Honey Chipotle Sauce Recipe
Make Honey Chipotle Sauce Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sauce Base
Acidity & Seasoning
Finish & Texture
Method
Sauce Base
Combine creamy base
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sour cream until smooth and homogenous.
Add honey and chipotle
Stir in 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, and the finely minced chipotle pepper. Mix thoroughly so the honey is fully incorporated and the chipotle is evenly distributed.
Acidity & Seasoning
Season and balance
Add 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to the bowl. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin. Season with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds to thoroughly combine all seasonings into the sauce base. Taste and adjust: add an extra 1/2 teaspoon honey if you prefer sweeter, or another 1/2 teaspoon adobo sauce for more heat.
Finish & Texture
Adjust texture
Slowly whisk in 1 teaspoon olive oil to give the sauce a silkier mouthfeel. If the sauce is too thick for your use (dipping vs. drizzling), whisk in up to 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach desired consistency.
Optional fresh herb
If using, fold in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous note.
Chill and meld flavors
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1–2 hours) to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving. Keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days.