Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the bold, smoky flavor of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce! This versatile ingredient adds a depth and complexity to dishes that’s hard to resist. From tacos to soups, and from grilled meats to comfort foods, we’ve gathered some of the most creative and delicious ways to use chipotle peppers.
In this article, we’ll explore recipes that range from classic to innovative, all featuring the unmistakable flavor of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking for new flavors to add to your repertoire, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema
Elevate your taco game with this flavorful and spicy recipe, featuring chipotle-spiced chicken, crispy tacos, and a creamy avocado crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, and olive oil.
3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Grill or bake chicken until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with sliced chicken, avocado crema (see below), and desired toppings.
Avocado Crema:
– 3 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup
This hearty soup combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the creamy richness of black beans, perfect for a cozy evening meal. With minimal prep time and simmering time, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: heavy cream or sour cream for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a little water until tender.
2. Add chopped chipotle peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Stir in black beans, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer soup for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve with a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chipotle Adobo Pulled Pork Sliders
Savor the flavors of Mexico with these tender and tangy pulled pork sliders smothered in a spicy chipotle adobo sauce. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12 slider buns
– Optional toppings: diced onions, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine pork shoulder, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and olive oil.
3. Cover and cook for 8 hours or overnight.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble sliders by placing a generous portion of pulled pork onto each bun. Add desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 8 hours or overnight
Spicy Chipotle Shrimp and Grits
This recipe combines the spicy kick of chipotle peppers with the rich flavor of shrimp, all served atop creamy grits.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the grits and water/chicken broth to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp, chipotle pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in the butter until melted.
5. Serve the shrimp mixture over the creamy grits, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chipotle Adobo Braised Beef Short Ribs
This recipe combines the rich flavors of chipotle peppers with the tenderizing power of slow cooking, resulting in fall-off-the-bone short ribs that are smoky, spicy, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef short ribs
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt, pepper, and cumin.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown short ribs on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in chipotle peppers, beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return short ribs to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until meat is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Chipotle Cornbread with Honey Butter
Elevate your mealtime with this bold and flavorful cornbread recipe, infused with the smokiness of chipotle peppers and a sweet honey butter topping. Perfect for accompanying hearty stews or chili.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– Honey butter ingredients: softened butter, honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and chopped chipotle pepper.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Meanwhile, mix softened butter with honey to desired sweetness.
7. Serve cornbread warm with a pat of honey butter on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chipotle Adobo Grilled Steak Skewers
Elevate your grilling game with these flavorful and tender steak skewers, smothered in a spicy chipotle adobo sauce. Perfect for a quick and impressive dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add steak cubes to the bowl and toss to coat with the adobo mixture.
4. Thread 3-4 steak pieces onto each skewer.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until steak reaches desired doneness.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Chipotle Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this spicy twist on the classic macaroni and cheese. The smoky heat from chipotle peppers adds a depth of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (depending on desired heat level)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add chopped chipotle peppers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chipotle Adobo Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your roasted sweet potatoes with a smoky chipotle adobo flavor! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the bold, spicy kick of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (canned or fresh)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and cumin.
3. Add the sweet potato cubes to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the adobo mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Wings
Elevate your game-day gatherings with these bold and tangy chipotle lime grilled chicken wings! This recipe combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the brightness of fresh lime juice, resulting in a flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Grill chicken wings for 10-12 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chipotle Adobo Barbacoa Burritos
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this simple and delicious burrito recipe, featuring tender barbacoa beef and creamy chipotle adobo sauce wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket or flank steak
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, combine beef, chipotle peppers, garlic, and onion.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Shred the beef with two forks and stir in any remaining sauce.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble burritos by spooning beef mixture onto a tortilla, followed by desired toppings.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Smoky Chipotle Pinto Beans
Add a smoky twist to traditional pinto beans with this simple recipe that combines the rich flavor of chipotle peppers with the comfort of slow-cooked legumes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust heat level to taste)
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– Water as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the pinto beans, chipotle pepper, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 6-8 hours or overnight.
4. If necessary, add water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Chipotle Adobo Glazed Salmon
Elevate your salmon game with this flavorful and aromatic chipotle adobo glaze, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. The smoky heat from the chipotles pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the salmon.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the chipotle adobo glaze evenly over each fillet.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chipotle Beef Chili with Cornbread Crust
Get ready for a hearty and flavorful chili dish that combines the bold flavors of chipotle peppers, tender beef, and crispy cornbread crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup cornbread mix
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, chipotle peppers, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Mix cornbread mix and water. Spoon evenly over the top of the chili.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chipotle Adobo Marinated Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizers or main courses with these smoky, chipotle-infused portobello mushrooms. Perfect for grilled meats, tacos, or as a vegetarian option.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips
– 1/4 cup chipotle adobo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together chipotle adobo sauce, olive oil, garlic, and lime juice.
2. Add the mushroom strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove mushrooms from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill mushrooms for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chipotle Adobo Infused Guacamole
Elevate your guacamole game with the bold flavors of chipotle adobo. This recipe combines the richness of ripe avocados with the deep, smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until mostly smooth.
2. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, red onion, and garlic to the bowl. Mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and chill.
Chipotle Adobo BBQ Ribs with Coleslaw
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico and the South with this mouthwatering dish that combines tender ribs, spicy chipotle adobo, and creamy coleslaw.
Ingredients:
For the ribs:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the coleslaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chipotle peppers, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and place them in a large baking dish. Brush with the chipotle adobo mixture.
4. Bake for 2 hours or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, combine coleslaw ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Chipotle Adobo Spiced Roasted Cauliflower
Elevate your veggie game with this smoky, flavorful recipe that combines the bold spices of chipotle adobo with the natural sweetness of roasted cauliflower.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil, chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 18 mouth-watering recipes featuring chipotle peppers in adobo sauce! From tacos and soups to sliders and mac ‘n cheese, there’s something for everyone. Try Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema, Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Soup, or Chipotle Adobo Pulled Pork Sliders. For seafood lovers, indulge in Spicy Chipotle Shrimp and Grits or Chipotle Glazed Salmon. And don’t forget to try Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Wings and Chipotle BBQ Ribs with Coleslaw for a taste of smoky heaven!
