A richly flavored, smoky chipotle sauce that adds a bold kick to tacos, grilled meats, bowls, and more. Made in minutes with pantry staples and perfect for spicing up any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, smoky flavor: Chipotle peppers blended with spices deliver bold and complex notes.
Versatile condiment: Great as a sauce, dip, marinade, or dressing base.
Quick & pantry-friendly: Ready in about 10 minutes using common ingredients.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
Lime juice
Garlic, minced
Smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
Ground cumin
Salt
Olive oil or water (to thin, if needed)

directions

Add chipotle peppers, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt into a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as necessary.
If sauce is too thick, add olive oil or a splash of water to reach desired consistency.
Taste and adjust—add more salt, a squeeze of lime, or a chipotle pepper for extra heat.
Pour into a jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors develop before using.

Servings and timing

Yields approximately ½ to ¾ cup.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes (optional for best flavor)
Cook time: 0 minutes

Variations

Dairy-free: Use mayonnaise or dairy‑free yogurt.
Vegan: Combine dairy‑free yogurt or cashew cream with vegan mayo.
Heat level: Add more adobo or a second chipotle pepper for increased spiciness.
Tangier: Add a teaspoon of honey, agave, or extra lime juice.
Herb infusion: Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley at the end for fresh notes.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.
Serving: Can be used cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed.
Freezing: Not recommended—texture may degrade.

FAQs

What’s the difference between using mayonnaise and yogurt?

Mayonnaise creates a richer, creamier sauce, while yogurt adds tang and reduces calories.

How spicy is this sauce?

Moderately spicy—chipotle peppers deliver smoky heat. Use more peppers for added intensity.

Can I make it oil-free?

Yes—omit any olive oil for thinning and use water or lime juice instead.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes—all ingredients are naturally gluten-free; always check labels to be sure.

How can I use leftover adobo sauce?

Mix adobo sauce into mayonnaise or yogurt for an extra burst of flavor in dressings or marinades.

What dishes pair well with this sauce?

Tacos, burgers, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, burrito bowls, and grain salads.

Can I adjust consistency?

Yes—add liquid sparingly (olive oil, water, or lime juice) while blending until desired texture is reached.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Absolutely—letting it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes helps meld flavors; it’s great for meal prep.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—double ingredients proportionally, blending in batches if needed.

How do I store it?

Keep sealed in the fridge and use clean utensils to avoid contamination.

Conclusion

This Homemade Smoky Chipotle Sauce is a flavorful, versatile staple that transforms everyday meals with its creamy texture and smoky heat. With quick prep and adaptable ingredients, it’s a delicious enhancement to tacos, sandwiches, bowls, and more.

Homemade Smoky Chipotle Sauce

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This Homemade Smoky Chipotle Sauce is a bold, creamy condiment with a kick. Made with smoky chipotle peppers, garlic, and a creamy base, it’s perfect for tacos, sandwiches, grilled meats, or dipping fries.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Blended
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
Salt to taste

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Instructions

Add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic, and smoked paprika to a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Taste and add salt to your preference.
Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.