Name: Chipotle Sauce with Garlic and Sour Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce + 1 tbsp adobo sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced or roasted; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for adjusting consistency)

I bring you a creamy, smoky chipotle sauce flavored with garlic and sour cream. It’s got a kick from the chipotle peppers, balanced by tangy lime and mellowed with sour cream and mayo. Chipotle Sauce with Garlic and Sour Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this sauce because it hits a lot of flavor notes in one jar: smoky, spicy, creamy, tangy. It’s super versatile—I use it as a dip, spread, or drizzle. It also comes together fast (10 minutes), and I can tweak the heat or creaminess easily. Plus, I always feel like I’ve leveled up whatever I serve it with.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sour cream 1 cup
Mayonnaise ¼ cup
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: 2 whole peppers + 1 tbsp of the sauce
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced or roasted
Fresh lime juice: 1 tbsp
Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
Cumin: ½ tsp
Salt: ½ tsp (or to taste)
Olive oil: 1 tbsp (optional, for adjusting consistency)

directions

Prep the garlic and chipotles: if I want a milder garlic flavor, I roast the garlic first until golden and soft. I also roughly chop the chipotle peppers for easier blending.
Blend the base: in a blender or food processor, I combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chipotle peppers + adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth (about 30–60 seconds, depending on equipment).
Taste and adjust: if I want more heat, I add another half pepper or more adobo sauce; if too spicy, more sour cream. I tweak salt and lime juice to get the balance right.
Check consistency: if it’s too thick, I add a splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of water and blend briefly to loosen.
Store and chill: I transfer it to a glass jar or airtight container, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 8 (assuming ~2 tablespoons per serving)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Swap out sour cream + mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to make a lighter version.
Use roasted garlic instead of raw for deeper, milder garlic flavor.
Adjust chipotle peppers up or down depending on how spicy I want it.
Add a touch of honey if I want a slight sweet contrast.
Stir in chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresher, herbal twist.

storage/reheating

I store this sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It keeps about 5–7 days. The flavors deepen after a day. No reheating needed—serve chilled or at room temperature. If it thickens too much, I stir in a bit of water or lime juice.

FAQs

1. What’s the best type of chipotle to use?

I find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are the best—they provide smoky flavor, a little heat, and that tang from the adobo. If I don’t have them, I could substitute smoked paprika + a dash of hot sauce, but it won’t be quite the same.

2. Can I make this a healthy chipotle sauce?

Yes. I often swap sour cream and mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. That cuts fat, adds protein, and still gives a creamy texture and tang. I might reduce or omit olive oil in that version, too.

3. How long does homemade chipotle sauce last?

Stored properly in the fridge in a sealed container, I get about 5–7 days. After the first day or two, the flavors meld more and taste even better.

4. Can I use this as a marinade?

Definitely. The base (especially if I use sour cream or yogurt) helps tenderize meat like chicken or shrimp. I coat the protein and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) before cooking.

5. Is this the same as chipotle crema sauce?

Very close. Crema usually refers to Mexican crema, which is slightly thinner than sour cream. This version has a similar flavor and consistency, so I find them interchangeable for many uses.

Conclusion

I’m always excited when I make this chipotle sauce—it’s one of those condiments that lifts everything it touches. Whether I serve it with tacos, roasted veggies, burgers, or as a dip, it adds bold smoky flavor and a cool, creamy contrast. I hope when you try this recipe, you’ll find it becomes a staple in your kitchen as well.