Honey Chipotle Sauce Recipe
This no-cook honey chipotle sauce is sweet, smoky, and spicy. Use it as a dipping sauce, dressing, marinade, or glaze for proteins and roasted veggies.
Servings 4 Tablespoons
Ingredients
*This is enough to glaze about 1 pound of salmon, chicken, pork, or shrimp.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce finely chopped (can or jar) with sauce (about 1-1.5 tbsp)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil or light olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the finely chopped chipotle pepper and adobo sauce, honey, oil, garlic, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl.
- Whisk until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth. Alternatively, blend the ingredients in a small food processor for a smoother consistency.
- Taste and adjust as needed, adding more honey for sweetness, lime juice for brightness, or adobo sauce for extra smoky heat.
- Use immediately, or transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Stir well before using.
Optional stovetop method: For a thicker, more caramelized glaze, add the sauce to a small saucepan and simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before using.
Notes
Chipotle substitutions: Replace 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle pepper in adobo with 1 tablespoon bottled chipotle hot sauce. For a homemade option, combine 1 teaspoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon avocado or olive oil, ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon chipotle powder. If you don’t have chipotle powder, use ½ teaspoon smoked paprika plus a pinch of chili powder or cayenne.
Food safety: If using the sauce to brush raw meat or seafood, set aside a separate portion for serving before brushing.
Tips - For less heat: Use half a chipotle pepper and include mostly adobo sauce. For a thinner sauce: Whisk in 1 to 2 teaspoons of water or additional lime juice. For a thicker glaze: Gently simmer the sauce for a few minutes or add a little more honey.
Nutrition
Serving: 4Tablespoons | Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.2g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 1.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 155.6mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 8.7g
