30 Ways to Cook with Canned Chipotles in Adobo Sauce

By Hayley Sugg
January 18, 2020
Credit: Allrecipes Trusted Brands

Found in the Hispanic section of your local grocery, chipotles in adobo are a small can that packs a big punch. Each can contains chipotles (which are actually smoked and dried jalapeños) that are rehydrated in a tangy tomato sauce. It's the perfect ingredient for adding a deep, smoky flavor and developing a good deal of heat in each dish. From traditional uses like tacos to unusual twists on mac and cheese, learn all the ways you can use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

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Chipotle Shrimp and Rice Bowl

Credit: Knorr
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Chipotles and poblano peppers combine for this spicy shrimp and grain bowl that packs a punch.

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Chipotle and Adobo Pickled Eggs

Credit: France C
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Add a smoky twist to tangy pickled eggs. "I absolutely love this recipe!" says Wanda, "Has heat and lots of flavor."

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Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burgers

Credit: CookinBug
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Healthy ground turkey benefits from a hefty dose of chipotles and other spices. "These were the best turkey burgers I've yet to make!" says user Renee Ridgeway. 

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Stupendous Chipotle Black Bean Soup

Credit: Soup Loving Nicole
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Having a go-to black bean soup recipe is great for chilly evenings or when you need an easy dish to meal prep for the week. 

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Adobo Sirloin

Credit: SunnyByrd
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By marinating the sirloin for a few hours before grilling, you're guaranteed flavor in every bite. Serve the steak as is, or slice and put into your favorite fajita recipe. 

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Smoky Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Credit: RosaW
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Comforting mac and cheese gets a kick thanks to chipotle. User Cindy Devitt says, "This is the best mac and cheese ever."

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Lisa's Favorite Carne Asada Marinade

Credit: Chris
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Flank steak becomes surprisingly tender after a day-long marinade in this citrus-y mixture. "Wow, this recipe is amazing!" says user calimomof4. "It is quickly becoming a weekend staple in our house."

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Chipotle Mayo Relish

Credit: mommyluvs2cook
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Great for topping everything from fish tacos to black bean burgers, you'll always want a jar of this in your fridge.

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Mashed Chipotle Sweet Potatoes

Credit: Rock_lobster
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Four ingredients are all you need to make this impressive and spicy side dish. 

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Chipotle Taco Burger

Credit: Soup Loving Nicole
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Combine two of your favorite foods into one irresistible dish. "I absolutely loved this," says user Buckwheat Queen. "I wanted tacos. He wanted burgers. We got both."

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Chipotle Guacamole

Credit: SunnyByrd
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Creamy and cooling avocado is offset with fiery chipotles. Serve on a batch of tacos or with a side of chips. 

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Creamy Chipotle Tomato Bisque

Credit: Allrecipes Trusted Brands
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Way beyond your basic tomato soup, this recipe creates a velvety smooth texture that's packed with flavor. Reviewers say the soup is pretty spicy, so adjust the amount of peppers used for sensitive palates. 

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Grilled Fish Tacos with Chipotle-Lime Dressing

Credit: CookinBug
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Change up Taco Tuesday with this fish-based recipe. You'll end up wanting to drizzle the chipotle-lime dressing on everything. 

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Crispy Chipotle Roasted Smashed Potatoes

Credit: naples34102
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All you need are four ingredients to create these perfectly spiced and crisped up potatoes.

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Albondigas (Meatballs) en Chipotle

Credit: mmagda
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An interesting change up from regular weeknight meatball dishes, this Mexican-inspired recipe simmers them in a spiced tomato sauce.

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Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

Credit: Soup Loving Nicole
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Make unbeatable tacos thanks to the combination of shrimp, bacon, and chipotle. "My husband cooked this tonight and it was AMAZING!" says user Rebecca.

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Chipotle Ranch Dip

Credit: *Sherri*
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Upgrade tangy ranch by layering in lime juice, chipotle, and garlic. User Mrs.Humphreed says, "We can't get enough of this spicy delicious heavenly dip."

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Chipotle Pineapple Ham

Credit: Sheila LaLonde
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Equal parts sweet and spicy, this chipotle pineapple ham will be the surprising star of your next holiday meal. 

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Chipotle Chicken Salad

Credit: Tammy Lynn
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Use up leftover chicken and leftover chipotles in this fiery chicken salad. It makes a perfect quick lunch wrap or snack with crackers.  

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Chipotle-Orange Shrimp

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Chipotle and citrus are just meant to be paired together, as is apparent in this zesty shrimp dish. 

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Pumpkin Chipotle Soup

Credit: SunnyByrd
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Pureed pumpkin is the base for this silky smooth soup. User Sweet Apron says, "This is a delicious smoky and unexpected twist on basic pumpkin soup.

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Spicy Chipotle Tuna

Credit: *Sherri*
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Tuna doesn't have to be boring, and this recipe's addition of both chipotle and ranch guarantees it will soon become a lunchtime favorite. 

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Pumpkin Chipotle Pasta Sauce

Credit: Paula
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Switch from traditional marinara or pesto to this surprisingly creamy and spicy sauce for pasta night. 

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Honey Chipotle Wing Sauce Glaze

Credit: Kat
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Give buffalo sauce a break and instead reach for this sweet and spicy sauce next time you cook up wings. 

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Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Credit: Baking Nana
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This fiery tortilla soup benefits from a few decadent additions, including bacon, chipotles, and plenty of cheese.

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Smokey Chipotle Meatloaf

Credit: SunnyByrd
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This spicy meatloaf is the gift that keeps on giving thanks to the delicious sandwiches any leftovers make. 

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Spicy Chipotle Grilled Shrimp

Credit: Soup Loving Nicole
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Just half an hour of marinating results in tender and flavor-packed shrimp that are ready for the grill.

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Spicy Chipotle Lettuce Wraps

Credit: Buckwheat Queen
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Make a low-carb twist on tacos with these tasty lettuce wraps. Chipotle-spiced meat is paired with your favorite toppings for an unbeatable meal.

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