Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and pat them very dry before cooking. Excess moisture will prevent proper searing and dilute your sauce. In fact, frozen shrimp are often fresher than "fresh" shrimp at the seafood counter, which have usually been previously frozen anyway.

How can I adjust the spice level?

The heat comes primarily from the chipotle peppers. For a milder dish, use just 1-2 peppers and remove the seeds. For medium heat, use 2-3 peppers with seeds. For those who love spicy food, use 4 peppers and add a spoonful of the adobo sauce from the can.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth plus 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar or additional lime juice to add acidity. The dish will still be delicious, just slightly less complex in flavor.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?

Extra-large shrimp (26-30 count per pound) are ideal as they cook quickly but don't become tough easily. Medium or large shrimp will also work, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

Skillet Chipotle Shrimp Recipe

Name: Skillet Chipotle Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes; 2-4 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce plus the sauce clinging to them; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning); Freshly ground black pepper (for seasoning); ¼ cup olive oil; 1½ lb. extra-large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, and patted dry; ¼ cup fresh lime juice (divided); ½ medium sweet yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ cup dry white wine; ½ cup chopped cilantro (plus extra for garnish); 8 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed; Avocado slices; Sour cream or Mexican crema; Lime wedges

This Skillet Chipotle Shrimp is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Plump shrimp bathed in a smoky, spicy chipotle sauce come together in just 25 minutes, creating a dish that’s both simple and spectacular. The balance of heat from the chipotle, acidity from fresh lime juice, and the natural sweetness of the shrimp creates an irresistible combination that’s perfect wrapped in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Impressive: From start to finish in just 25 minutes, yet tastes like you spent hours developing those complex flavors.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers – make it mild or turn up the heat!
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these shrimp in tortillas, over rice, with pasta, or as a protein-packed salad topper.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The chipotle sauce can be prepared in advance, making dinner assembly lightning-fast when you need it most.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fire-roasted tomatoes: Creates the base of the sauce with a deep, slightly smoky flavor that regular tomatoes just can’t match.
Chipotle chilies in adobo sauce: The star ingredient! Provides that distinctive smoky heat that makes this dish unforgettable. Use fewer for mild flavor or more for a spicier kick.
Extra-large shrimp: The perfect size for this dish – they cook quickly without becoming tough. Look for ones that are already peeled and deveined to save prep time.
Lime juice: Brightens the entire dish and balances the heat from the chipotles. Always use fresh for the best flavor.
Sweet yellow onion: Adds essential sweetness that counters the heat and creates depth in the sauce.
Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic! It adds aromatic depth that complements the smoky flavors.
Dried oregano: Provides an earthy, herbaceous note that’s especially important in Mexican-inspired dishes.
Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds acidity and complexity to the sauce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving only flavor behind.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. If you’re a cilantro-hater, substitute with flat-leaf parsley.
Corn tortillas: Traditional and authentic choice for serving these shrimp as tacos. Their slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the smoky sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute chicken tenders (cut into bite-sized pieces), firm white fish, or even tofu for a different spin on this dish. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Vegetable Additions

Turn this into a complete one-pan meal by adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when sautéing the onions. They’ll absorb the flavors beautifully.

Creamy Version

Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, slightly milder sauce that’s fantastic over pasta or rice.

Pineapple Chipotle Shrimp

Add 1/2 cup of diced fresh pineapple when returning the shrimp to the pan for a sweet-spicy-smoky combination that’s absolutely addictive.

How to Make Skillet Chipotle Shrimp

Step 1: Warm the Tortillas

Preheat your oven to 200°F. Stack the tortillas, wrap them in foil, and place in the oven to warm while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Chipotle Sauce

In a food processor, combine the fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle chilies with their clinging sauce, and kosher salt. Pulse for about 1 minute until almost smooth but still slightly textured.

Note: You’ll only use half of this sauce for the recipe. Freeze the remaining sauce for future use – it’s great for enchiladas or as a marinade!

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke. Add half the shrimp in a single layer and cook for just 45 seconds, turning once. They should be barely pink. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with the remaining shrimp. Once all shrimp are in the bowl, toss with 2 tablespoons of lime juice.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and oregano, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and just beginning to brown.

Step 5: Deglaze and Reduce

Pour in the white wine and any shrimp juices that have collected in the bowl. Cook until the liquid has nearly evaporated, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and add half of the prepared chipotle sauce. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 7: Finish Cooking the Shrimp

Remove the skillet from heat and add the partially cooked shrimp back to the pan. Stir gently to coat with sauce, then cover and let sit for 2-4 minutes. The residual heat will finish cooking the shrimp perfectly without making them tough.

Step 8: Final Touches

Stir in the chopped cilantro and remaining lime juice. Taste and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook incredibly quickly and continue cooking in residual heat. Remove from heat while they’re still slightly underdone for perfect results.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.
Make Extra Sauce: The chipotle-tomato sauce freezes beautifully and can be used in countless other dishes. Consider doubling it and freezing in small portions.
Prep Ahead: Make the sauce up to three days ahead and store in the refrigerator to make dinner assembly lightning-fast on busy nights.

How to Serve

As Tacos

The most popular way to enjoy this dish! Place a spoonful of shrimp and sauce into each warmed corn tortilla. Top with sliced avocado, a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream, extra cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice

For a heartier meal, serve the saucy shrimp over fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.

As an Appetizer

Serve the shrimp with toothpicks and the sauce for dipping at your next gathering. Add a bowl of tortilla chips on the side for scooping up extra sauce.

With Sides

Pair with Mexican street corn, a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette, or refried beans for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually improve with a bit of time!

Freezing

The sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. However, I don’t recommend freezing the cooked shrimp as they can become tough when reheated.

Reheating

Gently reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat just until warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and pat them very dry before cooking. Excess moisture will prevent proper searing and dilute your sauce. In fact, frozen shrimp are often fresher than “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter, which have usually been previously frozen anyway.
How can I adjust the spice level?

The heat comes primarily from the chipotle peppers. For a milder dish, use just 1-2 peppers and remove the seeds. For medium heat, use 2-3 peppers with seeds. For those who love spicy food, use 4 peppers and add a spoonful of the adobo sauce from the can.
What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth plus 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar or additional lime juice to add acidity. The dish will still be delicious, just slightly less complex in flavor.
What size shrimp works best for this recipe?

Extra-large shrimp (26-30 count per pound) are ideal as they cook quickly but don’t become tough easily. Medium or large shrimp will also work, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chipotle Shrimp recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels special enough for company but simple enough for weeknights. The combination of smoky heat, bright lime, and perfectly cooked shrimp creates a restaurant-worthy dish that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Whether you serve it in tacos, over rice, or as part of a larger spread, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!