This Cholula Green Chili Sour Cream is a creamy, zesty, and easy-to-make taco sauce that delivers a punch of heat with a smooth, tangy finish—perfect for tacos, bowls, and dipping tortilla chips straight from the bag.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- Creamy. Spicy. Tangy.
- What Is Cholula Hot Sauce?
- The Power of Mild Poblano Peppers
- How to Use This Taco Sauce Upgrade
- Ingredients with Steps
- Culinary Glossary
- Substitutions
- Equipment
- Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
- Storage
- 5 Cooking Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sauce Recipes
- Mexican Recipes
- Serving Suggestions
- 📖 Recipe
- Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
- Have a Comment or Question?
Creamy. Spicy. Tangy.
If you’ve ever taken a bite of tacos and thought, “This needs a little kick... but also a cool, creamy comeback,” then this Cholula Chili Sour Cream is about to become your new fridge staple. It’s what happens when your favorite hot sauce meets a swirl of sour cream—simple, fast, and bursting with real flavor.
I made this for home cooks who know plain sour cream can be a little... meh. And let’s be honest: those generic spicy sauces at the grocery store often taste like vinegar with jalapeño's ghost floating through. We can do better.
This spicy sour cream topping brings creaminess, tang, and just the right punch of heat, thanks to Cholula® Original Hot Sauce—and it pairs beautifully with everything from chicken enchiladas to grilled veggies.
What Is Cholula Hot Sauce?
Let’s give a little love to the sauce that made this recipe possible: Original Cholula Hot Sauce—the one with the iconic wooden cap that lives rent-free on restaurant tables and home counters everywhere.
Unlike other hot sauces that lead with burn and leave you sweating, Cholula brings flavor first. It’s made with a blend of arbol and piquín peppers, vinegar, garlic powder, and spices, giving it a distinctive zingy hot sauce personality that adds more than just heat.
Arbol peppers deliver medium heat with a smoky, nutty, earthy sweetness. Piquín peppers are small, tangy, and fiery—but they’re more about sharp flavor than blowing out your taste buds.
The result? A flavor profile that’s balanced, tangy, and ridiculously versatile. It works on eggs, nachos, grilled meats, and—now—inside your new favorite Cholula sour cream sauce.
Looking for authentic Mexican recipes? Check out Pati Jinich and Mexican and Meatless.
The Power of Mild Poblano Peppers
What makes this recipe extra special is the pairing with canned green chilies. These chilies are often made from mild poblano peppers, which are roasted, peeled, diced, and packed in a can with a soft texture and rich, mellow flavor.
They're not spicy, but they pack an earthy punch that screams Mexican roots and comfort food. Think of it as your shortcut to salsa verde vibes—no roasting required.
Just open, drain, and drop them into a large bowl with sour cream, Cholula, lime juice, and green onion, and you’ve got a green chili sour cream sauce that belongs on just about everything.
How to Use This Taco Sauce Upgrade
This isn’t one of those sauces you forget about in the back of your fridge. This is the one you’ll keep in rotation, because it belongs on:
- Tacos, bowls, and burritos
- Grilled corn, chicken, or fish
- Swirled into enchilada sauce or spooned over authentic Mexican dishes
- As a creamy dip with tortilla chips or raw veggies
- On the side of tortilla stacks at your next taco night
Whether you’re brushing it on grilled veggies, dolloping it in the center of each tortilla, or spooning it on top of rice and beans, this Cholula Green Chili Sour Cream brings natural flavors, creamy balance, and just enough fire to keep things interesting. Oh—and did I mention it's gluten free?
Recommended Reads
- Easy Spicy Crispy Chicken Tacos with Cholula Sour Cream
- Mango Cookies and Cream No-Churn Ice Cream
- Aleppo Pepper Spiced Vegetarian Borscht
- Salsa Verde Turkey and Beans Tacos with Avocado Cream
- Easy Peanut Chocolate Caramel Candy Bar No-Churn Ice Cream
Ingredients with Steps
To make this Cholula Green Chili Sour Cream, combine sour cream, drained canned green chilies, Cholula pepper hot sauce, fresh lime juice, thinly sliced scallions, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
Stir everything together until smooth and creamy, then chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This quick sauce is perfect for drizzling over tacos, dipping tortilla chips, or pairing with grilled meats and veggies.
Culinary Glossary
This section concisely defines key ingredients and techniques related to this post to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills.
- Cholula Hot Sauce – A popular Mexican hot sauce made from arbol and piquín peppers, vinegar, and spices, known for its medium heat and tangy, smoky flavor with a distinctive wooden cap.
- Canned Green Chilies – Fire-roasted, peeled, and chopped mild poblano peppers, commonly found in grocery stores; they add soft texture and subtle heat without overwhelming the dish. Learn more about pepper heat levels on the Scoville Scale.
- Sour Cream – A thick, tangy dairy product used as a base for creamy sauces and dips; balances spicy ingredients and adds a smooth mouthfeel.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Brightens and sharpens flavor with natural acidity; always use fresh-squeezed for the best tangy flavor and to avoid preservatives found in bottled juice.
- Scallions (Green Onion) – A milder onion with a fresh, herbal bite; slice thinly for an even distribution of flavor and color.
- Kosher Salt – A flaky, additive-free salt that dissolves easily and seasons more evenly than table salt.
- Let It Chill – A technique where you refrigerate your sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop into a smoother, more balanced flavor profile.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free
- Sour Cream: Use a store-bought dairy-free sour cream made from coconut, cashew, or almond base. Brands like Kite Hill and Forager are great options.
- Or try unsweetened plain coconut or oat yogurt, which can substitute regular sour cream with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for tang.
- Silken tofu blended with lime juice, salt, and green chilies creates a neutral, creamy base that mimics the texture of sour cream.
Gluten-Free
- Yay! This recipe is already gluten-free.
Vegetarian
- Bonus! This recipe is also vegetarian.
Convenience
- Sour Cream – Use plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamy texture with tang.
- Canned Green Chilies – Sub with a spoonful of salsa verde or finely diced roasted green bell peppers.
- Cholula Pepper Hot Sauce – Use Tapatío, or another zingy hot sauce you already love.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Use bottled lime juice or lemon juice if fresh isn’t available.
- Scallions (Green Onion) – Sub with a bit of chopped sweet onion, red onion, or skip entirely.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Equipment
- Small or Medium Mixing Bowl: Used to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, creamy sauce. A large soup bowl or meal prep container works too—just make sure there's room to stir without splashing.
- Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Used for mixing the sour cream, green chilies, and seasonings together. A whisk works fine but may create a fluffier texture; a fork will do in a pinch.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: Used to squeeze fresh lime juice easily and avoid seeds. Use your hands or press a fork into the lime half and twist—just strain out any seeds.
- Fine Mesh Strainer (optional): Helpful for draining excess liquid from canned green chilies so the sauce doesn't get too runny. Use a fork to hold back the chilies as you pour out the liquid, or pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Used to thinly slice the scallions (green onions) for texture and mild onion flavor. Kitchen scissors work great for snipping scallions directly into the bowl.
Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
Find a collection of my reviews of kitchen equipment that I have purchased or recommend. Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purchased: December 10, 2023
My Review: I love the clean, classic look of this Pyrex 3-piece glass mixing bowl set—it’s a staple in my kitchen. Pyrex is known for its durability, and these bowls definitely live up to that reputation. I use them for everything from mixing batters to storing leftovers, and the fact that they’re microwave-safe makes them super multifunctional. They’re also easy to clean and stack nicely in the cabinet. The only reason this isn’t a five-star for me is because I always have that little fear of breaking them when I’m using or storing them, even though they’re made to last.
- My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Purchased: 2/19/23
- Update: 08/19/24
My Review: This BPA-free spoon can withstand heat up to 550°F, and its seamless design makes it easy to clean and gentle on non-stick cookware—a versatile must-have in any kitchen. The GIR Heat-Resistant Silicone Spoon that I bought from Trader Joe's is my absolute favorite kitchen tool. I use it primarily as a taster spoon, and its silicone material preserves the food's taste better than metal. It's durable, heat-resistant, and perfect for stirring, serving, and scraping.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purchased: 06/30/22
Update: 08/19/24
My Review: This lemon squeezer is still working great. Lemons are so big now! This larger squeezer is really helpful. When they designed this tool, they thought of everything! It's definitely a must-have. It easily fits extra large lemons, collects the seeds, and has a strainer and spout for pouring out the juice! You can quickly squeeze multiple lemons while preserving the juice in its reservoir. Preparing for my Frozen Watermelon Lemonade recipe was a breeze. It's very convenient, and there are fewer materials to clean afterward.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Purchased: 03/26/2023
My Review: I absolutely love this Plastic Cutting Board Set of 4 with a Storage Stand! The color-coded boards are a lifesaver for preventing cross-contamination, especially when I’m switching between meats and veggies. The plastic is super sturdy, so I don’t have to worry about it flexing while I’m chopping. What really stands out for me is how easy they are to use—after chopping, I slide everything straight into the pot, which keeps my kitchen clean and saves time. Cleanup is such a breeze, too; they go right into the dishwasher without any warping. Plus, the storage stand keeps everything neat and organized. These boards have made cooking so much easier and more enjoyable!
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purchased: 10/17/21
Update: 08/19/24
My Review: This knife is well-made. Super solid and multi-functional. It is made with high-carbon steel, so it will not rust. Slicing meat like fish is easier with the grooves. It doesn’t stick to the knife. The handle has an excellent grip, and it's not heavy. For some background, a Santoku is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife characterized by its straight edge and "sheepsfoot" blade, designed for slicing, dicing, and chopping with precision. Its name means "three virtues," referring to its ability to handle meat, fish, and vegetables efficiently, making it a staple in both professional and home kitchens.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store the Cholula Green Chili Sour Cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For the best texture and flavor, stir well before each use and keep chilled until serving. It actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors meld together!
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy base; sour cream tends to separate and become watery when thawed. If you must freeze, expect changes in texture, and stir thoroughly after defrosting.
5 Cooking Tips
Cook's Notebook is your Cooking Tips Resource Guide. Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture and best flavor—it holds up better to the acidity and hot sauce.
- Drain canned green chilies well to avoid watering down your sauce.
- Start light on the Cholula, then adjust to your heat tolerance—some days you want a little kick, some days you want a full punch.
- Chill before serving to let the flavors blend—it’s like a flavor-married version of itself the next day.
- Slice scallions thinly so they blend into the sauce without overpowering bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
Yes! You can use a different Cholulahot sauce or another mild hot sauce with a tangy flavor profile—just adjust the amount to your taste.
It has a mild to medium kick, depending on how much Cholula and chili you use. You can reduce the heat by adding more sour cream or using less hot sauce.
Absolutely—this sauce stores well for up to 4 days and tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
You can use a spoonful of salsa verde, roasted poblano, or even finely diced green bell pepper for a similar flavor.
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will give you a tangier, slightly thicker sauce—just make sure it's unsweetened and plain.
Sauce Recipes
Looking for other sauce recipes like this? Try these:
- Green Seasoning Recipe | Epis - Haitian Style
- Creamy Lemon Greek Yogurt Dressing | Easy 5-Minute
- Habanero Tamarind Glaze | Sweet, Spicy, and Tangy
- Creole Tomato Sauce Recipe | Easy Spicy Haitian-Inspired
Mexican Recipes
Looking for other Mexican-inspired recipes like this? Try these:
- Air Fryer Chicken and Pork Belly Tacos | Easy & Crispy
- Homemade Pico de Gallo | Fresh Salsa in 10 Minutes
- Quick & Easy Food Chopper Guacamole with Jalapeño Kick
- Easy Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken Fajitas | Oven-Roasted Yum
Serving Suggestions
This Cholula Green Chili Sour Cream isn’t just a taco topping—it’s a delicious twist that adds creamy heat and tangy flavor wherever your meals need a little lift. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going full spread, here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Tacos, Burritos & Bowls: Drizzle it over grilled chicken tacos, pork belly burrito bowls, or even black bean and rice bowls for a creamy, spicy finish.
- Grilled Veggies & Proteins: Brush it over roasted sweet potatoes, drizzle it onto grilled corn, or spoon it onto a juicy chicken breast or pan-seared fish fillet.
- Dipping Sauce for Chips:
Serve it as a cool, spicy dip alongside tortilla chips, nachos, or even roasted cauliflower bites. - Spread on Tortillas or Sandwiches:
Use it as a sandwich spread or layer it in the center of each tortilla before building tacos for a pop of flavor in every bite. - Elevate Your Sides:
Swirl into coleslaw, spoon on top of baked potatoes, or blend into your next batch of mashed avocado for a creamy guac hybrid.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Cholula Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup canned green chilies drained
- 2 teaspoons Cholula Pepper Hot Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juiced
- 1 large scallions thinly sliced
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream, green chilies, Cholula, and lime juice.
- Stir in the scallions, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Mix well until fully combined and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or hot sauce to your liking.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld (or serve immediately if you're hungry and impatient).
Notes
- No sour cream? Use plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich option.
- Want more heat? Add extra Cholula or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it ahead: Stores well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Use it on everything: Drizzle on tacos, fajitas, grilled shrimp, roasted veggies, or spoon it into burrito bowls.
Nutrition
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Chef Maika Frederic
Personal Chef and Educator
Chef Maika is a Haitian-American personal chef, food blogger, and culinary expert passionate about bold flavors and approachable recipes. Owner of Growth Culinary and with years of experience in top kitchens, she shares diverse, flavorful meals and time-saving tips to inspire home cooks. Read More About Just Maika Cooking
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