Creamy chipotle sauce is a smooth, pourable condiment made by blending mayonnaise and sour cream with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Chipotle peppers are ripe jalapeños that have been smoked and dried, then packed in a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce — this is what gives the finished sauce its deep, smoky flavor and gentle, building heat, rather than a sharp, immediate spice. The mayonnaise and sour cream work together to soften that heat and give the sauce its rich, velvety texture, while a splash of lime juice keeps it tasting bright instead of heavy.
There's no cooking involved — everything goes into a food processor or blender and comes together in about 10 minutes. This makes it a convenient, no-fuss sauce for busy weeknights, and it also works well as a make-ahead item, since the flavor actually improves after it sits in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.
This sauce is best known as a taco and burrito bowl topping, but it works equally well as a dip for fries or chicken tenders, a spread for wraps and burgers, or thinned with a little extra lime juice or water to use as a salad dressing.
The heat level of chipotle peppers can vary noticeably between brands and even between cans, so it's a good idea to start with fewer peppers and blend in more if you'd like it spicier. As written, the sauce is vegetarian. It's gluten-free when made with gluten-free-labeled mayonnaise and chipotle peppers in adobo, since some packaged brands use additives that contain gluten. It is not vegan, egg-free, or dairy-free — see the ingredient notes for substitutions.
A smooth, smoky sauce made by blending mayonnaise, sour cream, and chipotle peppers in adobo. Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking required — great on tacos, bowls, and fries.
Add everything to the blender. Put the mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic, and salt into a small food processor or blender.
Blend until smooth. Blend for about 30–45 seconds, stopping once to scrape down the sides, until the sauce is completely smooth with no visible flecks of pepper skin and turns an even orange-red color.
Taste and adjust. Taste the sauce. Add a bit more lime juice or salt if it needs it, or blend in half of another chipotle pepper for more heat.
Chill if you have time. Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes at 4°C (40°F) before serving — this isn't required, but it lets the flavors settle and deepens the color slightly. The sauce is fine to serve right away if you're in a hurry.
Servings 10
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Hello! I'm Chloe Bennett, a home chef and food lover from Austin, Texas. I created this space to share my love for cooking all kinds of food from quick breakfasts and appetizers to comforting dinners and sweet desserts. Every recipe is tested in my kitchen with simple ingredients, so you can make delicious meals with confidence.