KFC Honey BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe

This KFC Honey BBQ Sauce copycat recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors right to your kitchen. Made with a blend of tomato paste, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, and a touch of liquid smoke, it mimics the signature flavor of KFC’s beloved sauce. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for dipping, glazing, or drizzling over chicken, ribs, and more!

​Recreating the beloved KFC Honey BBQ Sauce at home is both simple and rewarding. This copycat recipe combines pantry staples like tomato paste, vinegar, honey, and brown sugar to achieve that signature sweet and smoky flavor.

A touch of liquid smoke adds depth, making it perfect for glazing chicken, ribs, or as a dipping sauce. In just about 25 minutes, you can whip up a batch of this versatile sauce, bringing the taste of KFC to your kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Spot-On Flavor – Captures the sweet, smoky, and tangy taste just like the original KFC version.
• Simple Ingredients – Made with everyday pantry staples—no fancy ingredients required.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute meals or meal prep.
• Versatile Use – Great as a dip, glaze, or sandwich sauce—works with chicken, ribs, and more.
• Homemade Goodness – No preservatives or additives—just fresh, bold flavor you control.

If you love copycat sauce recipes, try my recipe for A&W Spicy Chipotle Dipping Sauce Copycat Recipe, Copycat Wingstop Atomic Sauce Recipe, or Flamethrower Sauce Copycat Recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• Tomato paste – Thick, rich base that gives deep barbecue flavor
• Water – Thins the sauce to desired smooth consistency
• Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar – Adds tangy brightness to balance sweetness
• Dark brown sugar – Adds sweetness with a deep molasses undertone
• Honey – Natural sweetness and sticky texture for perfect glaze
• Hickory flavored liquid smoke – Infuses authentic smoky BBQ flavor instantly
• Salt – Enhances and balances all the bold flavors
• Onion powder – Adds subtle savory depth and aromatic flavor
• Garlic powder – Provides mellow, savory base for classic BBQ taste
• Ground celery – Earthy, slightly bitter note for unique flavor complexity
• Paprika – Adds color and a mild smoky-sweet touch
• Cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds gentle heat for extra flavor kick

How To Make KFC Honey BBQ Sauce

Step One: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add tomato paste, water, vinegar, brown sugar, and honey. Stir well until smooth.

Step Two: Mix in the liquid smoke, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, ground celery, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Stir until fully combined.

Step Three: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step Four: Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to a jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

KFC Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe Tips

• Use dark brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like depth that mirrors the original sauce’s sweetness.
• Don’t skip the liquid smoke—it’s key to achieving that signature smoky BBQ flavor.
• Simmer gently to avoid burning the sugars and to help the sauce thicken gradually.
• Adjust thickness with water—add 1–2 tablespoons if it gets too thick while cooking.
• Make ahead and chill—letting the sauce rest in the fridge helps the flavors meld even more.

Storing

• Storing: Store the honey BBQ sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
• Freezing: Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container or silicone ice cube tray and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Reheating: Warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick after chilling or freezing.

What To Serve With KFC Honey BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe

KFC Honey BBQ Sauce Copycat pairs perfectly with a variety of savory dishes. It’s a delicious dip for crispy chicken tenders, nuggets, or fries, and makes an excellent glaze for grilled or air-fried chicken, ribs, or meatballs.

Spread it on burgers or BBQ chicken sandwiches for a bold flavor boost, or drizzle it over pulled pork sliders for a sweet and smoky finish. You can even use it as a dipping sauce for onion rings or mozzarella sticks—it’s incredibly versatile and sure to elevate any meal!

KFC Honey BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe Faqs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes! This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 1 week and tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

Do I have to use liquid smoke? While optional, liquid smoke gives the sauce that authentic smoky BBQ flavor similar to KFC’s. If you skip it, the sauce will still be tasty but less smoky.

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark? You can, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor that closely matches KFC’s version.

Is this sauce spicy? Not really—it has a mild sweetness with just a tiny kick from the optional cayenne. You can add more cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer heat.

Can I use this sauce for grilling? Absolutely! It works great as a glaze for grilled chicken, ribs, or pork. Just brush it on during the final few minutes of grilling to prevent burning.

More Copycat KFC Recipes

• Air Fryer KFC Fried Chicken
• KFC Copycat Potato Wedges (Air Fryer)
• KFC Honey BBQ Wings
• Air Fryer Copycat KFC Popcorn Chicken
• Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich
• Air Fryer Copycat KFC Biscuits
• KFC Original Recipe Chicken (Copycat)
• Copycat KFC Honey Mustard Sauce
• Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes

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