Panera Signature Sauce

The Panera Signature Sauce gained attention when it was introduced with the Signature Take Chicken Sandwich, a menu item that features a crispy chicken filet, brioche bun, and pickled onions — all brought together by the unmistakable flavor of this sauce.

Panera Signature Sauce is a creamy, golden-orange condiment. Its smooth texture makes it ideal for spreading on sandwiches or drizzling over chicken bowls. I also enjoy Board and Brew sauce with sandwiches and Chicago mild sauce with chicken wings. The flavor is a mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, honey, and a hot kick from spices — giving it just enough warmth without being overpowering.

Visually, it looks like a cross between honey mustard and a creamy French dressing. But don’t let the color fool you — the flavor is more complex, with notes of garlic, onion, and a vinegar bite. It pairs well with both grilled and crispy meats, making it incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise (use a good-quality brand like Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Fresh lemon juice
• White wine vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for slight heat)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Panera Signature Sauce

1. Combine Base Ingredients

 Begin by placing mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Tip:
Whisk the ingredients together until they’re smooth, ensuring no lumps or separation.

2. Add Seasonings

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and any optional seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.

Tip:
Stir the seasonings well to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the sauce. If you prefer a more intense flavor, feel free to adjust the quantity of these seasonings.

3. Season to Taste

Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This is an essential step, as it helps to balance the flavors in the sauce. If you like it sweeter, you can add a bit more honey, or if you prefer more acidity, you can add a touch more lemon juice.

Tip:
Taste the sauce after seasoning and make small adjustments until it suits your preferences. A good sauce should have a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory flavor.

4. Chill (Optional)

 After mixing, cover the sauce and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, although refrigerating it for a longer period (up to several hours or overnight) will allow the flavors to meld together more harmoniously.

 Chilling the sauce helps the flavors to develop fully. It allows the various components to blend and intensify, resulting in a richer, more cohesive taste. Additionally, the cold temperature can enhance the texture, making it a bit thicker.

 If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the chilling step, but for the best flavor, it’s recommended to let the sauce sit in the fridge for a while.

5. Serve

Once your sauce is ready, you can use it in a variety of ways:

• As a dip for fries, chicken tenders, or vegetables, offering a tangy and creamy accompaniment.
• As a dressing for salads, adding richness and a burst of flavor.

Why it’s important:
This versatile sauce works wonderfully in multiple dishes, whether you’re preparing a quick sandwich or a more elaborate meal. It adds a creamy, tangy richness that enhances a variety of flavors.

Tip:
Store the sauce in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week, and you can easily make it in advance for future use.

How to Store 

To keep your homemade Panera Signature Sauce fresh and flavorful:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container (like a mason jar or glass bowl with a lid).
• It will last up to 1 week in the fridge.
• Stir before each use to ensure everything stays well combined, especially if any separation occurs.
• Avoid freezing, as the mayo base may change in texture once thawed.

Variation Tips

Want to make it your own? Here are some easy tweaks to try:

• Add more heat: A little extra cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce can spice things up.
• Smoky twist: Add extra smoked paprika or even a splash of liquid smoke for a BBQ-style flavor.
• Herby flair: Stir in a pinch of dried dill, chopped chives, or fresh parsley to add brightness.
• Low-fat version: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt in place of full-fat mayo for a healthier twist.
• Sweeter blend: Prefer it sweeter like a honey mustard? Simply increase the honey slightly to your taste.

If you’re still wondering whether it’s worth making at home, the answer is yes! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, and chances are, you already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, the homemade version allows you to tweak the flavors to suit your own taste—whether you like it sweeter, tangier, or with a hint more heat.

We’d love to hear from you! Have you tried the Panera Chicken Sandwich? What’s your favorite way to enjoy this sauce at home? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us if you recreate it—we’re always excited to see your delicious takes!