This smoky, slightly spicy sauce adds the perfect kick to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Whether drizzled over tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos, its creamy texture and bold flavor will elevate every bite. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make!

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy chipotle sauce, with a spoon dipping into the sauce. Lime wedges and a small bowl of chipotle peppers are visible in the background.

This creamy chipotle sauce adds an instant boost of flavor to pretty much anything. We were astonished at how good it tastes – authentic, tangy, and so creamy. We love how it can transform tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or even a salad.

For me, it’s all about how easy it is to whip up. The prep is astonishingly simple, but the result? Restaurant-quality flavor with just the right balance of smoky heat that you can easily adjust. Once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything!

What We Think You’ll Love About This Recipe

Quick to Make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip this sauce up in 5 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Adjustable Heat Level. You can easily adjust the spice level, making it mild enough for kids or extra spicy for those who like a kick.
Versatile. This sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from tacos and burrito bowls to salads and grilled veggies. It’s a great way to add flavor to leftovers too.
Make-Ahead Friendly. This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can prepare it ahead of time and use it throughout the week.
Restaurant Quality at Home. It delivers a bold, smoky flavor that tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant, but it’s even better because you made it yourself!

Adjusting the Spice Level

One of the best things about this sauce is how easily you can customize the heat level to suit your family’s preferences.

Mild. For a more kid-friendly or milder sauce, use just one chipotle pepper, or even a half, and be sure to remove the seeds (which carry most of the heat). You’ll still get that signature smoky flavor, but without too much spice.
Medium. If you prefer something more balanced, use one full chipotle pepper. This adds enough spice to be noticeable without being overpowering.
Spicy. For those who love a bold, fiery flavor, add two or even three chipotle peppers along with a spoonful of the adobo sauce for an extra smoky and spicy punch. This version is great for spicing up tacos, nachos, and other dishes where you want the sauce to stand out.

Substitution Suggestions

Sour Cream. Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative.
Mayonnaise. Replace the mayo with additional sour cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
Chipotle Peppers. If you don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, you can use chipotle powder for both the smoky flavor and heat. Smoked paprika can add a similar smokiness, but you’ll need to add another source of spice, like cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Lime Juice. Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can add a tang in place of lime juice.
Garlic Powder. Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.

Quick and Easy Prep Tips

One of the standout features of this creamy chipotle sauce is how fast and simple it is to prepare. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious, smoky sauce ready to elevate any dish. Here are some tips to make the process even easier:

Use a Food Processor. If you want an extra smooth and well-blended sauce, toss all the ingredients into a small food processor or blender. This can save you time on mincing the chipotle peppers and guarantees everything is mixed thoroughly.
Prep Ahead. You can mince the chipotle peppers in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, when it’s time to make the sauce, all you need to do is mix everything together. It’s a great timesaver if you’re in a rush or doing meal prep for the week.
Keep Your Ingredients Cold. For the best results, make sure your sour cream and mayonnaise are chilled before you start. This keeps the sauce thick and creamy, preventing it from becoming too runny.
Taste as You Go. Since the heat level of chipotle peppers can vary, it’s a good idea to taste the sauce as you’re mixing. Start with a smaller amount of chipotle, and gradually add more until you reach your preferred heat level.
Double the Recipe for Later. This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days, so consider doubling the recipe to have extra on hand. It’s perfect for drizzling over weeknight meals, salads, or even as a dipping sauce for snacks.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This sauce is not only easy to make, but it’s also make-ahead friendly, meaning you can prepare it in advance and have it on hand whenever you need it. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:

Make Ahead for Busy Weeks. It’s perfect for meal prepping! You can make a batch at the start of the week and use it on a variety of dishes throughout the next few days. It’s a great time-saver when you’re juggling work, family meals, and other responsibilities.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerator. Store the sauce in an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.
Freezer. Freezing is not recommended for this sauce because the sour cream can separate and become grainy when thawed. If you want to freeze this sauce, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Reusing and Refreshing. As the sauce sits in the fridge, the flavors tend to intensify. If you find it’s become spicier or thicker than you like after a few days, simply stir in a little extra sour cream or lime juice to balance the flavors.

Close-up of a bowl of creamy chipotle sauce with visible chunks of chipotle peppers. In the background, lime wedges and a small bowl of chipotle peppers are slightly out of focus.

How to Serve

This versatile recipe is perfect for adding a smoky, tangy kick to a variety of dishes. Here are a few ways you can enjoy it:

Tacos, Burrito Bowls, and Nachos. Drizzle the sauce over your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes for a creamy, flavorful boost.
Grilled Meats and Veggies. Use it as a dip or sauce for grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables.
Salads. Mix with olive oil for a spicy salad dressing, or use it as a topping for a taco salad.
Sandwiches and Wraps. Spread inside sandwiches or wraps for an extra burst of flavor.
Dips and Snacks. Serve with fries, baked potatoes, or as a dip for chips and veggies.

Related Recipes

Prep Time:5

Total Time:5

Equipment

Ingredients

½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adjust for heat, minced
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise
Add the minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp garlic powder
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the chipotle peppers if you prefer more or less heat.
Salt and pepper to taste
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use. This sauce pairs perfectly with tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.

Notes

Adjusting Spice: Start with one chipotle pepper if you’re sensitive to heat and add more for extra smokiness and spice.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations: Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for an even smokier flavor.