Smoky Chipotle Ranch

Name: Smoky Chipotle Ranch
Prep time: 5 min
Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 3/4 tsp dried dill weed; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp dried chives; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp white sugar; 1-2 tsp lime juice; 1/4-1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired thickness)

This velvety ranch gets its kick from fiery, smoke-kissed chilis that deliver incredible depth. You'll have this impossible-to-resist sauce ready in moments.

By Marcus Rivera, Kitchen Tips Editor

Prep: 5 minServes: 24

condiment dressing spicy quick american

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When classic ranch meets the sultry heat of chipotle peppers, something magical happens. The cool, herbaceous base you know and love transforms into a condiment with personality—smoky, slightly sweet, and wonderfully complex. Whether you're drizzling it over tacos, dunking crispy vegetables, or turning a simple salad into something memorable, this sauce brings restaurant-quality flavor to your everyday cooking.

The secret to getting this just right lies in balancing the heat with the creamy base. Start with two chipotle peppers, but don't be shy about adjusting after your first taste—chipotles vary in intensity, and your heat tolerance is personal. The lime juice not only brightens the flavors but also cuts through the richness beautifully. For the smoothest texture, make sure your food processor runs long enough to completely break down those chipotle peppers; you want silky smoothness without any chunks.

This versatile sauce works double duty as both a thick dip and a pourable dressing depending on how much milk you add. Try it as a sandwich spread, a topping for grilled chicken, or even as a pizza drizzle. For a lighter version, swap Greek yogurt for half the sour cream. If you love extra heat, add a spoonful of the adobo sauce from the chipotle can—it intensifies both the smoke and the spice without adding more pepper pieces.

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
3/4 tsp dried dill weed
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried chives
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp white sugar
1-2 tsp lime juice
1/4-1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired thickness)

Nutrition (Per 24 servings)*

Calories

Protein

Carbs

Fat

Fiber

57mg

Sodium

* AI-estimated values only — not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.

Instructions

In a food processor, combine the mayo, sour cream, chipotle peppers, dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
Add the milk and lime juice to adjust the thickness. For a pourable dressing, add more milk, for a thicker dip, use less. Blend again to combine. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings, as desired.
Pour into a jar and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This dressing will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to a week.