Chipotles in adobo sauce are some of the most versatile to add some serious smoky heat and depth of flavor to so many dishes. Whether one has sat haplessly in your pantry or this spicy, saucy delight has just recently come into your life, we have picked ten amazing recipes that will help you make the most of your chipotles in adobo sauce.
Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Make Taco Night Sizzle and Shine with these bold and fiery chipotle chicken tacos. Marinate boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the puree of chipotles in adobo, fresh lime juice, garlic, and cumin. Grill chicken until perfectly charred, then slice into warm tortillas. Finish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or are hosting a weekend fiesta, these tacos fit the bill.
Chipotle Black Bean Soup
Give your black bean soup a little kick with a few chopped chipotle in adobo added to the pot. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until tender; add in beans, vegetable broth, and chipotle peppers. Simmer until flavors meld together, then puree half the soup for a creamy but somewhat chunky consistency. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a hearty, spicy meal.
Smoky Chipotle Barbecue Sauce
Step up your barbecue game with this homemade chipotle barbecue sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a few tablespoons of chipotles in adobo; simmer until thickened, occasionally stirring. The rich smoky sauce is beautiful to slather on grilled chicken, pork, or even a burger for an added kick.
Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Skewers
Chipotle-lime shrimp skewers are a quick, flavorful appetizer. Marinate shrimp in olive oil, garlic, lime zest, and minced chipotles in adobo; thread them onto skewers and grill until pink and slightly charred. Smoky heat from Chipotle is tempered by zesty limes in this instant crowd-pleaser for a summer barbecue or dinner party.
Creamy Chipotle Pasta
Combine chipotles in adobo with a creamy sauce for really rich pasta. Sauté garlic in butter, then add in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir in finely chopped chipotle until it reaches your desired sauce silkiness. Toss your sauce with your favorite pasta and top it with grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty home meal that’s restaurant quality.
Chipotle-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are great, but chipotles in adobo bring in a spicy, smoky element. Toss sliced sweet potatoes with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and a spoonful of minced chipotle. Roast until crispy and golden. These fries will be such a great side dish for burgers, tacos, or whatever you throw on the grill. The flavor is sweet and savory with just the right amount of heat.
Chipotle-Glazed Meatballs
These chipotle-glazed meatballs will be the real showstopper of your gathering. Combine ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and a smidgen of chopped chipotles in adobo. Shape into bite-sized meatballs and bake until cooked through. Meanwhile, reduce honey, soy sauce, and additional chipotles in a saucepan to a sticky, spicy glaze. Toss the meatballs in the glaze and serve as an appetizer or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Chipotle Cornbread Muffins
Give your cornbread a little kick by adding chipotles in adobo. Make up your favorite cornbread batter, fold in some finely chopped chipotles and shredded cheddar cheese, and bake until golden. These muffins are smoky, cheesy, and extra good for an already amazing kick with chili or barbecue, these can be the most full-of-flavor side dishes.
Chipotle-Laced Guacamole
Give your classic guacamole that smoky, spicy makeover. Cream up ripe avocado with lime juice, garlic, and salt, then stir in a little minced chipotle heat in adobo. The smokiness of the chipotle complements the creaminess of the avocado into a bold, exciting dip for chips, tacos, or sandwiches.
Chipotle-Marinated Steak
Marinate your favorite cut of steak in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and chopped chipotle in adobo for one show-stopping steak dinner. Grill or pan-sear the steak to the desired doneness. Let it rest, then slice. The result is a juicy, full-flavored steak with just the right amount of smoke perfect for wowing dinner guests or serving up one special dinner in.
Whether your taste buds take you to tacos or margaritas, that can of chipotles in adobo sauce unlocks a world in the kitchen. It lifts the ordinary into something special. Here are ten recipes that epitomize the many uses of chipotles and are sure to inspire so many other smoky, spicy creations in your kitchen.