Save money! Store-bought chipotle sauce can be pricey. Making your own is a budget-friendly way to enjoy that smoky flavor without breaking the bank. Transform leftover chicken, fish, or roasted veggies with a drizzle of smoky chipotle sauce for a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes.
In a food processor, add the mayo, sour cream, chipotle peppers (along with a little additional sauce), cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ½ cup cilantro, ½ lime, 1 clove garlic, Salt to taste
Blitz until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Taste it to see and add more lime juice or salt to suit your taste.
Notes
Chipotle Control: The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are the key to smoky heat. Start with one pepper and a spoonful of the sauce, blending well. Taste and add more for a fiery kick, or keep it mild with just one.
Spice Subs: No chipotle peppers on hand? A teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a smoky kick in a pinch (pun intended!).
Dairy-Free Delight: Can’t do dairy? Swap the sour cream for plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt for a creamy, vegan-friendly alternative.
Lighten Up: For a lighter sauce, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Roasted Garlic Power: Want a deeper garlic flavor? Roast a garlic clove for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) before adding it to the blender.
Cilantro Switch-Up: Not a cilantro fan? Fresh parsley or chopped fresh chives make great substitutes.
Chipotle Remix: Leftover chipotle sauce can be thinned with a little water or broth to make a delicious marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu.
Soup Savior: Add a dollop of leftover chipotle sauce to your next bowl of tomato or lentil soup for a smoky depth of flavor.