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Home » Meal » Sauce

Published: Sep 7, 2022 by Genevieve · This post may contain affiliate links.

Chipotle Southwest Sauce

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Image of Chipotle Southwest Sauce in a glass jar; image is labeled with the recipe title and the URL for Two Cloves Kitchen.
Image of Chipotle Southwest Sauce in a glass jar; image is labeled with the recipe title and the URL for Two Cloves Kitchen.
Image of Chipotle Southwest Sauce in a glass jar; image is labeled with the recipe title and the URL for Two Cloves Kitchen.
Image of Chipotle Southwest Sauce in a glass jar; image is labeled with the recipe title and the URL for Two Cloves Kitchen.
Image of Chipotle Southwest Sauce in a glass jar; image is labeled with the recipe title and the URL for Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chipotles are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers. They are (unsurprisingly) smoky, hot, and mildly sweet. This Chipotle Southwest Sauce combines that smoke and spice with creamy mayonnaise, fresh cilantro, and tart lime juice for a sauce that wakes up any meal.

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
Chipotle sauce in a glass jar sits on a wooden cutting board with a spoon, parsley and a red linen.
Jump to:
  • What You'll Need
  • How to Make
  • Variations
  • How to Store
  • FAQ
  • Expert Tips
  • How to Make it a Meal
  • More Recipes You'll Love
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

I have the biggest chipotle lover in my life: anything chipotle he adores.

I had him test every iteration of this chipotle sauce and this was by far the winner. Each version was "good!" but when we arrived at this combination of flavors, he asked if he could keep the rest. Enough said.

This version of Chipotle Southwest Sauce is quite spicy. If you are serving this to young children or people who are sensitive, use only a small amount of chipotle powder and then work your way up.

This sauce comes together very quickly - even if you make your own mayo, it will take less than 15 minutes.

Store the sauce in the fridge and use on everything from grilled chicken, steak or shrimp to turkey sandwiches to eggs. You can use it as a dip for chips or fries or a sauce for quesadillas, burritos, or taquitos.

As long as you have some around, you'll continue to find ways to use this sauce!

The ingredients to make Chipotle Southwest Sauce are shown on a white marble counter with labels.

What You'll Need

Two Cloves Kitchen, as an Amazon Affiliate, makes a small percentage from qualified sales made through affiliate links at no cost to you.

  • Mayonnaise You can use store-bought mayo here or try your hand at making your own. It takes less than ten minutes and tastes better than out of the jar. Try this recipe.
  • Chipotle Powder You should be able to find chipotle powder in the spice section of your grocery store. If not, try heading to the ethnic food aisle and checking the Mexican section. Or swing by a Mexican market if you have one nearby.
  • Mustard Powder I preferred the taste of this sauce when using mustard powder as opposed to actual mustard. It resulted in a bit spicier sauce rather than a tangier sauce.
  • Garlic Powder The garlic powder gave the sauce a little bit more roundness instead of the kick of fresh garlic.
  • Fresh Cilantro I would not substitute dried cilantro in this preparation. In fact, I don't think I've ever owned dried cilantro. If you want to replace fresh cilantro with a dried herb, I would always try coriander first!
  • Fresh Lime You'll just need the one. If you can't find fresh limes, you can use bottled lime juice.
  • Worcestershire Sauce I have marked that this recipe is gluten-free. Be sure to check the ingredients of your specific brand to be certain if this is a concern. If you wish to make the sauce vegetarian, try using this vegan version.
  • Brown Sugar I tried this with white sugar, too, and prefer the hints of caramel and molasses from brown sugar.
  • Kosher Salt I buy this 3-pack of Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt and it lasts for a very long time. It’s important to keep in mind that kosher salt will affect the flavor of your food differently—it is a different shape than table salt and sea salt, and delivers less “salty” flavor per teaspoon because it is less compact.

How to Make

Step One Chop the cilantro

Chopped fresh cilantro is shown on a white cutting board with a kitchen knife in the background.

Step Two Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl

Mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, spices, lime juice and Worcestershire sauce are shown in a white bowl on a white marble counter.
Finished sauce is shown in a white bowl on a white marble counter top.

Step Three Serve!

Chipotle Sauce is shown in a glass jar on a wooden cutting board with a copper spoon and parsley and lime wedges.

Variations

  • Fresh Garlic If you want a little bit more spice, try using grated fresh garlic in place of the garlic powder.
  • Lemon If you can't find fresh limes, try using lemon in its place.
  • Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce is not traditionally vegetarian because it contains anchovy. Try using a vegetarian/vegan sauce like Annie's.
  • Canned Chipotle Peppers You can use canned chipotle peppers in place of the chipotle powder I recommend here. Start with 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers and taste to see if you would like your sauce spicier.

How to Store

For best food safety practices, I would eat this sauce within 3-4 days and refrigerate after use. While most of the ingredients last for a long time, there is fresh cilantro to consider.

I prefer to store this in an airtight container like a jar or locking glass or plastic storage container. You can also store it in a squeeze bottle!

FAQ

Does this taste like the Subway Chipotle Southwest sauce?

It is quite similar, but this version is smokier, spicier, and a bit more fresh tasting. If you are looking for a sweeter sauce, try adding a bit more sugar at a time until you reach your desired taste.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Unfortunately no. Mayonnaise is not a good candidate for freezing.

Can I make this in a food processor?

You can! The cilantro will be much finer if using a food processor, but the taste will be the same. Try using a mini food processor for easier cleanup.

How do I make this less spicy?

If you have added more chipotle than you would like, try balancing this out with a bit of extra mayo, sugar, and lime juice. This will tame the heat.

How long will this last out of the fridge?

2 hours is alwayd a good indicator for food safety. If your sauce has not been transferred to the fridge within that time, it is safest to make a new batch and toss the current batch.

Expert Tips

  • You can almost always fix a sauce that is unbalanced. If your sauce is too creamy, add more acid (in this case, lime juice). If your sauce is too spicy, add more of your creamy or sweet ingredients.
  • If you like smoky flavors but not spicy flavors, you can try substituting smoked paprika for chipotle.
  • Taste as you go. This is the most important tip I have learned in my culinary experience. You can always make adjustments to a recipe to change the taste to be more suited to your palate.

How to Make it a Meal

Here are some ideas for where to use your Chipotle Southwest Sauce:

  • Serve on Spicy Potato Soft Tacos with Chimichurri
  • Try them as a condiment for these delicious Crispy Chicken Wings
  • Dip your Carne Asada Quesadilla in this sauce
  • Use as a sauce for your next sandwich, like this Blackstone Philly Cheesesteak or wrap, like this Chicken Crunchwrap
  • Dollop a bit on a cup of Black Bean Soup for a spicy, creamy flavor
  • Use a spoonful as a creamy element to top a steak salad or drizzle on this sausage peppers and rice skillet
  • Serve with chicken tenders, fish sticks, or as a dip for french fries
  • For an extra decadent meal, try it drizzled on this Smoked Mac and Cheese
  • For a great snack, dip some Gluten Free Soft Pretzels in the sauce!

More Recipes You'll Love

In the mood for more spicy stuff? Try these recipes!

Spicy Pickled Onions

Spicy Potato Soft Tacos

Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

📖 Recipe

Chipotle sauce in a glass jar sits on a wooden cutting board with a spoon, parsley and a red linen.

Chipotle Southwest Sauce

Smoky, spicy, creamy, and bright chipotle southwest sauce perfect for livening up meat, seafood, sandwiches, and more!
5 from 36 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Keyword: Easy, Hot Sauce, Quick, Spicy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 16 1 tablespoon servings
Calories: 102kcal
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup cilantro chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ⅓ tablespoons chipotle powder (1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon)
  • 4 teaspoons lime juice about the juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  • Chop the cilantro. Measure all ingredients.
  • Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir.
  • Serve on anything you'd like - meat, seafood, sandwiches, eggs - the list goes on!

Notes

  • As written, this sauce is very spicy. If you are sensitive, start with a small amount of chipotle powder and work your way up to your comfort level.
  • You can use canned chipotle peppers in place of the chipotle powder I recommend here. Start with 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers and continue adding until you reach your desired spiciness.
  • Calories are for 1 tablespoon of sauce.
  • You can use a food processor or mini food processor to make this sauce. The cilantro will be chopped much finer, but the sauce will taste the same.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Be sure to transfer the sauce to the fridge within 2 hours. I do not recommend freezing.
  • You can almost always fix a sauce that is unbalanced. If your sauce is too creamy, add more acid (in this case, lime juice). If your sauce is too spicy, add more of your creamy or sweet ingredients. If it's too sweet, try adding spice and acid.
  • If you like smoky flavors but not spicy flavors, you can try substituting smoked paprika for chipotle.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 192mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 451IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Glend says

    September 09, 2022 at 6:16 am

    5 stars
    This is scrumptious! It's great on sandwiches and as a dip (sweet potato fries!). For lunch I drizzled it on chicken taco salad. Amazing! Thanks for the simple recipe.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 09, 2022 at 9:54 am

      Sweet potatoes fries are a great idea! So glad you liked the sauce.

      Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    September 09, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    5 stars
    I just want to drink this sauce, it's that good! I served it with grilled chicken and everybody gave me such great compliments! Love the flavors and how easy it is to make!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 09, 2022 at 6:06 pm

      You and my boyfriend both! Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  3. Allyssa says

    September 09, 2022 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    This tasted so amazing! Thanks a lot for sharing this super easy to make recipe! Fam really loves it! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 09, 2022 at 6:05 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Amanda says

    September 09, 2022 at 3:19 pm

    5 stars
    This chipotle sauce is wonderful! We made fish tacos last night, and I just loved the smoky flavor it added. Super simple and quick to whip up too!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 09, 2022 at 6:05 pm

      I’m so happy to hear you liked it, Amanda!

      Reply
  5. Cami says

    September 09, 2022 at 5:40 pm

    5 stars
    This is a perfect sauce! We're making burgers this weekend and im gonna try this!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 09, 2022 at 6:04 pm

      Thanks Cami! Burgers are a fantastic idea. I may have to try that this weekend too…

      Reply
  6. MacKenzie says

    September 11, 2022 at 4:23 am

    5 stars
    This chipotle sauce was amazing. We made chicken rice bowls and drizzled on top, the dish was delicious.

    Reply
  7. Shelby says

    September 11, 2022 at 11:06 am

    5 stars
    I love the smoky flavor in this sauce! We used them on chicken tacos and it was an amazing addition!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 19, 2022 at 3:12 am

      Yay! Happy to hear it, Shelby!

      Reply
  8. Kris says

    September 11, 2022 at 11:18 pm

    5 stars
    As someone who's lived in the Southwest for many years now, this sauce REALLY hit the spot! You captured all of that delightful smoky chipotle flavor. Can't wait to make again!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 19, 2022 at 3:12 am

      That's a great compliment - thanks Kris!

      Reply
  9. Dana says

    September 13, 2022 at 6:04 pm

    5 stars
    The flavors of this sauce really blend so well together! We drizzled this in burritos, but I can see serving it with so many different foods! Can't wait to try on burgers!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 19, 2022 at 3:10 am

      Ooh, that sounds great! I'll have to give it a try. Thanks, Dana!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Gen! Welcome to Two Cloves Kitchen. I am a certified professional cook, lifelong recipe creator, writer, editor, and food lover. I use my culinary knowledge to teach you how to utilize your ingredients and equipment to their fullest potential, turning ordinary meals into something exciting with bold, fresh, innovative ideas and flavors.

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