Chick-Fil-A’s Polynesian sauce is a popular condiment often used for dipping chicken nuggets and waffle fries. The tangy, sweet and sour sauce has a unique flavor that many Chick-Fil-A fans can’t get enough of. So what exactly does Chick-Fil-A Polynesian sauce taste like?
Main Flavor Notes
The main flavors in Chick-Fil-A Polynesian sauce include:
Sweet and Tangy
The predominant taste is a sweet and tangy flavor. The sweetness comes from ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, pineapple juice concentrate, and sugar. The tangy tartness comes from a blend of vinegar and lemon juice. The sweet and sour blend creates a tropical fruity taste.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a signature flavor in the sauce. Chunks of pineapple and pineapple juice concentrate provide a fresh pineapple flavor. The pineapple gives the sauce a tropical vibe.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds an umami or savory flavor to the Polynesian sauce. The soy sauce also contributes to the dark brown color of the sauce.
Garlic
Minced garlic brings a subtle garlicky aroma and flavor. The garlic gives the sauce some depth.
Ginger
Ground ginger adds a slight gingery heat that balances out the sweetness. The ginger provides a little kick.
Texture
In terms of texture, Chick-Fil-A Polynesian sauce is smooth, glossy, and thick. The sauce coats food evenly and sticks well to chicken, fries, and nuggets for dipping. It has a ketchup-like consistency.
Appearance
The Polynesian sauce is a dark reddish brown color. It looks like a tangy barbecue sauce or thick Asian plum sauce. When drizzled on food, it leaves behind a shiny gloss.
Taste Testing Reviews
Here are some reviews from taste testers describing their experience eating Chick-Fil-A’s Polynesian sauce:
Sweet and Fruity
“The sauce tasted sweet upfront with a fruity pineapple flavor. You get hints of ginger and garlic in the background.”
Mildly Tangy
“It had a nice sweet and tangy blend going on. The tanginess was mild, not overpowering.”
Umami Flavor
“The addition of soy sauce really added an umami richness that complemented the fruitiness well.”
Tropical Essence
“The pineapple flavor really gave it a tropical vibe. It reminded me of a Hawaiian BBQ sauce.”
Smooth and Sticky
“The sauce had an almost ketchup-like texture that was smooth and thick. It coated the food nicely for dipping.”
Ingredients
Chick-Fil-A’s Polynesian sauce contains the following ingredients:
| Ingredients |
|---|
| High fructose corn syrup |
| Water |
| Soy sauce (water, wheat, soybeans, salt) |
| Distilled vinegar |
| Pineapple juice concentrate |
| Sugar |
| Pineapple chunks (pineapple, water, citric acid) |
| Modified food starch |
| Salt |
| Garlic powder |
| Spice |
| Soybean oil |
| Natural hickory smoke flavor |
| Lemon juice concentrate |
| Natural flavor |
| Cellulose gum |
| Dried garlic |
| Ground ginger |
| Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (preservatives) |
How to Make Copycat Chick-Fil-A Polynesian Sauce
You can recreate the flavor of Chick-Fil-A’s Polynesian sauce at home with this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, lemon juice, vinegar, and cornstarch until the sugar has dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the garlic powder, ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). Let cool before serving.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Uses for Polynesian Sauce
Chick-Fil-A’s Polynesian sauce has many versatile uses beyond just dipping chicken and fries. Here are some ways to use up this tasty condiment:
- Use as a glaze or marinade for grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp
- Toss with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower
- Mix into ground beef or turkey for Hawaiian-style burgers or meatballs
- Stir into rice or quinoa for a tangy flavor boost
- Use as a sauce for grilled or sautéed fish like salmon, halibut, or tuna
- Toss with crispy tofu or tempeh for an easy meatless meal
- Use as a dip for sweet potato fries, tater tots, or potato wedges
- Combine with mayo for a Polynesian chicken salad dressing or sandwich spread
- Brush on corn on the cob, zucchini, or eggplant before grilling
- Drizzle over a fruit salad with pineapple, mango, and berries
Where to Buy Polynesian Sauce
Chick-Fil-A’s Polynesian sauce can be purchased:
- At any Chick-Fil-A restaurant – Available as a condiment option
- On the Chick-Fil-A app – Can be ordered with your meal
- On the Chick-Fil-A website – Can be purchased as a bottled sauce
- Select grocery stores like Publix, Kroger, and Walmart may carry it in the condiment aisle
- Online on sites like Amazon
A 8 ounce bottled of the Polynesian sauce typically costs between $3.49 – $5.99 depending on the retailer.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for 2 tablespoons (30g) of Chick-Fil-A Polynesian sauce:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 430mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 1g |
Conclusion
Chick-Fil-A’s Polynesian sauce has a sweet, tangy and tropical flavor profile. It contains notes of pineapple, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The sauce has a thick, smooth texture perfect for dipping. With a sweet and sour blend reminiscent of Hawaiian BBQ sauce, this condiment is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. While you can purchase it in stores, try making a tasty copycat version at home using simple ingredients for a quick Hawaiian flavor boost to proteins, rice dishes, roasted veggies and more. Drizzle away on your favorite foods for a taste of the islands from Chick-Fil-A.