This chipotle aioli recipe kicks your creamy, craveable aioli up a few notches with the spicy zest of chipotle peppers. You’ll want to slather this chipotle mayo on everything!
Chipotle aioli is the ultimate savory, spicy way to top pretty much anything you can imagine. It’s perfect for dipping, too! Customize the heat level and enjoy it on all your favorite foods.
This chipotle aioli recipe has minimal ingredients but maximum impact. There’s no need to make your mayo from scratch, so it’s a bit of a “cheater” aioli… but just as delicious!
We love a fresh, tasty aioli for dipping our truffle fries and slathering on burgers. Adding that extra layer of zesty flavor really takes this classic menu items to a whole new level.
You don’t want to miss my Truffle Aioli, Garlic Aioli, Sriracha Mayo, Avocado Mayo and Pesto Aioli for more incredible flavor. Once you’ve created your own aioli, it’s hard to go back to plain old mayo!
Customize the heat to your preference and enjoy!
What is Aioli?
Aioli is basically synonymous with mayo… or at least most people view it that way. It’s simply a mayo that is flavored with delicious additions.
When made from scratch, aioli and mayo are very similar, and they’re both emulsions. Nowadays, aioli simply tends to reference a kicked-up, flavorful version of mayo with a much fancier name!
Chipotle aioli tastes a little like combining the creamy flavor of mayo with your favorite salsa. It’s zesty, a touch spicy, and velvety smooth!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
So fast to make – you’ll be done in under five minutes.
Just four ingredients – five if you add the cilantro.
It seriously adds flavor to everything – burgers, sandwiches, wraps, chicken, fish, steak… and don’t forget to dip! Pretty much anything can be dipped in this chipotle mayo and your life will be better for it.
Shopping List
copy and paste to add ingredients to your grocery list
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh Limes (or Lime Juice)
- 1 Can Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce
- Cilantro (optional)
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Mayonnaise – I tend to use an olive oil mayo because that’s our favorite, but you can use whatever you have on hand – light mayo or vegan mayo will work, too.
- Pepper – Ground black pepper works best here because you want a smooth, creamy aioli.
- Lime Juice – Fresh squeezed is always best for flavor but you can substitute with store bought lime juice as well.
- Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce – Finely minced. You can also substitute with chipotle chili powder or chipotle hot sauce.
- Cilantro – chopped, optional!
Variations
- Sub sriracha for your chipotle chiles in adobo.
- Add garlic, for a more traditional aioli flavor profile.
- You can also sub for jalapeño for an even spicier kick!
Tips
- Marinate – Make this chipotle aioli recipe a day in advance and keep covered in the fridge so flavors can marinate.
- From Scratch – You can also make your own mayonnaise, as outlined in our step by step tutorial.
- Conversions – Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Recipe Shortcuts
- Use store-bought mayonnaise.
- Use store bought lime juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smoked chili peppers are used frequently in Mexican inspired cooking. These chipotle peppers have a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky, spicy flavoring.
In this chipotle aioli recipe, we start with a shortcut – bottled mayo, and add depth of flavor and interest with chipotle peppers and more. Traditionally, aioli and mayonnaise are slightly different, but in today’s cooking terminology, they are basically synonymous.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over Portobello Mushroom Tacos
- On Gourmet Grilled Cheese
- On a Gourmet Burger
- Add to a Burger Bar
- On a Chicken Wrap
- On Baked Chicken Breast
- On Fish / Seafood
- On Spanish Croquettes
- On BLT’s
- Drizzled on Baked Artichoke or served as a dipping sauce
- With Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Drizzled on Asparagus
- As a dipping sauce for Sweet Potato Fries
How to Store
- Room Temperature – You can leave this chipotle aioli out at room temperature for up to two hours while serving.
- Refrigerate – Store Chipotle Aioli refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian
More Dips + Toppings
Chipotle Aioli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon pepper ground, black
- 2 teaspoons lime juice fresh squeezed
- 6 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce Drained (We use a full 6 ounce can)
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped, optional
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in food processor.
- Turn processor on and blend until smooth aioli forms, about a minute. Turn processor off, scrape sides, process again until well combined.
Julie’s Tips
- Substitute chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with one teaspoon chipotle chili powder or chipotle hot sauce.
- Marinate – Make aioli a day in advance and keep covered in the fridge so flavors can marinate.
To Store
- Refrigerate – Store Chipotle Aioli refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
How To Make Mayo from Scratch
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- Pulse to combine above ingredients along with ingredients listed in the printable recipe below.
- Turn processor on and slowly pour olive oil and vegetable oil. Process until aioli forms, about a minute. Turn processor off, scrap sides, process again until well combined.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Explore More
How to Make
- Combine – Using a food processor, combine ingredients until smooth.
- Serve – Enjoy on your favorite sandwiches, vegetables, side dishes and more!
Do you use the liquid in the can with the chiles? Or do you just do the peppers?
Hi Amanda,
Great question! We do not use the liquid in the canned peppers, just the peppers themselves.
I hope that is helpful, and I hope you enjoy this recipe! We’ll be sure to add a note to the recipe card to clarify.
Have a wonderful week,
Julie
I just made this to go on a Buddha bowl and I will forever use this recipe when I’m craving a Chipotle aioli. My spouse and I were obsessed and could not stop eating. It was phenomenal and I used it with the chipotle pepper powder. Thank you ❤️
Hi Cassandra,
What a nice review! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment.
Have a beautiful week,
Julie