Non Veg Recipes Mason Williams March 8, 2025 0 Comments

Skillet Chipotle Shrimp (Easy Spicy Shrimp Recipe)

There’s something irresistible about shrimp cooked in a spicy, smoky chipotle sauce. It’s bold, zesty, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. If you love seafood with a bit of heat, Skillet Chipotle Shrimp is about to become your new favorite dish.

This easy chipotle shrimp recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, delivering restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender shrimp, a rich chipotle-infused sauce, and a touch of citrus creates a well-balanced dish that pairs beautifully with rice, tacos, or even a fresh salad.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special, how to prepare it, and why it’s the perfect addition to your recipe collection.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Shrimp Recipe

Quick & Easy: You can make this dish in one skillet and in less than 30 minutes.
Packed with Bold Flavors: The smoky heat of chipotle peppers combined with garlic, lime, and spices creates a mouthwatering sauce.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, in tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Chipotle Shrimp

To make this skillet chipotle shrimp, you need a handful of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Chipotle Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp honey (optional, balances the heat)
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chipotle Shrimp

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Start by seasoning the shrimp with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Chipotle Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and tomato sauce. Pour in the broth and stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Combine Shrimp with Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the chipotle sauce. Let them simmer for another 2-3 minutes until fully coated and warmed through. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Your chipotle shrimp is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it over steamed rice, in tacos, or alongside grilled vegetables for a delicious meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Chipotle Shrimp

Adjust the Spice Level: Chipotle peppers pack a punch, so start with one pepper and add more if you like it spicier.
Use Fresh Shrimp: While frozen shrimp works, fresh shrimp gives the best texture and flavor.
Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmering the sauce for a few minutes ensures a rich, concentrated flavor.
Balance the Heat: Adding honey or a little extra lime juice helps balance the smoky heat.

Best Ways to Serve Chipotle Shrimp

This dish is super versatile, making it easy to serve in different ways:

With Rice: Serve over white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice.
In Tacos: Fill corn or flour tortillas with shrimp, avocado, and slaw.
On a Salad: Add shrimp over a bed of mixed greens for a spicy protein boost.
With Pasta: Toss shrimp and sauce with linguine for a smoky seafood pasta.
As an Appetizer: Serve with toasted bread or tortilla chips for dipping.

Final Thoughts

Skillet Chipotle Shrimp is one of those easy, flavor-packed meals that never disappoints. It’s quick to prepare, customizable to your spice preference, and works well in various dishes. Whether you’re making shrimp tacos, a rice bowl, or just need a protein-packed snack, this recipe is a must-try.

Give it a shot and let me know how you like it! If you have any fun twists on this recipe, share them in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does chipotle shrimp taste like?

Chipotle shrimp has a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor, balanced by the tanginess of lime and the richness of garlic and butter.

2. Can I make chipotle shrimp ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, then reheat gently before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.