This smoky, spicy chipotle sauce recipe comes together in about five minutes and instantly lifts tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, sandwiches, salads, and fries. It’s creamy and flavorful without feeling heavy thanks to a balance of yogurt and mayonnaise that keeps it bright while still rich.
★★★★★
“We use this on everything. Sometimes we sub a little yogurt for mayo, especially if we’re using it for sandwiches. It’s SO good!”
The chipotle pepper is the hero here, giving the sauce its smoky depth and gentle heat. I keep a batch in a squeeze bottle in the fridge and reach for it constantly — it disappears fast. Try this simple chipotle sauce once and you’ll be drizzling it on everything.
🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes | 🍽️ Yield: ~1¼ cups | 🔥 Flavor: Smoky, creamy, mildly spicy | 🥄 Great For: Tacos, bowls, sandwiches, fries | 🧊 Storage: Keeps up to 2 weeks refrigerated
I developed this chipotle sauce because I love the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and I’m a fan of sauces that improve almost any meal. It’s a perfect topping for chicken flatbread and fish tacos, and it pairs equally well with grilled vegetables or as a dipping sauce for fries.
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain yogurt (or substitute sour cream)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 chipotle peppers (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
- Blend on high for 30–60 seconds, until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning—add another chipotle for more heat or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Transfer to an airtight container or squeeze bottle and refrigerate. Stir or shake before using.
Substitutions
- Plain yogurt: Use sour cream for a richer tang, or Greek yogurt for a thicker, higher-protein sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Replace with all yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version, or choose vegan mayo to make it dairy-free.
- Chipotle peppers: If you don’t have canned chipotles in adobo, use 1–2 teaspoons chipotle powder or 1–2 tablespoons chipotle hot sauce. Smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne can approximate the smoky heat.
- Cumin: Smoked paprika or a pinch of taco seasoning works in a pinch.
- Salt & pepper: Adjust with any salt and pepper you prefer to taste.
How to Use Chipotle Sauce
This creamy, smoky chipotle sauce is extremely versatile. Popular uses include:
- Tacos: Drizzle over grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggie tacos for smoky heat.
- Burrito and rice bowls: Add a spoonful on top to finish the bowl.
- Burgers & sandwiches: Use as a spicy, smoky spread instead of plain mayo or mustard.
- Dips: Serve with fries, sweet potato wedges, onion rings, or tortilla chips.
- Salad dressing: Thin with lime juice for a creamy southwest-style dressing.
- Grilled meats & tofu: Spoon over steak, chicken, pork, or grilled tofu for extra flavor.
- Breakfast: Add to scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, or avocado toast.
- Pizza & flatbreads: Drizzle over taco-style pizzas or flatbreads.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss or drizzle over roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
Once you start using this chipotle sauce regularly, it quickly becomes a fridge staple.
Equipment Needed
- Blender or food processor to blend the sauce smooth
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula to scrape the container
- Airtight container or squeeze bottle for storage and easy dispensing
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or squeeze bottle for up to 2 weeks. Stir or shake before using since slight separation can occur.
- Freezer: Not recommended—yogurt and mayo can separate and change texture when frozen and thawed.
- Tip: A squeeze bottle makes drizzling simple and keeps the sauce fresher and less messy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is this chipotle sauce?
It ranges from mild to moderate depending on the number of chipotle peppers you use. Start with one and add another if you want more heat.
Can I use chipotle powder instead of whole chipotle peppers?
Yes—use 1–2 teaspoons of chipotle powder. The flavor will be slightly different and a bit less rich, but it still works well.
Can I make this chipotle sauce dairy-free or vegan?
Swap yogurt and mayo for plant-based alternatives (unsweetened) to make a dairy-free or vegan version.
How long does chipotle sauce last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep up to 2 weeks. Refrigerate and stir or shake before each use.
What if I don’t have a blender?
Finely mince the chipotle peppers and whisk all ingredients together by hand. The texture won’t be perfectly smooth but the flavor will still be excellent.
Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Yes—sour cream is a great substitute and gives the sauce a slightly richer profile.
Related
Looking for more sauce ideas? Try these recipes:
- Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce with Yogurt & Cucumber
- Homemade Mayo (takes just 2 minutes!)
- Basil Pesto Recipe (and 25 unique ways to use it)
- 9 Compound Butter Recipes for Steak, Chicken or Fish
Pairings
My favorite things to top with chipotle sauce:
- Dorito Taco Casserole with Black Beans and Corn
- Walking Taco Casserole (Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner)
- Cheesy Mexican Gourmet Hot Dogs
- The Secret to Extra Crispy Baked Potato Skins
Easy Chipotle Sauce
1 ¼ cups
5 minutes
5 minutes
This creamy chipotle sauce comes together quickly and works as a dip, spread, or finishing drizzle for tacos, bowls, and more.
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 chipotle peppers (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- squeeze of lime (optional)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or squeeze bottle for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 87
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 142mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 1g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.