Name: Chipotle Crema
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Cup Plain Greek yogurt; 1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce, Finely Diced; Juice of 1 Lime; Salt and Pepper to Taste

Jump to Recipe

This creamy chipotle crema is made with Greek yogurt, chipotle pepper, and lime juice. Smoky, tangy, and ready in 5 minutes—perfect for tacos & more!

Chipotle Crema with Limes and a Chipotle Pepper on a cutting board with grilled chicken

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I came up with this chipotle crema on a whim when I ran out of sour cream but still craved something creamy and flavorful to top my tacos. One taste and I was hooked—it added the perfect smoky, tangy kick! Later that week, I tried it as a dip for plain grilled chicken, and let me tell you… game changer. I might never eat chicken any other way again!

This easy chipotle crema is made with Greek yogurt for a protein boost, balanced with fresh lime juice and just the right amount of heat from chipotle pepper in adobo. It’s smoky, creamy, and seriously addictive.

Whether you’re drizzling it over tacos, spooning it onto grain bowls, or using it as a dip for veggies or grilled meats, this simple, from-scratch sauce will become your new go-to. Trust me—you’ll want to keep a jar of this in your fridge at all times!

Why You’ll Love This

Made with whole, real ingredients
Quick and easy – just 5 minutes
Versatile – perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners – plus it adds so much flavor to your dish
Naturally gluten-free and high-protein from the greek yogurt

Just a few ingredients

Greek Yogurt – adds great protein and a nice tang!
Chipotle Pepper in Adobo – this is spicy – you only need 1, unless you like a lot of spice.
Lime Juice – add brightness and tang to the sauce
Salt and Pepper – to taste

How to Make Chipotle Crema

Prepare the chipotle pepper
- Finely dice 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. You want it minced very small so it blends evenly into the yogurt.
Combine the ingredients
- In a small mixing bowl, add 1 cup of Greek yogurt, the diced chipotle pepper, and the juice of 1 lime.
Season to taste
- Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.
Adjust consistency if needed
- If the crema is too thick, you can stir in a splash of water or lime juice to thin it out to your liking.
Serve and enjoy!
- Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.

Ways to Use Chipotle Crema

This chipotle crema is one of those sauces you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. It’s smoky, tangy, creamy, and incredibly versatile—making it the perfect finishing touch for a variety of meals. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:

🌮 Drizzle on Tacos or Burrito Bowls

This is hands-down one of the best taco toppings out there! The smoky chipotle flavor pairs beautifully with carnitas, shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or black bean tacos. Try it over rice bowls with roasted veggies, beans, and avocado for an easy, flavorful meal.

🥕 Dollop on Roasted Vegetables or Grilled Meats

Use this crema as a dip or finishing sauce for roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. It also shines when spooned over grilled chicken, steak, or even salmon—adding just the right kick without overpowering the dish.

🥗 Use as a Salad Dressing Base

Thin it out with a little water or olive oil and use it as a spicy, creamy dressing for taco salads, grain bowls, or leafy greens. Add chopped cilantro or a little honey for extra depth.

🥪 Spread on Sandwiches or Wraps

Swap out mayo or mustard and slather chipotle crema on wraps, burgers, or sandwiches. It adds bold flavor and creamy texture—especially great with roasted veggies, turkey, or grilled cheese.

FAQs

Of course. I like greek yogurt as it is a bit healthier, but feel free.

The greek yogurt tones down the spice from the pepper quite a bit. I would say it has a mild to medium spice level. My kids still love it, but it does have a little kick. If you want to tone down the spice – add less chipotle pepper.

5 days!

Let Me Know If You Try It!

I’d love to hear what you think of this Chipotle Crema. Did you dollop on your grilled chicken? Add it to tacos? Leave a comment below, a 5 star rating, or Tag me on instagram @my.colorado.kitchen so I can see your delicious creations!

Chipotle Crema

Yield: 1 Cup

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This creamy chipotle crema is made with Greek yogurt, chipotle pepper, and lime juice. Smoky, tangy, and ready in 5 minutes—perfect for tacos & more!

Ingredients

1 Cup Plain Greek yogurt
1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce, Finely Diced
Juice of 1 Lime
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions

Finely dice the chipotle pepper in adobo.
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced pepper, and lime juice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

For a thinner consistency, add a splash of water or lime juice.
Want more spice? Add an extra chipotle pepper or a teaspoon of the adobo sauce.
Use as a taco topping, dip, or sauce for bowls and grilled proteins.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 19Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 61mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g

Nutrition facts are calculated automatically and are approximate.

Easy Chipotle Crema with Greek Yogurt – Smoky, Tangy & Ready in 5 Minutes

This creamy chipotle crema is made with Greek yogurt, chipotle pepper, and lime juice. Smoky, tangy, and ready in 5 minutes—perfect for tacos & more!