Chipotle powder is a mildly spicy chili powder made from chipotle peppers, which are smoked and dried jalapeno peppers. It is perfect for adding smokiness and flavor to many dishes. Learn all about it and how to make it.
When someone says Chipotle, the first thing you might think of is Chipotle, the restaurant. But did you know that there is also a spice named Chipotle that is just as tasty, if not even more than the burritos you get from the restaurant?
Here, we will learn all about wonderful Chipotle Powder - how it is made, how you can use it in your home cooking, and where you can buy it.
What is Chipotle Powder?
The word Chipotle is derived from the Nahuatl word ‘chilpoctli’ which means ‘smoked chili’. There is only one primary ingredient in Chipotle Powder and that is jalapeno peppers.
We all know and love our jalapenos, whether we are eating them on our pizzas or fresh on the side with any spicy dish. Chipotle Powder capitalizes on the delicious flavor of jalapeno peppers and adds another mouthwatering element by smoking them. Learn more about chipotle peppers here.
The smoked jalapeño peppers are dried and then crushed up to give you this superfine, spicy powder that adds tons of earthy flavor and spice to any dish.
Is Chipotle Powder Spicy?
Chipotle Powder is mildly spicy and is the perfect addition if you want to add a deep and complex heat that does not overpower the dish. It goes up to 8K Scoville Heat Units on the Scoville scale.
How to Use Chipotle Powder?
Chipotle Powder is used extensively across Mexican cuisine and has become a signature flavor for this type of food. It is also a prominent feature in Southwestern cooking and Tex Mex dishes. It is a funky, spicy flavor that is perfect for burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Not only that, but you can also use it to add color and spiciness to the likes of stews, soups, and curries.
Its earthy and smoky texture makes it quite good for dry rubs and it tastes quite amazing when paired with beef and seafood like shrimp. It can be used for topping sandwiches, pizzas, and salad dressings to add that little kick needed to elevate any dish. You may even sprinkle it on top of your popcorn if you are feeling a bit adventurous!
Where to Buy Chipotle Powder?
You will most likely be able to find Chipotle Powder quite easily at your local grocery store. If not, you will certainly find it in a specialty Mexican store. You can also order some authentic, spicy Chipotle Powder online.
- Buy Chipotle Powder from Amazon (affiliate link, my friends!)
How to Make Chipotle Powder
You can make your own chipotle powder by crushing dried chipotle peppers and processing them in a spice grinder until a powder forms. Sift out any pulpy material for a smoother chipotle powder. See my post on How to Make Chili Powder for more detailed instructions.
If you would rather have your own jar of freshly mixed Chipotle Powder blend, then we have a simple recipe for you with all the right proportions so that you can get the flavor and smokiness just right. All you need to do is grab the following ingredients and mix them up well with each other:
- ½ tablespoon charred, dried, and crushed chipotle peppers
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
You can increase the amounts in proportion with each other if you want to make a larger batch of your homemade Chipotle Powder.
What is a Substitute for Chipotle Powder?
Chipotle Powder has a very unique flavor so it is difficult to find a perfect smoked chipotle powder substitute. But the best you can do is replacing it with something like smoked paprika powder or Spanish Paprika. This is because the paprika has a similar spice level and the smokiness reminds you of the earthy flavor profile of Chipotle. Other substitutes include Ancho chili powder or simple chili powder for a kick of spice.
Check Out Some of These Related Recipes and Information
- Homemade Cayenne Powder
- Homemade Ghost Powder
- Homemade Jalapeno Powder
- Homemade Spicy Chili Powder Blend
- How to Smoke Chili Peppers
- How to Make Chili Flakes
- Make Your Own Spicy Salt Blends
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- See all of My Spice Blend Recipes
- Adobo Sauce Recipe
How to Make Chipotle Powder - Homemade Chipotle Powder Recipe
Ingredients
FOR PURE CHIPOTLE POWDER
- 4 ounces chipotle peppers smoked and dried jalapeno peppers - stemmed, seeded and crushed
FOR A CHIPOTLE POWDER BLEND
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
FOR PURE CHIPOTLE POWDER
- Grind the chipotle peppers with a spice grinder until they are a fine powder. Store the powder in baggies or containers, or use as you wish. Keep them in a dark place, like your pantry, for freshness.
- Makes about 1/2 cup.
FOR A CHIPOTLE POWDER BLEND
- Combine the chipotle powder with the smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, coriander and salt. Mix well. Store in baggies or containers, or use as you wish. Keep them in a dark place, like your pantry, for freshness.
- Makes about 3/4 cup.
Nutrition Information
Sara says
If recipe calls for 1 dried chipotle chile rehydrated and minced, how much ground red chipotle could be substituted?
Mike Hultquist says
Sarah, here's a ratio to work with: 4 ounces fresh pods = 1 ounce dried = 3 tablespoons powder. For 1 dried chipotle, you'd probably get maybe 1/2 to 1 teaspoon or so, depending on the size.
Marla Peers says
Hi! I would’ve like to make my own ground chipotle pepper but needed it for a recipe. Just bought the ground version but don’t know what the (approximate) equivalent of one pepper is. Can you help?
I have to say that I’ve found your page to not only informative but also a good read.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Marla. Really you just need to acquire chipotles, or smoked and dried jalapenos. Then, remove the stems and seeds, then grind up the pods to a powder.
Mike says
I just have a question for you I want to make honey Chipotle seasoning and if I go by your recipe how much honey powder would I add?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hey, Mike. I think this one is best left to experimentation. I would try it with equal parts honey powder and chipotle powder, then see how you like it. Then, adjust from there. It might be better with a 2 parts chipotle powder to 1 part honey powder, or maybe 3:1. Curious what you wind up with!
Kim says
Looks so good. Do you know what the shelf life is and if it should be stored in the fridge?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Kim, chipotle powder will last indefinitely. However, it will start to lose potency after about 6 months. Still good, though.
brent says
great info on the morita page. these are smoked red? interesting. these two smoked peppers are two very different colors and textures and tastes---don't think length of smoking accounts for all these differences, do you? Wood has to play a part, and something I can't put my finger on. Maybe commerical chipotles are seasoned/marinated before smoking? Oh well I will let it go! For smoked jalapenos, these two peppers are as far apart as third step-cousins..
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
I hear you, Brent. I know you are as passionate about peppers as I am. I don't have much more info from my research. If I find something more relevant, I will update this page accordingly.
brent says
How come no mention of Moritas as a substitute? Are the smoke times that much different? In fact, I have found approximately no information about the smoke times for either jalapeno. I'm ashamed to say I've read hours and weeks about morita/chipotle differences and have learned absolutely nothing..
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Brent, I have information on Morita Peppers here that you can review - https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/medium-heat-chili-peppers/morita-chili-peppers/. I don't have specific times listed, but I do no chipotle seco peppers are smoked twice as long as morita peppers. I'm sure it varies, as you're looking more for a specific result.