Polynesian Sauce

Polynesian Sauce is the sweet and tangy condiment you’ll want to eat with just about everything! When you can make this copycat version at home, you don’t have to hit up the drive thru window to get your fix.

We’ve already tackled the Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap and Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets, and now it’s time to tackle another iconic Chick-fil-A favorite: the Polynesian sauce.

The name might have you thinking of pineapple and other tropical ingredients, but the reality is a little less Hawaiian—just like Spicy Barbecue Sauce, the base of this Polynesian sauce is ketchup. (This is good news because it means it’s easy to make it at home.) Apple cider vinegar makes it tangy, honey and brown sugar make it sweet, and Worcestershire sauce and seasonings give it lots of depth and flavor. 

While Polynesian sauce is best known for its ability to make chicken nuggs extra delicious, it’s important not to underestimate this sauce—it does so many things! Use it as a marinade for Baked Chicken Breasts, brush it onto Grilled Vegetables, add it to Smash Burgers, or use it for glazing Mini Meatloaf Muffins. The sweet and tangy flavor makes it fabulous with chicken, pork, and shrimp, but do I also dip my Homemade Steak Fries into it? Yes, yes I do.

Ingredients for Polynesian Sauce

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Ketchup – Using ketchup as the base is a shortcut that means we don’t have to use tomato paste and all that jazz.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – For that signature tanginess.
• Honey and Brown Sugar – These don’t just add sweetness, but flavor too. I like to use dark brown sugar because it has more molasses in it, which gives it more depth.
• Diced Onion – Don’t spend a lot of time dicing this super-small since we’re going to be pureeing it with the sauce anyway.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Hello, umami! This delivers lots of depth. If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have a seafood allergy, look for vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
• Olive Oil – No need for anything fancy, just regular olive oil will do.
• Seasonings – Paprika, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried mustard, kosher salt and pepper.

How to Make Polynesian Sauce

Here’s how easy it is to make copycat Polynesian sauce at home.

1. Combine. Add the ingredients to a mini food processor or blender. 
2. Puree. Process until smooth. 
3. Serve or store. Use the sauce right away or refrigerate it for later.

How to Store Polynesian Sauce

After making the sauce, transfer it to an airtight container or jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can transfer the sauce to a freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months; thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

What to Serve With Polynesian Sauce

• Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
• Grilled Pork Chops
• The Best Turkey Burger
• Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Kabobs
• Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
• The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich
• Best Turkey Meatloaf

More Sauce Recipes

• Roasted Tomato Sauce
• Tartar Sauce
• Easy Tzatziki Sauce
• Romesco Sauce Recipe
• Nacho Cheese Sauce
• Homemade Alfredo Sauce
• The Best Creamy Horseradish Sauce
• Big Mac Sauce

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