Chipotle Tortilla Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Rebecca Novak published on September 30, 2023

Chipotle Mexican Grill is a restaurant chain that specializes in burritos and tacos. Founded in 1993, it now has over 2,500 locations worldwide.

The company prides itself on using high-quality ingredients to create delicious dishes quickly and conveniently. Chipotle is well known for its signature homemade tortillas, which are the foundation of its popular burritos and tacos.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make your own Chipotle tortillas at home using authentic ingredients and methods. With a few simple steps, it’s easy to recreate the restaurant’s signature dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

chipotle tortilla recipe

What is Chipotle Tortilla?

Chipotle tortillas are a popular Mexican dish made with corn or flour dough. The rounded flatbreads are usually lightly fried or toasted and served as part of other dishes.

They are typically flavored with chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor kick and can be prepared in advance and stored for later use. Originally, chipotle tortillas were made with corn masa and water. However, due to its limited availability outside of Mexico, the flour version has become more popular in recent years.

This uses all-purpose flour as a substitute for the traditional masa dough and adds flavorful ingredients like chipotle powder or smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, baking powder, vegetable shortening or oil, chipotle sauce, and chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Making your own Chipotle tortillas is a great way to add authenticity and flavor to any Mexican-inspired dish. With just the right combination of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have fresh homemade tortillas that taste as good as they do from your favorite Mexican restaurant.

What does it taste like?

Chipotle tortillas have a unique flavor that is both smoky and slightly spicy. The chipotle peppers and smoked paprika give the tortillas a warm, smoky taste that complements other Mexican dishes.

The onion powder, garlic powder, and salt add savory notes for a richer flavor. And the baking powder helps to keep them light and fluffy. All of these flavors come together to create a delicious and unique tortilla that is sure to be a hit at any Mexican dinner.

The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give the tortillas an extra kick of spicy flavor. This can be adjusted depending on your preference. If you prefer a milder version, you can decrease the amount of pepper or even omit it altogether.

The tortillas will still have a hint of smokiness and subtle heat that makes them the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican dish.

Finally, the vegetable shortening or oil helps make the tortillas light and airy. This also adds a slight buttery flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Together, all these flavors combine to create a unique and delicious tortilla that will have you coming back for more.

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How did I first get introduced to the Chipotle Tortilla?

I first got introduced to Chipotle Tortillas when I visited Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant for dinner one night. As soon as I took my first bite of the warm, fluffy tortilla, I was in love with the unique flavor combination.

The smoky chipotle peppers and smoked paprika gave it a warm, comforting flavor that was slightly spicy. The onion powder and garlic powder added an extra layer of savory flavors that made it even more delicious.

I quickly became obsessed with making my own version of the Chipotle Tortillas at home. After some research, I found out that all I needed were a few simple ingredients like flour, chipotle powder or smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, baking powder, chipotle sauce, and chopped peppers in adobo sauce.

After some trial and error, I finally perfected my own recipe. The tortillas came out light and fluffy yet full of flavor. They were the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican dish.

Since then I have been regularly making Chipotle Tortillas at home. They’re a great way to add some authentic Mexican flavor without having to visit a restaurant. Plus, they’re an easy and affordable dish to make for any gathering or potluck.

How to make Chipotle Tortilla?

Making Chipotle Tortillas at home is easier than you think. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps. Here’s what you need to do:

Ingredients

  • All Purpose Flour: This is the key ingredient for making Chipotle Tortillas. It gives them a light and fluffy texture.
  • Chipotle Powder or Smoked Paprika: This adds flavor and smokiness to the tortillas.
  • Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt: These add flavor and saltiness to the tortillas.
  • Baking Powder: This helps the tortillas rise and makes them light and fluffy.
  • Vegetable Shortening, Butter, or Oil: This is used to make the dough soft and pliable.
  • Chipotle Sauce: This gives the Chipotle Tortilla its signature flavor.
  • Chopped Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These give a kick of spice to the tortillas.
  • Hot Water: This helps to form the dough and make it easier to roll out.
chipotle tortilla

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

Mix the ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, chipotle powder or smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and baking powder.
  • Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 2

Add the Shortening

  • Add the vegetable shortening, butter or oil and mix using your hands until it is thoroughly combined with the other ingredients.
  • The mixture should look like wet sand.

Step 3

Add Chipotle Sauce

  • Add the chipotle sauce and chopped peppers in adobo sauce.
  • Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 4

Add Hot Water

  • Slowly add hot water and mix until it forms a soft dough.
  • The dough should be soft and pliable, not too dry or too sticky.

Step 5

Knead the Dough

  • Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 6

Roll out the Tortillas

  • Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
  • Divide the dough into 12–15 equal parts.
  • Roll each part into a thin circle using a rolling pin or tortilla press.

Step 7

Cook the Tortillas

  • Place the rolled-out tortillas on the preheated skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to puff up slightly.
  • Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Transfer the cooked tortillas to a plate lined with paper towels.

Tips

  • To make sure the tortillas don’t stick to the skillet, lightly brush both sides with a bit of oil before cooking.
  • If you like your Chipotle Tortillas with a bit more spice, add some extra peppers in adobo sauce to the dough while mixing.
  • If you want to give your tortillas an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the dough.
  • To make sure that your tortillas turn out light and fluffy, be sure to use hot water when mixing the dough and knead it well until it is smooth and elastic.
  • For best results, enjoy your tortillas right away while they are still warm.
chipotle tortilla

Nutrition Information

What to serve with Chipotle Tortilla?

Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with Chipotle Tortillas:

  • Spicy Black Bean Enchiladas
  • Chicken Tinga Tacos
  • Grilled Shrimp Fajitas
  • Beef Barbacoa Burritos
  • Pork Carnitas Quesadillas
  • Sautéed Vegetables and Rice

How to store leftover Chipotle tortillas?

Leftover Chipotle Tortillas can be stored in an air-tight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat them, simply wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds or until heated through.

You can also freeze your leftover tortillas for up to 3 months. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.

Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer. When ready to use, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave them for 30 seconds.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can safely eat Chipotle Tortillas. This dish is made with simple ingredients that are generally safe for pregnant women to consume in moderation.

The flour and baking powder provide some essential nutrients while the chipotle peppers and smoked paprika give it a delicious flavor.

However, since the tortillas contain chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, they should be consumed in moderation. Pregnant women should also avoid eating large amounts of salt and added sugar found in many store-bought tortillas.

If pregnant women are concerned about the spices or ingredients used in these tortillas, it’s best to consult with their healthcare provider before consuming them.

chipotle tortilla

Chipotle Tortilla Recipe

Make your favorite restaurant treat right in the comfort of your own kitchen! This mouthwatering Chipotle tortilla recipe is easy and delicious.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chipotle tortilla recipe
Servings: 5
Calories: 261kcal

Equipment

  • 8-inch non-stick skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 4 cups 550 g All Purpose Flour
  • 1 tbsp Chipotle Powder or Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 4 tsp Salt to Taste
  • 4 tsp Baking Powder
  • 6 tbsp Vegetable shortening Butter or Oil
  • 3 –4 tbsp Chipotle Sauce
  • 2 –4 piece Chopped Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
  • 1 ¼ cup Hot Water

Instructions

  • Combine the dry ingredients. Mix together the all-purpose flour, chipotle powder or smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl until completely combined.
  • Add the fat of choice. Incorporate vegetable shortening, butter, or oil into the mixture using your hands until it takes on a wet sand-like consistency.
  • Mix in the chipotle flavor. Stir in the chipotle sauce and chopped peppers in adobo sauce until everything is well incorporated.
  • Add hot water to make the dough. Gradually add hot water to form a soft, pliable dough that is not too dry or too sticky.
  • Knead the dough. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
  • Roll out the tortillas. Preheat a skillet over medium heat, then divide the dough into 12-15 equal parts. Use either a rolling pin or a tortilla press to roll each part into a thin circle.
  • Cook the tortillas. Place the rolled-out tortillas on the preheated skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to puff up, then flip over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Transfer cooked tortillas to a plate lined with paper towels.

Notes

  • To make sure the tortillas don’t stick to the skillet, lightly brush both sides with a bit of oil before cooking.
  • If you like your Chipotle Tortillas with a bit more spice, add some extra peppers in adobo sauce to the dough while mixing.
  • If you want to give your tortillas an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the dough.
  • To make sure that your tortillas turn out light and fluffy, be sure to use hot water when mixing the dough and knead it well until it is smooth and elastic.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

FAQs 

What can I substitute for the chipotle peppers in this?

If you don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce on hand, you can also use canned jalapeños or diced green chilies. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I make these tortillas vegan?

Yes, you can make these tortillas vegan by substituting the butter or oil with a vegan alternative and omitting the chipotle sauce.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these tortillas gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Be sure to check the label for any potential allergens.

Wrapping Up

Thank you for reading this article on how to make homemade Chipotle Tortillas. As you can see, they are incredibly easy to make and taste delicious!

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something special for a dinner party, these tortillas will be sure to please everyone.

Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below. 

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Author Profile
Rebecca Novak, Registered Dietitian & Chef

Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more

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