Chipotle Crema is a jazzed up Mexican cream made with chipotles in adobo. Add layers of flavor to tacos, tortas or your favorite dish!

A small bottle with Chipotle Sauce

Chipotle Sauce

This Chipotle Sauce adds the perfect zing to your tacos, burritos, sandwiches, or salads! This creamy, spicy sauce is a popular condiment in Mexican cuisine, and for all the right reasons. Its smoky and tangy flavor perfectly complements the richness of cream and the heat of chipotle peppers.

On this post I have two versions; one made with Greek yogurt and one with plant-based Mayonnaise (vegan). Both recipes taste pretty much the same and both are super delicious!

Mexican cuisine is all about layered flavors and textures. The top player may be a wavy stripe or drizzle of something soothing crema. But if you like an extra kick to your dish, jazz it up with smoky chipotle flavor.

This Crema De Chipotle comes together in less than 10 minutes just like my Cilantro Lime Crema. you’ll love this healthy version that is loaded with protein!

A small bottle with our recipe and a spoon in it.

**This post was originally published on Feb 2021. It has been updated to be more helpful.

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The Ingredients

I like to use Greek yogurt for recipes that call for sour cream or mayonnaise as it’s a healthy replacement. Nonfat Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, no fat and low in carbs. Plus the flavor is pretty interchangeable to sour cream.

  • chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Or substitute with 1 to 2 tablespoons of chipotle powder.
  • 1 cup Mexican crema or nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt, or more to taste

Plant Based crema:

Use the same ingredients as above but replace the greek yogurt with 1/2 cup Vegan mayonnaise and 1/2 cup plant-based yogurt.

The ingredients for this recipe on a white board.

How To Make Chipotle Crema

  • In a blender or food processor, add all ingredients (2 chipotle peppers, 1 cup Greek yogurt (or vegan mayo & plant based yogurt), 3 teaspoons lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt).
All of the ingredients in a blender's glass.
  • Blend until the chipotle pepper is pureed and all ingredients are incorporated well.
  • Taste and adjust the lime juice and salt as needed.
Blender glass with yogurt and chipotle all pureed together.

It’s good to have some handy in the fridge for when the opportunity arises you’re ready to transform something ordinary into a delicious treat!

A small glass with Chipotle Sauce dripping from a spoon.
The BEST Chipotle Sauce using Greek yogurt as the base!

Ideas on how to use it

Try it with various dishes:



How to Store

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container and don’t leave out on the counter for more than a few minutes. If being served at a party, place the jar on a container with ice.

How long will this Chipotle Crema last?

This crema will last as long as the expiration date of the yogurt or crema. I recommend you select the freshest ingredients before making and make sure you’ll be able to keep it for at least a week. It’s good to have it handy for the when the opportunity arises.

A small bottle with a red cream a jar with some leaves in the background.
Pestle and mortar icon graphic.
MORE EASY…

Condiments To Try:

Try any of my delicious sauces, dips & dressings…. Always easy & delicious!

I hope you like this recipe! Share it, or leave a rating and comment below. For questions that need an answer right away, please contact  me and I’ll get back to you asap. Gracias!!!! xx, Ana

Print Recipe:

Chipotle Crema – Healthy, Easy & Delicious!

Servings 1 Cup
Ana Frias
5 from 21 votes
Prep Time 7 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
This Chipotle Crema recipe is lightened up with Greek yogurt. No mayo here! It’s so easy to whisk this crema together. Recipe yields 1 cup and keeps well for 10 to 14 days.

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
1 Cup

Ingredients  

  • 2 chipotle peppers seeds removed
  • 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or Mexican crema)
  • For vegan version use 1/2 cup Vegan mayonnaise and 1/2 cup plant-based yogurt instead.
  • 3 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt, or more to taste

Instructions 

  • In a blender or food processor, add all ingredients (2 chipotle peppers, 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or Mexican crema), 3 teaspoons lime juice and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt).
  • Blend until the chipotle pepper is pureed and incorporated well with the yogurt.
  • Taste and adjust the lime juice and salt as needed.

Muy Delish Notes:

This crema will last as long as the expiration date of the yogurt or crema.
Keep refrigerated 
The calories are based on using 8 ounces of Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt

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Nutrition

Serving: 2Tbsp | Calories: 20kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 40mg | Sugar: 1g

The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.

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Recipe Rating




18 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    LOVE this recipe and I am so glad I found it! I recently made this with a different recipe but that one used sour cream; it was so much better (and healthier) with the greek yogurt!

  2. 5 stars
    First, I hate cucumber.
    I think the Greek Yogurt tasted of cucumber. Husband was just astounded! He also eats cucumbers raw…Next attempt was mayonnaise. He was still super pleased. I was way astounded! I have made lots! It compliments everything…like I knew what I was doing…

  3. 5 stars
    I made this last night to go with veggie tacos and it was delicious! So creamy and the spice levels were just perfect for everyone! Great recipe!

  4. 5 stars
    Hey there! Just wanted to drop by and say how much I enjoyed your post on Chipotle Crema. Your description and insights really hit the spot. I love how you highlighted the perfect balance of flavors and the creamy texture that enhances any dish. Your enthusiasm and knowledge about this culinary delight shine through your words, making it an absolute pleasure to read. Thanks for sharing your expertise and inspiring me to try out this delicious condiment. Keep up the fantastic work!

  5. 5 stars
    Just made this! This is exactly what I have been looking for in a chipotle sauce, and it’s healthy… double win! I made slow cooker barbacoa and didn’t want to waist the extra chipotle peppers. This will make a nice topping to the tacos. Thank you for sharing. Definitely will be making again.

  6. 5 stars
    This Mexican Chipotle Crema goes perfect on my seafood tacos! I love the slight tanginess and the smoky taste from the peppers.