Wondering how to cook with chipotle peppers? This guide brings together 35 flavorful chipotle pepper recipes, along with practical tips for buying, storing, and using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. With these ideas, you can finally use the whole can before it gets forgotten in the refrigerator.
First posted January 24, 2018. Last updated with more recipes on January 24, 2024.
What Is a Chipotle Pepper and Where Do You Buy Them?
A chipotle pepper is a smoked jalapeño pepper. Jalapeños are usually green when picked, but when they are left on the plant to ripen fully, they turn red. Those ripe red jalapeños are then smoked over wood and dried, creating the deeply smoky dried chiles known as chipotle peppers.
Not all red jalapeños are used in the same way. Morita chiles are a smaller, more aromatic variety with a rich, fruity heat. These are the chiles most often used to make canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Larger chipotles with tougher brown skin are called Chipotle Mecos and are more commonly sold as dried chiles.
Chipotle peppers are loved for their smoky, spicy, slightly sweet flavor. They are especially common in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking, where they add depth to sauces, soups, marinades, beans, tacos, and creamy dips.
Where To Buy
- Chipotles are available dried in Latin markets or well-stocked grocery stores near other dried chiles.
- Most shoppers buy them canned in adobo sauce, usually found in the Latin foods section of the grocery store.
- Chipotle powder is another option and works well in spice rubs, marinades, soups, and sauces.
- If you use chipotles often, try a few brands to find the flavor and heat level you like best.
Are Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce Super Spicy?
Yes, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can be quite spicy. However, the heat is easy to control once you know how to use them. Their flavor is bold and smoky, so even a small amount can make a big difference in a recipe.
- Scrape out the seeds if you want less heat.
- Start with half the amount called for in a recipe, then add more to taste.
- Use only the adobo sauce for a milder smoky flavor. The sauce is made with tomatoes, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, and it usually has less heat than the peppers themselves.
When Do I Use Chipotle Pepper?
Use chipotle peppers whenever you want to add smoky heat and a savory depth of flavor. They are excellent in Mexican salsas, taco fillings, enchilada sauces, soups, stews, marinades, dressings, and creamy spreads.
Here are a few easy ways to use chipotle peppers in everyday cooking:
- Chop one pepper and stir it into canned black beans.
- Blend a whole can into a smooth paste, then mix a teaspoon or two into mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a quick chipotle sauce.
- Finely chop chipotle peppers and stir them into hummus.
- Add a spoonful of adobo sauce to chicken broth for a fast, smoky soup base.
- Stir adobo sauce into almost any soup, chili, or stew for extra flavor.
How Long Do Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Last?
- After opening a can, transfer any leftover chipotle peppers and sauce to an airtight container.
- Store them in the refrigerator for up to one month.
- For longer storage, blend the leftovers into a paste and portion it into an ice cube tray.
- Freeze until solid, then move the chipotle cubes to a resealable freezer bag.
- Frozen chipotle paste should last up to 6 months.
Now Give Me Some Recipes with Chipotle Peppers!
1. Smoky Chicken Tacos with Mango Pico de Gallo
These shredded chicken tacos are simmered with chipotle peppers and lime, then finished with a fresh mango pico de gallo made with ripe mango, jalapeño, and red onion.
2. Huaraches with Squash Blossoms and Chipotle Aioli
This plant-based huaraches recipe walks you through making bean-filled masa cakes topped with tomatillo salsa, sautéed squash blossoms, and smoky chipotle aioli.
3. Super Easy Chipotle Enchilada Sauce
This homemade red enchilada sauce comes together in minutes with pantry ingredients and chipotle chile. It is no-cook, vegan, gluten-free, and full of smoky flavor.
4. Chipotle Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole
This comforting enchilada casserole layers ground beef, pinto beans, sour cream, Jack cheese, tortillas, and chipotle enchilada sauce into one hearty dish.
5. Roasted Carrots with Chipotle Honey Butter
Sweet roasted carrots are tossed in chipotle honey butter and finished with fresh mint for an easy gluten-free side dish.
6. Smoky Chipotle Guacamole
This easy guacamole combines ripe avocados, lime juice, red onion, and chipotle peppers for a creamy dip with a smoky kick.
7. Deep Dish Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
This black bean enchilada casserole stacks tortillas, black beans, roasted vegetables, cheese, and chipotle enchilada sauce into a satisfying vegetarian meal.
8. Chipotle Black Bean Chili
This plant-based black bean chili is loaded with vegetables and chipotle chiles for a smoky, filling bowl of comfort.
9. Fall Harvest Enchiladas with Chipotle Cream Sauce
Root vegetable enchiladas are covered in a smoky chipotle cream sauce, making them a cozy dinner for cooler weather.
10. Baked Spaghetti Squash with Chipotle Cream Sauce
Spaghetti squash becomes rich and satisfying when topped with chipotle cream sauce, toasted breadcrumbs, and Cotija cheese.
11. Tacos al Pastor with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Classic tacos al pastor are easy to make at home and taste even better with grilled pineapple salsa for a sweet, spicy finish.
12. Instant Pot Pork Tinga
Tender pork, tomatoes, and chipotle chile cook quickly into a saucy filling for tacos, tostadas, bowls, and more.
13. Beef and Chipotle Chili
This beef and bean chili delivers bold chipotle heat and can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
14. Charred Pineapple and Chipotle Mole {Manchamantel Mole Sauce}
This mole sauce is fruity from charred pineapple and spicy from chipotle chiles, making it a delicious match for tamales and other Mexican dishes.
15. Chipotle Chicken Flautas
These crisp shredded chicken flautas are ideal party food. Fry them ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve.
16. Turkey Tinga Sopes
Leftover turkey gets new life in a spicy sauce made with chipotles, orange juice, and garlic, then served on sopes.
17. Sopa de Albondigas {Mexican Meatball Soup}
This Mexican meatball soup features chipotle meatballs made with pork and beef in a rich broth with tomatoes, rice, and spinach.
18. Fig Chipotle Jam
Sweet figs and smoky chipotle peppers make this jam a standout addition to cheese boards, toast, and appetizers.
19. Manchego Chipotle Cheese Ball
This no-cook party snack combines Manchego cheese with chipotle flavor and a crunchy coating of seeds, pepitas, and herbs.
20. Honey Chipotle Cocktail Meatballs
A small amount of chipotle goes a long way in these simple sweet and spicy cocktail meatballs.
21. Chicken Tinga Tacos
These chicken tinga tacos are a quick weeknight dinner made with juicy chicken breasts and smoky chipotle sauce.
22. Piñata Chicken Wings
Chipotle peppers add smoky heat to a bold wing sauce made with raspberry jam, vinegar, and coffee.
23. Smoky Chipotle Turkey Tortas
Chipotles turn leftover roast turkey or chicken into a smoky, spicy filling for satisfying Mexican-style sandwiches.
24. Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Pizza
Chipotle and honey season the chicken and vegetables on this flavorful grilled flatbread pizza.
25. Chipotle Black Bean Tortilla Soup
This easy black bean tortilla soup uses adobo sauce for smoky flavor without overwhelming heat.
26. Carne Picada
This rich meat braise is excellent in tacos or served over rice, with chipotle adding depth and warmth.
27. Instant Pot Barbacoa
Tender beef cooks quickly in the Instant Pot with chipotle peppers, creating a juicy filling for tacos, bowls, and burritos.
28. Sweet Pea and Potato Empanadas with Tamarind Sauce
Flaky pastry surrounds a savory vegetable filling, while the chipotle tamarind sauce adds the bold flavor that makes this recipe memorable.
29. Birria Ramen
This hearty ramen features rich meat, chipotle broth, and classic ramen toppings for a deeply flavorful bowl.
30. Short Rib Tacos
Tender braised short ribs are the star of these Mexican tacos, with chipotle helping build a deep, savory sauce.
31. Vegan Slow Cooker Mexican Vegetable Soup Recipe
This slow cooker Mexican vegetable soup is full of black beans, vegetables, broth, and chipotle peppers for a restorative vegan meal.
32. Fried Plantain Cemita Sliders
These vegetarian sliders are inspired by cemitas from Puebla, Mexico, and bring together fried plantains, chipotle flavor, and bold toppings.
33. Mixed Mushroom Tostadas with Charred Scallion Pesto
These tostadas layer creamy chipotle black beans, caramelized mushrooms, charred scallion pesto, almonds, garlic, and feta cheese.
34. Salpicón Fattoush Salad with Chipotle Dressing
This salad blends Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors with toasted pita, sliced steak, avocado, feta, and a smoky chipotle dressing.
35. Easy Chicken Empanadas with Garlic Mojo Sauce
These flaky empanadas are filled with shredded chicken seasoned with chipotle chiles and saffron, then served with garlic mojo sauce.
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Which Recipe Will You Make First?
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are one of the easiest ways to add smoky, spicy flavor to everyday cooking. Whether you start with tacos, soup, enchilada sauce, chili, guacamole, or a simple chipotle mayo, this ingredient can transform a dish with just a spoonful. Choose one recipe from the list, open that can, and enjoy the bold flavor of chipotle peppers without letting the leftovers go to waste.
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