sourness that balances out the sweetness. It gives the sauce a pleasant pucker that cuts through the rich flavor.
Gingery
There’s a warming ginger spice flavor that emerges after the initial sweet taste. It’s fairly subtle, but the ginger gives the sauce an aromatic, tropical vibe.
Savory
Underneath all the sweet pineapple and ginger, there are background notes of onion and garlic that add a savory, umami character. This keeps the sauce from being too one-dimensionally sweet.
Creamy
The soybean oil makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth. It coats the tongue nicely and gives the sauce a rich, indulgent texture.
When all these taste components come together, the result is a sauce that is sweet but not overly cloying, tangy but not too tart, and complex thanks to the blend of flavors. It’s both exciting and comforting – the sweetness is familiar while the ginger and vinegar provide unique flavor interest.
How to Use Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce
Part of the appeal of Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce is its versatility as a condiment. Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy this signature sauce:
As a Chicken Dip
The classic! Polynesian sauce is Chick-fil-A’s original partner condiment for its breaded chicken menu items. It’s perfect paired with chicken nuggets, strips or sandwiches.
As a Salad Dressing
Drizzle or mix the sauce into leafy salads, grain bowls or fruit salads for a sweet, tangy dressing.
As a Sauce for Meat
Use it as a glaze or finishing sauce for grilled chicken, pork chops, burgers or meatballs.
As a Vegetable Dip
It makes veggies like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and cucumber deliciously addictive.
As a Fruit Dip
Dip fresh pineapple, apple slices, strawberries, banana chunks in it for next-level snacking.
As a Sandwich Spread
Slather it on sandwiches like a flavorful mayo replacement.
As a Marinade
Inject meat, poultry or tofu with flavor by letting it soak in a Polynesian sauce bath.
However you choose to use it, a little bit of this sweet and zesty sauce goes a long way in adding a burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts for Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce
Like many condiments and sauces, Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce is high in sugar due to ingredients like corn syrup and brown sugar. However, it’s lower in sodium than some other fast food sauces.
Here are the nutrition facts for 2 fl oz (59g) of Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Total Carbs | 44g |
| Sugar | 33g |
As you can see, a serving of the sauce contains 180 calories, 0g fat, 270mg sodium, 44g total carbohydrates, and 33g sugar. The high sugar content – which accounts for nearly all the carbs – comes from the corn syrup, brown sugar, and pineapple juice concentrate used to make the sauce.
Overall, Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The tasty sweet and tangy flavor makes it hard to resist as a dipping sauce! But like any sugary condiment, it’s best not to overdo it.
Copycat Recipes to Make at Home
Can’t get enough of the irresistible zing of Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce? Luckily, there are plenty of copycat recipes out there that allow you to recreate this signature condiment at home. Here are some top-rated copycat recipes to consider trying:
Fully Loaded Copycat Recipe
This highly-rated copycat recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch closely mimics the full flavor profile of Chick-fil-A’s sauce. It includes common ingredients like pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce and ginger, plus extras like tomato paste, garlic powder and cider vinegar to really replicate the nuanced restaurant version.
Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe
If you want a quick and easy rendition, this 3-ingredient copycat recipe only requires pineapple preserves, Worcestershire sauce, and orange marmalade. The preserves offer tangy pineapple flavor, while the savory Worcestershire and bittersweet marmalade approximate the balance of sweet, sour and umami notes.
Kid-Friendly Copycat
Here’s a simplified, kid-approved copycat recipe from Detail Eats that skips ingredients like onion powder and vinegar. It uses pineapple juice, ketchup for sweetness and thickness, and spices like ginger, cinnamon and allspice for warmth. The result is a super quick, family-friendly dupe sauce.
There are also many other copycat recipes out there that mimic the sweet and tangy magic of Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and proportions until you land on your perfect homemade version!
Where to Buy Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce
If you want to enjoy the real deal Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce outside the restaurant, here are a few ways to purchase it:
At Chick-fil-A Locations
You can buy a bottled 8 oz container of Polynesian sauce at participating Chick-fil-A locations. It retails for around $3.49 per bottle. Call ahead to your local restaurant to check if they have it in stock for purchase.
Online
Chick-fil-A sells their 8 oz Polynesian sauce bottles online in packs of 2, 4 or 8 through their website and delivery partners like DoorDash. You’ll pay around $17.98 for an 8-pack with shipping.
Grocery Stores
Select grocery chains like Publix, Kroger, Walmart and others carry Chick-fil-A’s bottled sauces including the Polynesian sauce. Check your local supermarket chain.
Wholesale Stores
Warehouse retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s sometimes stock Chick-fil-A’s retail sauces like the Polynesian sauce for sale.
So look out for this sweet and tangy sauce next time you visit Chick-fil-A, the grocery store, or order online. It’s the perfect way to get your fix of this one-of-a-kind condiment anytime.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce has earned a cult following for its irresistible sweet and tangy flavor. A combination of ingredients like pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger come together to create this signature condiment. Its creamy texture and balanced flavor profile make it the perfect dipping sauce for chicken, dressing for salads and more. While the sauce is high in sugar and best enjoyed in moderation, fans just can’t get enough of this iconic menu item. Thankfully there are easy copycat recipes to recreate the magic at home. So next time you have a craving, whip up a batch of this tropical, tangy sauce for your next meal.
