17 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce Recipes

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!

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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

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

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

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

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

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

Salpicon Fattoush Salad with Chipotle Dressing

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

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

Veggie Black Bean and Chipotle Chili

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

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

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

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

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

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}

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

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

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}

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

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