17 Canned Chipotle Pepper Recipes

Wondering what to do with that chipotle pepper can sitting on your shelf? Here are 17 recipes to help you use it up! Never throw away a moldy can of chipotle peppers again, with this lengthy list of recipes from enchilada sauce to chicken tacos. These simple and easy recipes will finish off that can in no time!

First posted January 24, 2018. Last updated April 13, 2022.

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what is a chipotle pepper and where do you buy them?

First things first: A chipotle chili pepper is simply a smoked jalapeño pepper.

When jalapenos are allowed to ripen fully they turn red, then the ripe red jalapeños are smoked with wood chips 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 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

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

Where To Buy

• 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 sauce can be found at almost any grocery store next to the other Latin foods.
• You can also buy chipotle powder and use in rubs, marinades, and many other recipes.

Read more about my favorite chipotle in adobo sauce brands.

are chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 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 tangy tomato sauce that the chiles come packed in. The flavorful sauce is a mixture of tomatoes, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices and packs a little heat but not half as much as the chipotle chili itself.

when do I use chipotle pepper?

It adds smokiness to just about anything. You’ll often find them in Tex-Mex recipes, authentic Mexican salsas, and as a sauce marinade.

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 the whole can in a food processor and mixing a teaspoon or two 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!!

1. 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.

2. Huaraches with Squash Blossoms and Chipotle Aioli

This plant-based Huaraches recipe takes you step-by-step through how to make these heavenly bean-filled masa cakes topped with tomatillo salsa, sautéed squash blossoms, and chipotle aioli. Gluten-free and vegan-adaptable!

3. Super Easy Chipotle Enchilada Sauce

Never use store-bought enchilada sauce again! This homemade red enchilada sauce recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients like chipotle chili and comes together in 5 minutes. It is no-cook, vegan, and gluten-free. You are going to love this recipe!

4. Chipotle Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole

This Chipotle Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole is absolute comfort food at its best with ground beef, pinto beans, sour cream, and jack cheese tucked between layers of tortillas and topped with chipotle enchilada sauce.

5. Roasted Carrots with Chipotle Honey Butter

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

6. Smoky Chipotle Guacamole

This easy guacamole recipe is full of fresh ingredients like ripe avocados, lime juice, and red onion with the smoky kick of chipotle peppers. Make everyone’s favorite dip and serve with tortilla chips or on a plate of tacos. Vegan and gluten-free with just seven ingredients!

7. Deep Dish Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

This recipe for Black Bean Enchilada Casserole has eight layers of tortillas, black beans, roasted vegetables, and cheese making it the most delicious ever! Bake in the oven, on a deep casserole dish until the cheese is melted and bubbly. in under 30 minutes! A healthy, plant-based dinner, perfect for Sunday family dinner. 

8. Chipotle Black Bean Chili

A plant-based Black Bean Chili recipe with chipotle chiles, and loads of fresh vegetables. Serve in big bowls with all your favorite toppings and a side of cornbread or over a baked potato. Gluten-free and easily vegan-adaptable!

9. Fall Harvest Enchiladas with Chipotle Cream Sauce

These root vegetable enchiladas have all the feels of a colorful fall harvest. Bathed in a smoky chipotle cream sauce they are the perfect cozy fall dinner.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Instant Pot Pork Tinga

Pork Tinga is easily one of our family’s favorite recipes. This stewy mixture of tender pork, tomatoes, and chipotle chile is one of the easiest and tastiest Mexican recipes out there and cooking it in the Instant Pot also makes it the fastest! 

13. 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! 

14. 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.

15. 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!

16. 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.

17. Sopa de Albondigas {Mexican Meatball Soup}

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

More Mexican Ingredients To Check Out

• 11 Delicious Ways To Use Tajín
• 21 Insanely Delicious Tomatillo Recipes
• What are Flor de Jamaica {Hibiscus Flowers}? Plus 10 Hibiscus Recipes
• The 5 Best Habanero Recipes
• Inside a Mexican Pantry: The Ultimate Guide
• What To Do With Ghost Peppers
• What is Capsaicin? Plus 20 Spicy Food Recipes

Which Recipe Will You Make First?

I want to know which one is jumping out at you. Let me know what you make by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

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