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Did you get a can of chipotles in adobo sauce for a recipe and now need ideas for using the rest of it? Maybe you need to use that can in your pantry that’s approaching its expiration date. Or maybe you just love that smoky, spicy chipotle flavor. Whatever the reason, this list has all kinds of recipes to use those chipotles in adobo sauce. I’ve got appetizers, soups, main courses, sides, and sauces covered. This list includes several vegetarian and vegan options. Some of the recipes are labeled gluten free, but make sure to check the label of your chipotle peppers just to be sure.
While there are plenty of tacos and chilis on this list, as it to be expected with a chipotle pepper post, there are definitely plenty of other selections! How about a Chipotle Steak Au Poivre (by Grandbaby Cakes) or a Potato Cheese Soup With Smoky Chipotle (by Platings and Pairings)?
Images used with permission.
Jump to Section
- What Are Chipotle Peppers?
- What Is Adobo Sauce?
- Freezing Chipotles In Adobo Sauce
- Appetizers & Salads
- Salsas
- Soups
- Mains
- Sides
- Sauces & Dressings
What Are Chipotle Peppers?
Chipotle peppers are ripe jalapenos that have been smoked and dried. If you want to make your own at home, see DIY Chipotle Peppers from Baking Sense.
What is Adobo Sauce?
Adobo sauce is an earthy, spicy sauce made with ancho and guajillo chiles. If you want to make your own, see How to Make Adobo Sauce from Kevin Is Cooking.
Freezing Chipotles in Adobo Sauce
After opening the can, separate the peppers and liquid into desired freezer portions. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. If using a bag, remove as much air from the bag as possible. Remove from the freezer and thaw when ready to use.
Appetizers & Salads
Chipotle Lime Buttered Shrimp {Sauteed}
These spicy buttered shrimp use smoky chipotle peppers with lime and butter. Perfect for an appetizer, tacos, or to serve over rice.
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Baked Chipotle Barbecue Wings
These Baked Chipotle Barbecue Wings are tossed in an easy Homemade Chipotle Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce and baked to perfection! This simple barbecue sauce is sweet with a smoky, spicy heat and whips up in minutes.
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Chipotle Chicken Tostadas
Chipotle Chicken Tostadas are simple to make. Plus, they’re zesty, crunchy and full of bold flavor! The perfect low-calorie appetizer or snack!
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Mini Baked Shrimp Tostadas Bites With Chipotle Sour Cream
These Baked Shrimp Tostadas Bites are a mini version of the popular Mexican dish. They make the perfect appetizer to serve a crowd and can be made ahead of time!
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Spicy Chipotle Kabocha Dip {Vegan, Gluten Free}
A Spicy Chipotle Kabocha Dip made from everyone’s favorite squash! Spicy, sweet, savory – serving it right in the kabocha shell is a fun detail.
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Spicy Hummus with Chiles in Adobo Sauce {Vegan}
This version of hummus has a spicy, smoky flavor that could become your favorite vegan friendly appetizer!
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Chipotle Lime Hummus {Vegan}
Smoky and spicy, Chipotle Lime Hummus is full of protein and a great vegan snack. Ready in 5 minutes!
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Chipotle Mayonnaise Dip
Creamy dip with a hint of lime and the smoky and spicy flavor of chipotle peppers. Chipotle dip makes a great appetizer for your summer cookouts.
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Chipotle Grilled Romaine Salad with Shrimp
This chipotle grilled romaine salad with shrimp is the perfect salad for summer. The ingredients nestle into the groves of the grilled romaine.
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Salsas
Chipotle Corn Salsa
This addictive Chipotle Corn Salsa is a perfect accompaniment to any Mexican food. Sweet roasted corn makes a perfect pairing with smoky chipotle peppers. Such an amazing and fresh side dish recipe for summer gatherings or Cinco de Mayo!
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Chipotle Adobo Salsa
This bold salsa has just the right amount of heat with a smoky chipotle flavor. 8 ingredients pack in a tangy, zesty flavor. It comes together in the blender in just a few minutes.
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Chipotle Salsa Recipe – A Hint of Smokiness
This Chipotle Salsa Recipe has such a wonderfully deep, smoky flavor that really adds a great melowness to this delicious salsa! Perfect for canning so you can enjoy the fresh taste of summer all year long!
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Soups
Potato Cheese Soup with Smoky Chipotle
Smoky Chipotle Potato Cheese Soup is the perfect recipe to warm you up on chilly days. It’s thick & creamy with just a hint of spicy heat. It’s like queso you can eat with a spoon!
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Smoky Chipotle Chili
Rich and hearty, with a layer of smokiness from chipotle peppers, this chili will keep you warm on winter nights. Make a big batch, it’s even better as leftovers!
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Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Chili
This Southwest Chicken Chili is the perfect mix of spiciness and warm comfort food. Dump and go, then add fun toppings or enjoy just as it is.
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Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili
This hearty vegetarian sweet potato chili is brimming with healthy vegetables and packs just as much flavor as a traditional beef chili. It’s an ultra comforting dish to get you through the winter.
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Vegetarian Chili Recipe
This stove-top Vegetarian Chili Recipe is the perfect cold weather recipe to let simmer on your stove. Fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle chiles in adobo and rich spices create a flavor packed chili. This is perfect for game-day, dinner or a freezer friendly meal!
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Slow Cooker Chipotle Sweet Potato Chili with Cilantro-Lime Avocado Smash
This Slow Cooker Chipotle Sweet Potato Chili with added beef and black beans is hearty, sweet, and smoky! Just delicious!
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Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This quick chicken tortilla soup has been one of my go-to weeknight meals for years. It has big Mexican flavors and mellow heat from a chipotle chile.
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Vegan Black Bean Soup
Soup is definitely not just for winter, and this Mexican influenced vegan black bean soup provides the sort of refreshment that only a good bit of spice can. Good on both a hot and cold day!
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Chickpea and Quinoa Stew {Instant Pot or Slow Cooker}
This Chickpea and Quinoa Stew is loaded with spices and delicious flavors of paprika and chipotle peppers. It can be prepared in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, for an easy weeknight meal!
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Mexican Goat Stew
Mexican Goat Stew with black beans and chipotles is a spicy protein packed meal perfect with rice of warm tortillas.
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Mains
Main dishes are separated by the type of meat (or lack thereof): Multiple Meats, Fish, Chicken, Pork, Beef, Vegetarian or Vegan.
Multiple Meats
Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich
This turkey, bacon, and avocado sandwich is served on ciabatta bread with a homemade chipotle mayo sauce.
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Chipotle Lime Mixed Fajitas
These chipotle lime mixed fajitas are packed with flavor. A fun meal to make for a group of friends, or for the whole family.
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Fish
Crispy Baja Fish Tacos
An amazing combination of crispy fried fish, served in a cozy warm tortilla with pickled cabbage slaw, pico de gallo and flavorful chipotle crema.
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Mahi Mahi Tacos
These fresh fish tacos with grilled Mahi Mahi have just enough flavor that doesn't overpower the fish. The broccoli slaw is a great texture contrast with the fish. A chipotle lime crema ties all of the flavors and textures together.
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Grilled Mahi Mahi with Cherry Chipotle Salsa
Fresh, grilled mahi mahi fish, topped with a kicked up cherry chipotle salsa made using fire-roasted tomatoes and garlic. Ready in minutes, this easy, healthy Grilled Mahi Mahi with Cherry Chipotle Salsa dinner is summer perfect.
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Low-Carb Pan Fried Salmon with Avocado Jalapeño Salsa
Pan Fried Salmon with Avocado Jalapeño Salsa packs a serious flavor punch and is full of keto, high fat goodness. Ready in 20 minutes flat!
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Chicken
30-Minute Chicken Street Tacos {One Pot}
One pot Mexican shredded chicken turned to amazing street tacos, ready in 30 minutes. The flavorful chicken is served in a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings.
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Smoky Chicken Tinga Tacos
These easy, Smoky Chicken Tinga Tacos (tinga de pollo) come together quickly for a weeknight dinner that will take your taco game in a delicious new direction. Tender, shredded chicken gets dressed up in a smokey sauce made from fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, then nestled in corn tortillas and topped with sliced avocado, cotija cheese, diced onions, and chopped cilantro, street taco style!
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Skillet Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Mexican Crema
These Skillet Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Mexican Crema make for a fast and easy weeknight meal. Everyone will love this shredded chicken taco recipe!
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Instant Pot Chicken Tinga
hicken Tinga – An authentic Mexican recipe with spicy, smoky chicken cooked in onions, tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Served on warm tacos or tostadas, topped with crunchy purple cabbage, radishes or red onions, creamy avocado and crumbly cheese makes a perfect meal.
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Chipotle Barbecue Sauce Chicken Quesadillas
Sweet, Smoky, Spicy Homemade Chipotle Barbecue Sauce is combined with grilled chicken, roasted corn, black beans, and all that ooey, gooey cheese, stuffed in a crispy, toasted tortilla Quesadilla-style!
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Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas
Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas are an easy enchilada recipe with a delicious filling of shredded chicken breast, chipotle and green chiles.
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Chicken Panini with Chipotle Mayo
This Chicken Panini with Chipotle Mayo makes the perfect tasty lunch recipe! It’s gluten free, full of spinach and avocado, and topped with a zesty mayo.
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Pork
Pulled Pork BBQ
Pulled Pork recipe cooked low & slow on a bed of onions with flavorful chipotle, BBQ sauce, & spice rub. Make some great pulled pork sandwiches! With just a few ingredients, you can have inexpensive and delicious pulled pork at home.
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Pulled Pork Burrito Bowls {Partial Slow Cooker}
These pulled pork burrito bowls are perfect for dinner or to reheat for lunch. They're loaded with fresh ingredients and complex flavors. The chipotle sour cream adds a cool heat.
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Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
These Slow Cooker pork Carnitas or not only healthy, they are gluten free! If you love pulled pork, you’ll love carnitas.
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Grilled Sweet Chipotle Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro Lime Chimichurri
Grilled Sweet Chipotle Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro Lime Chimichurri has a smoky-hot, brown sugar wet rub that is also basted on the meat as it barbecues and develops into a divine crust. The fresh, tartness of the Cilantro Lime Chimicurri is the perfect accompaniment when served on the slices of pork tenderloin.
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30 Minute Chipotle Pork Chops Recipe
Quick, budget-friendly Chipotle Pork Chops are easy to make and on the table in less than 30 minutes! These pork chops take just 4 ingredients including spicy chipotle peppers and sweet orange juice. They are absolutely delicious!
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Beef
Chipotle Steak Au Poivre
This Chipotle Steak Au Poivre is a classic with a spicy twist. Ribeye gets marinated in a smoky chipotle paste, grilled to perfection then topped with a savory and creamy wine sauce.
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Skirt Steak Tacos with Guacamole and Chipotle Sour Cream
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Carne Asada Tacos
Looking for a new taco recipe? These carne asada tacos are a game-changer! Perfectly seasoned beef and a homemade chili sauce, try this taco recipe tonight!
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Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
Juicy, tender and flavor packed Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa makes the perfect pairing for rice bowls, filling for tacos or quesadillas or a topping for a salad.
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Slow Cooker Beef Back Ribs
These slow cooker beef back ribs are cooked in a delicious red wine sauce with just a hint of spice from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. By the end of the cooking time the rib meat slides off the bones and is full of flavor.
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Chipotle BLT Cheeseburgers {Grilled}
An American classic with a hit of smoky chipotle spice in the form of a chipotle mayonnaise.
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Vegetarian or Vegan
Vegan Pork Jackfruit Tacos
These super flavorful vegan pork chipotle jackfruit tacos are easy to make, ready in 40 minutes, and only require one pan!
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Southwest Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos
Less than 30 minutes for vegetarian southwest chipotle sweet potato tacos!
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The Best Vegan Tempeh Tacos
The best vegan tempeh tacos you’ll ever have made with chipotle corn salsa, Pico de Gallo and savory vegan tempeh taco meat.
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Chipotle Chayote Blue Corn Tacos
These vegetarian tacos with homemade blue corn tortillas are spicy and delicious. Homemade Mexican food done right!
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Vegetarian Swiss Chard and Pinto Bean Burritos
These Vegetarian Swiss Chard and Pinto Bean Burritos are the ultimate in meatless meal Tex-Mex comfort food. Stuffed with brown cilantro rice, lots of melty cheese, diced avocado, and a smokey chipotle swiss chard and pinto bean filling, they are super satisfying for even the most avowed meat-eater.
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Chipotle Sofritas (Adobo Braised Tofu) {Vegan}
Copycat Chipotle sofritas – tofu sofritas in the same style served at Chipotle, but even more flavorful (and healthier)! Firm tofu is pan-fried, then shredded and braised in a rich, spicy, and savory adobo sauce. Skip the lines and make your own vegan burrito bowls at home!
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Vegetarian Enchiladas Recipe with Roasted Cauliflower
This Vegetarian Enchiladas Recipe is a great healthy weeknight meal filled with roasted veggies and beans then topped with cheese and sauce! This recipe can easily be customized with additional toppings, the addition of meat, or making it vegan.
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Cauliflower al Pastor Bowls
Sweet and spicy deconstructed cauliflower al pastor bowls are a delicious vegetarian al pastor recipe, served with brown rice and cotija cheese.
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Sloppy Pineapple Chickpea BBQ Sandwich {Vegan}
Maple Chipotle BBQ Sandwich – sweet and mildly spicy, hearty and delicious, this sloppy sandwich is husband and kid approved! It comes together quickly and easily.
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Protein Rich Chipotle Alfredo Spaghetti {Vegan, Gluten Free}
Protein Rich Chipotle Alfredo Spaghetti – a wonderfully spicy update to everyone’s favorite noodle topper – perfect over pasta or spaghetti squash!
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Sides
Spicy Mac & Cheese
This Spicy Mac And Cheese is the perfect twist on a classic! Eat it for dinner or make it as a side. A great party recipe, too.
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Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Instant Pot Mexican Rice with Corn, Pico de Gallo and Chipotles in Adobo Sauce.
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Quick And Easy Instant Pot Rice and Beans
Easy Mexican Instant Pot rice and beans makes a delicious and quick vegetarian lunch, dinner, or side dish. Loaded with the bold flavor of salsa and spices, this hearty dish is a delicious addition to taco night. A great base for a burrito bowl, too!
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Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans
Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans, made from dry beans, is a delicious, easy recipe to make. Pressure cooker pinto beans are an Instant Pot dump and start recipe.
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Spicy Instant Pot Black Beans
Easy creamy & spicy Instant Pot black beans. Cooked with onions, garlic & chipotle peppers in adobe sauce. No soaking or draining the beans.
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Easy Baked Sweet Potato Wedges with Chipotle Cashew Dip
A delicious side dish to roasted chicken or a green salad! I use chipotle chili powder in this recipe to keep it simple but if you prefer more heat use chipotle paste or using actual chipotle chilis in adobo sauce starting with 1/2 a teaspoon and working your way up.
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Sauces & Dressings
Easy Chipotle Aioli (Chipotle Mayo)
Chipotle Aioli is an easy aioli sauce recipe for dipping or spreading. Also known as chipotle mayo, make it in just 5 minutes and use on everything! It’s a great sauce for fries, onion rings and more.
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Vegan Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Made with a creamy cashew base, this Vegan Chipotle Sauce is incredibly flavorful and velvety smooth. It’s easy to make in 5 minutes and perfect for topping Mexican style bowls and salads!
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Chipotle Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing
Chipotle cilantro lime ranch dressing is smoky, tangy, and as spicy as you want it to be! This dressing is the ultimate topping for salads, tacos, wraps, or even for dipping chicken strips.
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Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Vinaigrette
This sweet and spicy chipotle vinaigrette is the perfect way to perk up your salad! This recipe tastes just like the delicious dressing from Chopt!
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Spicy Cilantro Pesto
This spicy cilantro pesto is easy to make with cilantro, cotija cheese, almonds, and chipotles. Great on pasta, sandwiches, and so many other things!
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Enchilada Sauce with Chipotle Peppers
Making homemade enchilada sauce from scratch is healthy, DELICIOUS, cheap, and easy. This chipotle version is thick, spicy, and smoky – perfect for freezing!
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Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce is a beautifully balanced, tangy, sweet, finger-licking jar of awesome. Easy to make, homemade barbecue sauce is the best.
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How To Make Chipotle Burrito Sauce
This creamy, spicy chipotle burrito sauce is made in 5 minutes. Drizzle over burritos, tacos, serve with tortilla chips, on a sandwich, or over a salad.
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