• Home
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Contact Kate Ramos
  • About ¡Hola! Jalapeño
  • Margarita Week

¡HOLA! JALAPEÑO

Comida Latina, Condiments and Salsas, Dairy Free, Mains, Popular, Recipes, Side Dishes, Top

17 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce Recipes

January 24, 2018
Can of open chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
539shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Wondering what to do with that open can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce hanging out in your fridge? Here are 17 recipes to give help you use it up! Never throw away a moldy can of chipotle chiles again, with this lengthy list of recipes from sweet and spicy meatballs to chicken tacos. These are simple and easy recipes that will finish off that can in no time!


what are chipotle peppers and where do you buy them?

First things first: Chipotle chili peppers are simply smoked jalapeño peppers.

When jalapenos are allowed to ripen fully they turn red, then the ripe red jalapeños are smoked and dried. These dried, smoked jalapeños are now dried chipotle peppers!

That being said, every red jalapeño is not the same. A smaller variety that is more intensely flavored and fragrant are called Morita chiles and these are the ones that are used to make canned chipotles in adobo sauce.

The bigger ones with a tough brown skin are called Chipotle Mecos and are used as dried chiles.

  • Chipotles can be bought in their dried form (in Latin markets or well-stocked grocery stores with the other dried chiles)
  • But more often they are rehydrated, packed in adobo sauce and canned. Canned chipotle in adobo can be found at almost any grocery store next to the other Latin foods.
  • You can also find chipotle chili powder which is the dried chiles ground into a fine powder to be used to add spice to rubs, marinades, and many other recipes.

Read more about my favorite chipotle peppers in adobo sauce brands.

are chipotle peppers in adobo super spicy?

Short answer: Yes. But you can control the heat by:

  • Scraping out the seeds.
  • Using less than the recipe calls for. Start with half and then add more according to your tastes.
  • Use just the adobo sauce that the chiles come packed in. The sauce is a mixture of tomatoes, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices and packs a little heat but not half as much as the chiles.

when do I use chipotle peppers in adobo?

Their smoky flavor can add a boost to just about anything. You’ll often find them in Tex-Mex recipes, authentic Mexican salsas, and barbecue sauces.

During the smoking process and more often when they can the smoked peppers they typically remove the stems which means they are ready to use straight from the can.

I use these hot peppers in so many different ways. Here are just a few:

  • Chopping and adding to a can of black beans
  • Pureeing and mixing into mayonnaise for a quick sandwich spread.
  • Chopping fine and mixing into hummus.
  • Adding a few tablespoons of the adobo sauce to chicken broth for a quick soup.
  • Heck, adding a few tablespoons of the adobo sauce to ANY soup.

how long do chipotle peppers in adobo last?

  • After opening your can of chipotle peppers transfer any leftovers to a clean resealable jar and keep in the fridge for a month.
  • Blend any leftovers into a smooth paste and freeze in ice cube trays.
  • Once frozen, pop the chipotle ice cubes out of the tray into a resealable plastic bag and take them out as you need them.
  • Frozen, they should last up to 6 months.

now give me some recipes with chipotle peppers!!

Smoky Chicken Tacos with Mango Pico de Gallo

A white plate with tacos sitting on top and a white napkin on the side.

These shredded chicken tacos are simmered with chipotle and lime then topped with a fresh mango salsa made with sweet ripe mangos, jalapeños and red onion.

Honey Chipotle Cocktail Meatballs

A bowl of meatballs being held in a persons hands.

These Honey Chipotle Cocktail Meatballs make a stunningly simple party appetizer with just three ingredients, they are made as fast as they disappear.

Manchego Chipotle Cheese Ball

Cheese slathered on two crackers sitting on a colorful napkin with a cheeseball in the background.

This manchego chipotle cheese ball is perfect for parties; coated with pumpkin and poppy seeds, and chives its a real crowd pleaser. Gluten-free!

Fig Chipotle Jam

A plate with two pieces of toast. One has jam on top with a knife on the side.

This fig chipotle jam might be the easiest jam you will ever make, not to mention one of the tastiest. It’s great with everything from cheese to fried eggs.

Roasted Carrots with Chipotle Honey Butter

A bowl of roasted carrots with lemon and mint leaves on top.

Sweet roasted carrots tossed in a chipotle and honey butter and sprinkled with fresh mint leaves. Gluten-free!

Salpicon Fattoush Salad with Chipotle Dressing

Salpicon Fattoush Salad on a black platter sitting on a marble table with a small bowl of vinaigrette near by and a spoon with dressing on it.

This recipe combines Salpicon salad and Fattoush salad with seasoned steak, oven-baked flatbread crisps, avocado, feta cheese, and spicy chipotle dressing.

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Cream via Veganmiam

Person holding a taco with cauliflower, cilantro, and sauce.

Insanely delicious plant-based tacos with a creamy chipotle chili sauce!

Veggie Black Bean and Chipotle Chili

Overhead shot of a bowl of black bean and vegetable chili with a corn muffin and a cut lime wedge.

A vegan chili recipe with black beans, chipotle chiles, and loads of fresh vegetables. It’s one of our favorite one pot Mexican food recipes with pictures!

Piñata Chicken Wings

Close up shot of chicken wings sitting on a white plate on top of a white tablecloth.

Oven-baked chicken wings tossed in a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce made with caramelized onions, chipotle chiles, raspberry jam, and a jolt of coffee.

Baked Spaghetti Squash with Chipotle Cream Sauce

Overhead shot of cooked spaghetti squash on a white plate on top of a wooden table with a glass of wine in the corner.

Baked spaghetti squash takes on a whole new meaning when draped in fiery chipotle cream sauce and sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs and Cotija cheese.

Tacos al Pastor with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Two tacos sitting on a white plate on a wooden table.

Tacos al Pastor, the classic taco truck staple can easily be made at home with this step-by-step recipe. Top with a grilled pineapple salsa for a sweet and spicy pork taco.

Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Pizza

Flatbread pizzas getting ready to go on the grill sitting on a wooden board.

Grilled honey-chipotle chicken, green bell peppers, and sharp Cheddar cheese makes the ultimate chicken pizza. Using flatbread makes it a snap!

Beef and Chipotle Chili

An overhead image of a bowl of beef chipotle chili with kidney beans. There are thinly sliced red onions and cheese on top.

This Instant Pot Beef and Chipotle Chili is the quickest way to get fiery, soul-satisfying beef and bean chili into your belly. Stove top instructions too! 

Charred Pineapple and Chipotle Mole {Manchamantel Mole Sauce}

Person making tamales sitting next to a bowl of mole sauce.

One of the classic seven moles of Oaxaca, Mexico. Manchamantel, literally translates to tablecloth stainer. It is fruity from charred pineapple and spicy with chipotle chiles and so irresistible you’re destined to drip and dribble it just about everywhere.

Chipotle Chicken Flautas

A tray of taquitos topped with chopped tomato, cilantro, and onions sitting on a wooden table.

Easy Mexican recipes like these shredded chicken flautas make the perfect party food! Fry them in advance, and keep them warm in the oven for guests!

Turkey Tinga Sopes

Turkey soles with avocado and radishes on top sitting on a wooden table.

These Turkey Tinga Sopes is the most delicious way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Simmered in a spicy sauce of chipotles, orange juice, and garlic.

Mexican Meatball Soup with Rice {Sopa de Albondigas}

A bowl of meatball soup sitting on a woven mat with pink string and a spoon.

The most delicious Mexican Meatball Soup recipe with chipotle meatballs made with both pork and beef in a rich beef broth with tomatoes, rice, and spinach.

Need More Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce Recipes?

  • Hit up my Chipotle Pepper Recipes Pinterest Board.

One More Thing

Did you love this post? I want to know! Leave me a comment and snap a photo for Instagram. Tag @holajalapeno and use the #holajalapeno hashtag so I can see your beautiful creation! Your feedback is super important to me. If you run into trouble shoot me a message on Instagram and I’ll walk you through it.

Also, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

/////

Header image by Food and Wine

You Might Also Like

  • This fig chipotle jam might be the easiest jam you will ever make, not to mention one of the tastiest. It's great with everything from cheese to fried eggs.
    Fig Chipotle Jam
  • Easy as can be, this recipe for Smoky Chipotle Turkey Tortas uses leftover holiday turkey or rotisserie chicken and is ready in 30 minutes. With refried black beans, Oaxaca cheese, and a fresh sprinkle of arugula and radishes this Mexican-style sandwich is the prefect weeknight meal. #tortas #tortasmexicanas #tortasmexicanasrecipe
    Smoky Chipotle Turkey Tortas
  • Sweet, creamy, with a hint of heat this No-Bake Pumpkin Chipotle Cheesecake is not only easy to pull off (ready: no oven necessary) but tastes heavenly with a gingersnap cookie crust and a rich, silky filling. Make ahead and freeze for up to a week. Perfect for Thanksgiving! #thanksgiving #nobakecheesecake #cheesecake #pumpkincheesecake #nobake #easythanksgiving #easydessert
    No-Bake Pumpkin Chipotle Cheesecake
  • Find out which canned chiptole peppers in adobo are the best! Click here for my overall favorite plus the best gmo-free brand and gluten-free brand. #chipotlepeppers #chipotlepeppersinadobo #chipotlerecipes #chipotlesinadobo #mexicanfood #chipotles
    The Best Chipotle Peppers In Adobo
chipotle pepperschipotle peppers in adobocooking tipshow topantryPlant Powered Mexicanrecipe roundup
Kate Ramos
Kate Ramos

 

17 Comments

  • Avatar
    Reply Blanca D May 17, 2019 at 11:30 am

    OMG everything looks so delicious! I like the idea of freezing leftovers. I’m going to try that tip too.

    • Avatar
      Reply Kate Ramos May 17, 2019 at 1:15 pm

      Excellent!! The freezer is a Godsend when it comes to things like that.

  • Avatar
    Reply Enriqueta E Lemoine May 17, 2019 at 2:33 pm

    I’m a chipotle lover. So Thank you so much for this wonderful recap! Have a great weekend my dear!

    • Avatar
      Reply Kate Ramos May 18, 2019 at 6:25 am

      Thank you Enri! Hope you love the recipes!!

  • Avatar
    Reply Ael May 21, 2019 at 2:35 pm

    Love chipotles! Have you tried them with Piloncillo??? Its one of my favoirite salsas ever.

    • Avatar
      Reply Kate Ramos June 11, 2019 at 2:12 pm

      What?!! That sounds incredible. I’m going to make that ASAP!

  • Avatar
    Reply Rosanna Mancino January 28, 2020 at 11:19 am

    Kate, se me ha hecho agua la boca… definitivamente soy un chipotle lover y cada vez que puedo comerlos lo hago…. Por cierto las fotos de tus platos son exquisitas también.

  • Avatar
    Reply Enriqueta E Lemoine January 28, 2020 at 12:13 pm

    Ok. I’m back. Did you add all those pics? I don’t remember seeing them before…

  • Avatar
    Reply Alejandra Graf January 28, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    I will follow all of the recipes Chipotle is one of my favorite ingredients ever.I use it on everything!!!

    • Avatar
      Reply Kate Ramos January 29, 2020 at 7:33 am

      I need to get your recipe for chipotle and piloncillo salsa to add to the list.

  • Avatar
    Reply Leticia Esteves January 28, 2020 at 5:36 pm

    Oh my God! Fig chipotle jam is more than a could crave for! Diving into that recipe right now!

    • Avatar
      Reply Kate Ramos January 29, 2020 at 7:33 am

      That recipe is incredible Leticia! I hope you get a chance to make it.

  • Avatar
    Reply Myrah Duque January 28, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    Oh Chipotle how I love you so! This is one detailed and very useful recap! Thank you so very much.

    • Avatar
      Reply Kate Ramos January 29, 2020 at 7:32 am

      Excellent Myrah! I’m so happy it is helpful.

  • Avatar
    Reply Paula Zelaya January 29, 2020 at 7:02 am

    I absolutely love this recipe! I think my husband will enjoy it and the girls would love to make it

    • Avatar
      Reply Kate Ramos January 29, 2020 at 7:31 am

      Thank you Paula!

  • Avatar
    Reply Kate May 1, 2020 at 10:06 am

    I have added 4-8 tablespoons (depending on the amount I make) of it to my spaghetti sauce with italian sausage. Will blow your mind! spicy and smoky deliciousness. wonderful in mexican food and amazing in italian if you can take the heat! Definitely not for people who can’t handle spicy but I can take the heat til it makes my nose run! lol

  • Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Previous Post
    Fiery Habanero Tomatillo Salsa
    Next Post
    Savory Chili Cheese Churros

    Celebrating Mexican flavors with healthy, simple recipes from my California kitchen.

    Welcome to ¡Hola! Jalapeño

    Welcome to ¡Hola! Jalapeño

    ¡Hola! I'm Kate Ramos. Mama of two. Iowa girl married to a Mexican-American man living in California. Here's what I love: my family, Mexican flavors, and creating great recipes that celebrate our SoCal life! I'm so happy you're here.

    Subscribe & Follow

    NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

    Sign Up Now

    Search

    Popular Posts

    • Mexican Shredded Beef for tacos, gorditas, tostadas, and more! With stove top, slow cooker, and Instant Pot instructions included. #shreddedbeef #beeffortacos #Mexicanshreddedbeef #beeftacos

      Shredded Beef For Tacos {Carne Deshebrada}

      September 15, 2020
    • Two bowls of Green Tomato Chili on a marble table top with a spoon in the first bowl.

      Green Tomato Recipes! Tangy Green Tomato Chili

      May 22, 2020
    • A spicy Pozole Verde that just so happens to be vegan. Made with green chiles, jalapeños, pinto beans and hominy. One of my favorite Mexican dinner ideas! #sponsored #holajalapeno #pozole #vegan

      How To Make Green Chile Vegan Pozole

      October 4, 2019
    • Can of open chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

      17 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce Recipes

      January 24, 2018
    • Crock pot with frijoles borrachos and cilantro.

      Crock Pot Borracho Beans {Frijoles Borrachos}

      May 11, 2016

    ¡HOLA! JALAPENO ON Pinterest

    • Slow Cooker Rice - Three Ingredients - Five Minute Prep!
    • No Bake Peaches and Cream Trifle made with store bought pound cake, vanilla pudding and fresh peaches and non dairy whipped topping.
    • Learn how to make homemade Italian style Neapolitan Ravioli. It's easier than you think and perfect for Sunday dinner or holiday gatherings.
    • Whip up this comfort food for any kind of weather! Tossed with garlic butter shrimp and some fresh greens, this pasta dish is incredibly hearty and flavorful. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes from start to finish! Save this quick and easy dinner recipe!
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken made with boneless chicken pan seared in a skillet tossed with fresh spinach and sun dried tomatoes in an alfredo sauce. #chicken
    • How to make Atole at home! This warm Mexican drink combines cinnamon, piloncillo, and masa harina for a creamy warming cup of comfort. Use plant-based milk for a vegan alternative. Great for breakfast, a snack, or lovely way to wind down at the end of the day. #atole #veganrecipe #Mexicanatole #glutenfreerecipe
    • There is an undeniable effect of joy caused by the appearance of a rainbow. It’s an amazing natural phenomenon that also doubles as a sign of hope, unity, acceptance and LOVE. So in the spirit of brightening up this gloomy and cold Friday in February, I gathered up a collection of really cool pieces in rainbow colors and patterns! And being that this is a style blog, I had to include an array of things to put in your home and on your body, all with a rainbow theme.
    • Surprise Kitchen Remodel & Living Room Makeover - roomfortuesday.com
    • Dress up a classic with this flavorful crab grilled cheese and creamy tomato bisque. Get the full recipe at HannahBerryMakes.com

    Featured On

    Find me on Instagram – @holajalapeno

    View on Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

    @2020 ¡HOLA! JALAPEÑO - PRIVACY POLICY

    Back to top
    539shares