Creamy Chipotle Dream Sauce

5 from 1 vote

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This chipotle sauce recipe is so smooth, spicy, and smoky that it feels like a dream! It’s a blend of chipotle peppers, garlic, lime, and sour cream, offering a bold yet balanced taste. Perfect on tacos, sandwiches, grain bowls, or anything that can use a dip, dressing, or drizzle!  

A spoon scooping thick, orange-colored chipotle sauce from a glass bowl on a light surface.
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A Note From Kristen

If you’re as tired as I am of using the same old ranch or mayo for dips and dressings, then you’re here for a good reason! This chipotle sauce offers a creamy kick that instantly adds tons of flavor and flair to meals without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s so quick to whip up and keeps well in the refrigerator. Try this creamy sauce once, and you’ll always want to keep a jar on hand. Enjoy!
~Kristen

A glass bowl filled with creamy chipotle sauce, with a spoon lifting a portion of the smoky orange sauce above the bowl.

Ingredient Notes

Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. Visit the full recipe for amounts and instructions!

  • Sour Cream: Provides a creamy, tangy base that helps smooth out the heat of the chipotle peppers. You can use plain plant-based yogurt or sour cream to make this recipe vegan. Or, you can use Mexican crema (Crema Mexicana) for a slightly sweeter taste.
  • Mayonnaise: Emulsifies the chipotle sauce, helping to thicken its consistency and make it spreadable. You can use vegan mayo if needed.
  • Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Give the condiment its signature smoky heat and bold kick that lingers. 
  • Adobo Sauce: Adds extra moisture and tangy, smoky flavors. 
    You can take some from the can of chipotles.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens and adds a zesty edge to the sauce, helping to round out the flavors.  You can use fresh or bottled lime juice for this recipe. If you do not have lime juice, apple cider vinegar works well.
  • Maple Syrup: Provides a touch of sweetness to soften the spicy and smoky notes of the sauce. You can use honey if you’re not vegan.
  • Garlic Clove: Gives sharpness that ties all the flavors together. 
    Use garlic powder if you want the flavor of garlic without the bite.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavors so the chipotle sauce doesn’t taste flat. 
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds extra smokiness and color. 
A bowl of creamy chipotle sauce with a spoon resting in it; three dried chili peppers are placed nearby on the gray surface.

How to Make Chipotle Crema

01

Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, sweetener, garlic, salt, and smoked paprika in a blender or food processor.

Top view of a blender with yogurt, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, and spices—everything you need to make a creamy homemade chipotle sauce.

02

Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Close-up view of creamy orange chipotle sauce being blended inside a blender, with the zesty sauce splattered on the blender walls.

03

Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, if you can wait. Then drizzle, dip, or dollop as you like. Enjoy!

A clear glass bowl filled with creamy, orange-colored chipotle sauce sits on a light gray surface.
A glass bowl filled with vibrant orange chipotle sauce, with a metal spoon lifting a portion above the bowl, sits on a light textured surface.

Serving Ideas

A glass bowl filled with creamy chipotle sauce, with a spoon inside, sits on a light gray surface next to three dried black chilies.

Expert Tips

  • As chipotle peppers pack a punch, you can start with a single pepper and then blend, taste, and increase the amount gradually if you are particularly sensitive to spice.
  • Use a high-speed blender or food processor to make the sauce ultra-smooth.
  • For the best body and richness, use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream instead of low-fat versions. 
  • Try swapping half of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier base.
A bowl of creamy chipotle sauce with a spoonful lifted above it; dried chipotle peppers are on the side.

More Delicious Recipes with Chipotle Peppers

A glass bowl of creamy chipotle sauce with a spoon in it sits next to a few dried dark chilies on a light gray surface.

A spoon scooping thick, orange-colored chipotle sauce from a glass bowl on a light surface.

Chipotle Sauce Recipe

5 from 1 vote
This creamy chipotle sauce recipe, also known as chipotle crema, delivers smoky, bold flavor that elevates tacos, bowls, and more.
Author: Kristen Wood
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Condiments, Sauces
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • ½ cup sour cream for vegan use plain plant-based sour cream or plain yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can of chipotles
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice fresh or bottled
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey if not vegan
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  • Add the sour cream, mayo, peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, sweetener, garlic, salt and smoked paprika to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld (if you can wait!).
  • Drizzle, dip, or dollop as desired. Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Enjoy!
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Notes

Storage
Store the chipotle sauce in an airtight container or glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator. It will be good to use for up to 5 days.
You can also store the sauce in a squeeze bottle to make it easier to drizzle over your favorite foods.
You can freeze the condiment for longer use, but note that it might become watery or grainy after you thaw it. To minimize this, consider freezing the sauce in ice cube trays, then thaw and use as needed. 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This was DELICIOUS!! I had a rotisserie chicken to use up and decided to make burritos. I poured this sauce generously inside each one. My family couldn’t get enough. Three of us finished this whole sauce in one sitting. Amazing. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

    1. Hi, Suzanne! Thank you so much for stopping by! I’m so very happy you and your family enjoyed this recipe. I really appreciate you sharing here! 🙂