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This is the best spicy chipotle aioli recipe. You can whip it up in just 5 minutes with only a handful of ingredients! Use it as a spread, dipping sauce, and so much more. It’s an easy way to add some flair to your favorite recipes!
about this chipotle aioli
There’s a specific sandwich at Modern Market that my husband loves and it is loaded with chipotle aioli.
Every time I steal a bite of it, I am reminded just how good that spicy sauce is, and I have started to crave it on a regular basis.
While I am totally a ketchup girl, sometimes it’s nice to change up the dipping sauce with a tangy aioli like this one.
Don’t worry, we aren’t going to be making this sauce from scratch. No need to combine raw egg (technically egg yolk) and olive oil. We’ll be using a shortcut to bust out this recipe in just 5 minutes, without losing any of the bold flavor of this chipotle aioli.
why do you use a shortcut?
I get asked often why I use a shortcut to make my aiolis. Well, to be frank, the reason is time. As the mother of a toddler and a woman who is building her business while also trying to have a life outside of work and motherhood… I don’t have a lot of time to spare.
So we take shortcuts wherever we can when it doesn’t compromise the flavor! By using mayonnaise instead of making this aioli from scratch, this creamy sauce comes together in just 5 minutes.
That means you can use it to easily elevate your roasted vegetables, add flair to a sandwich, or use as a flavorful dipping sauce (ketchup is great, but it’s not always the only dipping sauce friends!).
ingredients
mayonnaise. Use your favorite mayo, whether it is store bought or homemade! Want to make this recipe dairy free? Use a dairy free or vegan mayonnaise.
garlic. Make sure that you mash up the fresh garlic clove really well!
lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best. You can also use lime juice, if preferred.
chipotle peppers. We use canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for this recipe. Be sure to finely chop the chiles as well as possible.
adobo sauce. Adobo sauce comes from the can of chipotle peppers!
onion powder. You don’t need a lot of spices for this recipe! Granulated onion will also work for this recipe.
salt and pepper. Fine kosher sauce and freshly cracked pepper are best for this recipe.
this recipe’s must-haves
To make this recipe, all you need is a bowl from your set of mixing bowls and a spoon.
Don’t forget the measuring cups and measuring spoons to collect all of the ingredients before making the recipe.
You can use any airtight container or jar to store the aioli in the fridge. We like to use a mason jar!
here’s how to make easy chipotle aioli
mix
Combine mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
Taste and season with salt and pepper, as desired.
chill
Chill for about 30 minutes before using as desired. We recommend tasting it at this point and adjusting the seasoning to taste!
tips for success
chill it before using. Be sure to chill the aioli before you use it. After 30 minutes in the refrigerator, it will taste even better since the flavors will have melded together.
don’t be afraid to change up the seasoning. If you feel like the flavor needs to be changed up, then adjust as desired! Add more chipotle peppers if you want it spicier. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. You can even add more garlic!
make it even smoother. Want to make your aioli even smoother? Add everything to a food processor or blender to process until smooth. You could even use an immersion blender to blend the sauce in a bowl.
how should I use up any leftover aioli?
Not sure how to use up leftover aioli? There are tons of ways to use it, aside from using it as a dip or sauce. Here are some additional ways to use it up if you have just a little bit leftover!
- Add it to your pasta sauce for some creamy heat.
- Incorporate it into a marinade in lieu of yogurt for a spicy kick.
- Spread it on garlic bread before adding the cheese on top.
- Top off your favorite omelette with a dollop of aioli.
- Make a salad dressing!
can I make this aioli dairy free?
If you want to make this aioli dairy free, simply use a dairy free mayonnaise! They make a ton of different vegan mayonnaises that you can easily get at your local grocery store.
is this chipotle aioli sauce spicy?
Yes, this aioli is spicy! The chipotle peppers give the sauce some heat and a lovely smoky flavor as well.
can I use greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes! To make a healthier version of this aioli, you can use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Note that the flavor will be a bit tangier than the original recipe, so you may need to adjust the amount of adobo sauce, salt, pepper, and/or lemon juice to taste.
what if I can’t find chipotle peppers?
If you can’t get your hands on canned chipotle peppers in adobo, you can use chipotle chili powder instead! Use 3 teaspoons chipotle powder instead of the peppers and sauce called for in the recipe.
Need some inspiration for side dishes? Check out my side dish recipes page!
what to serve with chipotle aioli
This chipotle aioli can be used like all of your favorite condiments! Use it as a dip for your favorite snacks, from french fries to onion rings, potato cheese balls to cheese corn balls, and even fried mac and cheese balls.
Drizzle the aioli over roasted vegetables from broccoli to potatoes and so much more.
We love to spread it on toast for avocado toast, but it’s also delicious on so many different sandwiches and burgers.
Finally, serve the sauce alongside all your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, grilled steak, and even seafood.
how to store
Store. The chipotle aioli can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
more easy sauces to mix up
Roasted garlic aioli is savory and tangy with a ton of roasted garlic flavor!
If you don’t have time to roast garlic, make a simple garlic aioli instead.
For a totally new take on aioli, this bacon aioli is the perfect dip for fries.
If you love bang bang shrimp, this bang bang shrimp sauce copycat recipe is a must-make!
Finally, if you make this chipotle aioli recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
chipotle aioli
ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic mashed
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 chipotle peppers from chipotles in adobo*
- 2 tsp adobo sauce
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until well combined.
- Chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Use as desired!
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
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