Isn’t it amazing how sometimes the simplest tweak can transform a tasty and satisfying dish into something spectacular? This couldn’t be more true than with the inspired combo of chipotle jalapeño chili peppers with rice. Infusing rice dishes with chipotle peppers or seasoning has been a staple of Mexican cuisine for years. This simple culinary innovation is a terrific way to jazz up your culinary creations, opening up a whole world of possibilities come mealtime. So join Mahatma® Rice as we guide you through a range of delicious lunch and dinner recipe ideas with chipotle rice.

What is Chipotle?

Chipotle comes from smoke dried ripe jalapeño chili peppers. The origins of this technique go back as far as the pre-Aztec era, making it one of Mexico’s oldest culinary traditions. The pods can be cooked as they are, or ground down into chili powder and used as a condiment.

Chipotle Powder vs Chipotle Peppers

Chipotle always brings heat to meals, regardless of whether you’re cooking with chipotle chili powder or chili pods. However, there are subtle differences between the two which are worth keeping in mind. Chipotle Chili powder is a spice blend that, depending on the blend, may also include other common spices such as cumin or paprika. This results in a savory, smoky, and fragrant flavor. The peppers, on the other hand, are slightly spicier than the powder (reaching up to 10,000 on the scoville range compared to 8,000 for the powder) and imbue dishes with a sweet and fruity twist.

Uses of Chipotle in Cooking

Chipotle is used in a wide range of dishes in Mexican and Mexican-inspired recipes such as those found in Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine. 

  • Chili con carne recipes
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Adobo marinade
  • Meat seasoning
  • Skillet dishes
  • Stews
  • Rice dishes
  • Salsa dips
  • Burritos
  • Tacos and enchiladas

What herbs and spices go with chipotle?

Chipotle works well with a whole host of herbs and spices. It’s often added to cilantro and lime rice dishes and also works well with ingredients like paprika, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and garlic in traditional Mexican dishes. 

Chipotle in Classic Arroz con Pollo Recipe

Looking to see how the flavor of chipotle fits into recipes? Try this Easy Chipotle Arroz con Pollo and see for yourself how a simple chicken and rice dish is transformed into a spicy, flavorful meal with the addition of chipotle peppers. Made with succulent chicken drumsticks and fragrant jasmine rice, it’s no wonder why this dish is a firm favorite among families in Mexico and around the world.

Chipotle Arroz con Pollo
Easy Chipotle Arroz con Pollo

Tuna and Chipotle

Not only does chipotle work wonders with meat dishes, but it can also add a spicy kick to fish recipes. This Chipotle Tuna Meatballs and Rice recipe proves just how versatile chipotle peppers can be in rice dishes. Here it’s used along with fresh cilantro, dijon mustard, and marinara sauce to create a meatball marinade that is simply irresistible.

Mahatma® Ready to Heat Chipotle Jasmine Rice

With Mahatma® Ready to Heat Chipotle Jasmine Rice, bringing the irresistible flavor of chipotles to your rice meals has never been easier! Ready in 90 seconds, our unique chipotle and jasmine rice makes for the perfect accompaniment for a whole host of delicious and easy-to-make recipes. 

Rice Bowl Recipes with Chipotle

Looking for a quick and easy chicken recipe? Look no further than this Grilled Chicken and Chipotle Rice. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a spicy chicken and rice dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy all the family. Comfort food has never been so convenient!

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a rice bowl meal that’s packed with veggies, why not try your hand at this Chipotle Rice Bowl with Veggies? Featuring broccoli, sweet potatoes, lentils, onions, and cotija cheese, it’s bursting with flavors and nutrients! With Mahatma® Ready to Heat Rice Range, the possibilities are simply endless. 

Grilled Chicken_and_Chipotle_Rice
Grilled Chicken and Chipotle Rice

BBQ Season Chipotle Rice Recipe

If you’d like to add some extra heat to your BBQ offerings, try these BBQ Chicken Skewers with Chipotle Rice. Serving succulent chicken skewers on a bed of chipotle seasoned rice will make your grill skills stand out from the crowd. The winning combination of mouthwatering grilled chicken and flavorful rice is sure to be a hit!

Appetizer with Chipotle Jasmine Rice

So you’ve prepared a delicious main meal for family and friends and all that’s left to do is to rustle up a tasty appetizer to kick things off. But what? If you find yourself in this dilemma any time soon then we’ve got just the solution for you: Arancini Air Fryer Italian Rice Balls. These cheesy gems of Italian cuisine soar to new heights in flavor when made with Mahatma® Chipotle Jasmine Rice

Get Creative in the Kitchen

At Mahatma® Rice we’re proud to offer a wide variety of products that enable you to express yourself in the kitchen and #playwithyourfood. For more culinary inspiration and expert tips, visit our blog where there’s always something delicious cooking!

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