A chipotle powder substitute really comes in handy if you enjoy cooking Mexican cuisine or other recipes that pack a little heat. In fact, the spicy and smokey flavor of chipotle powder is typically a key ingredient! If you've found yourself without chipotle powder mid-recipe, don't panic, just try some of these easy substitutes instead!
Best Chipotle Powder Substitutes
So, you are making your favorite Mexican recipe and just realized that you are out of chipotle powder. While there is always the option of stopping what you are doing to run to the store, you may not have to.
There are several wonderful substitutes for chipotle powder; you might even have one in your cupboard. Look below to see what substitutes you could use! In addition, you may find an alternative with more or less spice to help you tailor your dish to your taste buds.
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1. Smoked Paprika
Paprika is among the most common spices in a spice rack. Therefore, it’s likely you may have this on hand.
Like chipotle powder is made from a single dried pepper, paprika is also made from a single dried pepper. Paprika is made from dried pimiento peppers.
While dried pimiento peppers do not provide spice, they offer a wonderfully rich smoky flavor. If you want to keep the smoky flavor without any heat, then paprika is a good substitute for chipotle powder.
Use in a 1:1 ratio for chipotle powder in any recipe.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Like paprika, cayenne pepper is another spice typically found in a spice rack. However, unlike paprika which is milder than chipotle powder, cayenne pepper is three times hotter than chipotle powder.
Another single pepper seasoning, cayenne pepper, is wonderful for those who want to increase the spiciness of a dish. It will even provide some smokiness (although not as much as paprika).
Even though you may like things really spicy, it is best to start with only half of the amount of cayenne pepper that the recipe calls for (½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper = 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder).
Smoked Paprika + Cayenne Pepper
If you have both paprika and cayenne pepper on hand, then use a blend of the two. Mixing paprika with cayenne pepper will provide you with the smokiness and spice of chipotle powder.
Depending on how spicy you want your dish to be, use either ¼ or ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and add ¾ teaspoon or ½ teaspoon of paprika to the cayenne pepper.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper + ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika = 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper + ½ teaspoon smoked paprika = 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
3. Crushed Red Pepper
Crushed red pepper is a good choice if are looking to add more heat to your dish. A blend of dried red peppers, this seasoning has a lot more heat than chipotle powder.
While it has more heat though, it does not have the smokiness that chipotle powder does. So, if you want to keep your dish’s smoky flavor, this substitute will not work for you.
If your goal is simply to increase the spiciness of your recipe, this is a good choice. It is also a good choice in a pinch because it is a spice that you may already have in your kitchen.
Even though they are spicier than chipotle powder, red pepper flakes can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
If you do not want large flakes in your recipe, you can grind the red pepper flakes in a coffee grinder or similar kitchen tool to create a powder. Since the powder will be more concentrated, only use ½ a measurement.
4. Chili Powder
Chili powder is a spice blend that sometimes includes chipotle powder. As the name suggests, it is typically used to make chili, but it can be used to season many other foods.
While chili powder will provide a similar flavor, it also adds the addition of other spices. This usually includes the addition of cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
Even with the addition of other spices, chili powder can be used in a 1:1 ratio for chipotle powder in most recipes. If your recipe includes adding spices already in the chili powder, you can omit them.
Chili Seasoning Packet
If you don’t have a jar of chili powder in your pantry, look and see if you have a single chili seasoning packet. These single packets are made with the same spices found in a jar of chili powder and can be used in the same way as a substitute.
5. Adobo Seasoning
Like chipotle powder, adobo seasoning is a popular spice used in Latin American cooking. Unlike chipotle powder, it is a blend of several spices instead of one single pepper.
Adobo is traditionally made from a mixture of different dried chilis and other seasonings, such as garlic and black pepper. A bit more complex in flavor than chipotle powder, this seasoning still offers a smoky and spicy flavor.
Adobo is often used in chicken dishes but can be used as a seasoning on other meats, vegetables, and even rice.
Use adobo seasoning in a 1:1 ratio for chipotle powder. Consider leaving out other spices that are already included in the adobo seasoning.
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6. Ancho-Chili Powder
Made from dried poblano peppers, ancho-chili powder is another single pepper spice. However, poblano peppers are extremely mild, unlike other peppers that provide some heat.
Much like paprika, ancho-chili powder is ideal for recipes with a deep smoky flavor without any spice.
Since there is no heat, you can use this in a 1:1 ratio for a nice smoky flavor similar to chipotle powder. If you want to add some heat, you can blend with cayenne pepper the same way you would with paprika.
7. Gochugaru
If you enjoy cooking Korean dishes, you may have this Korean spice. Gochugaru is a Korean chili powder with a similar spiciness level as chipotle powder.
Even though Gochugaru is predominantly used in Asian cuisine, it is an excellent substitute for chipotle powder in Mexican dishes (or any other dish).
If you can access Gochugaru use it in a 1:1 ratio in any dish that calls for chipotle powder.
8. Guajillo Powder
This variety of chili powder is made from dried mirasol peppers. Mirasol peppers have a flavor profile that offers a bit of everything – spicy, sweet, and even a bit fruity.
The sweetness from this chili is likened to the fruitiness of cranberries and apricots. Combined with the subtle heat of the pepper this creates a wonderful and unique flavor.
This unique sweet and spicy powder is a bit spicier than chipotle powder. Therefore, it is a good choice for those who also want a bit of extra heat in their dish.
Although Guajillo powder is spicier you can easily enjoy it in a 1:1 ratio without adding too much heat.
9. Pasilla Powder
If you want something that has a bit of sweetness like Guajillo powder but is not as spicy then try Pasilla powder. Pasilla powder is made from chilaca pepper.
While some brands of Pasilla powder are a single pepper spice, other brands mix the dried pepper with other spices. Therefore, be mindful that it may have the addition of some added spices that will impact your recipe.
Whether you get a single pepper spice or a spice blend, it will still give you a nice smoky sweet flavor that is not quite as spicy as chipotle powder.
Use Pasilla powder in a 1:1 ratio.
Piri Piri Powder
10. Piri Piri powder is a spice blend most commonly found in Portuguese and African cuisine. It is also sometimes referred to as Peri Peri. The name comes from the type of pepper it is made from called the peri-peri pepper.
Compared to the single dried pepper powders this is a complex blend of 12 spices:
- Smoked Paprika
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Ginger
- Basil
- Turmeric
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Lemon Pepper
- Salt
- Dried Piri-Piri Pepper
In addition, it usually includes sugar which adds a bit of extra sweetness. Due to the extensive list of spices, this substitute will shift the overall flavor of your recipe but is a fun alternative for a bit more complex flavor.
Piri Piri powder is traditionally used to season chicken or potatoes which makes it a good substitute for recipes with these primary ingredients.
Use in a 1:1 ratio for chipotle powder.
11. Aleppo Pepper
Aleppo pepper is newer to the scene in the United States but is quickly becoming a popular spice worldwide. Originally from Syria, this spice is made from the Halaby chili pepper; however, most Aleppo pepper is currently curated in Turkey.
Although this may not be a pepper you currently have in your cupboard it is a good one to consider if you want a new substitute. It has a complex blend of spiciness, earthiness, and a bit of sweetness and tanginess.
Commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, this blend adds just the right amount of heat to a dish. It is particularly tasty on grilled meat.
Use it in a 1:1 ratio for chipotle powder in recipes with red meat.
Choosing The Best Chipotle Powder Substitute
As with any substitute, the best chipotle substitute will depend on what you have on hand and your flavor preferences. However, with so many choices available, you are certain to find a chipotle powder substitute that is perfect for you!
I hope you've found this list of chipotle powder substitutes helpful! Let me know which substitute you chose and how your recipe turned out in the comment section down below!
📋 Recipe
Best Chipotle Powder Substitute: Smoked Paprika (+More Easy Alternatives!)
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Use smoked paprika in a 1:1 ratio for chipotle powder in any recipe.1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Use ½ as much cayenne pepper as you would chipotle powder in any recipe.½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes can be used in a 1:1 ratio for chipotle powder.1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Equipment You May Need
Notes
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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