Why You’ll Love Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Sauce (Copycat Recipe) Recipe
It captures the iconic restaurant flavor right at home.
Super versatile — use it as a dip, dressing, or sandwich spread.
Quick and easy to prepare with mostly pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix
¼ cup milk or buttermilk
2 roasted and diced jalapeño peppers (or 1 small can diced green chiles)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (juice of ½ lime)
Directions
Roast the jalapeños (if using fresh): remove stems and halve them. For milder heat, remove seeds and membranes before roasting until slightly charred.
In a food processor or blender, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, dry ranch mix, milk (or buttermilk), roasted jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.
Pulse until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
Taste and adjust seasoning — add more lime for brightness or extra jalapeño for heat.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 8 servings.
Prep time: ~10 minutes.
Total time: ~20 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If the sauce thickens after chilling, whisk in a small amount of milk to loosen it before serving. Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy can separate upon thawing.
FAQs
What makes this sauce creamy?
The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise gives the sauce its rich, creamy base.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of roasted?
Yes — fresh jalapeños can be used, but roasting mellows the heat and adds flavor.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
Include more jalapeño seeds or add an extra jalapeño to increase the heat.
Can I make this dairy‑free?
You can try dairy‑free sour cream and milk alternatives, but the taste and texture may differ.
What can I serve this with?
It’s great with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled veggies, burritos, and sandwiches.
How long should I let it chill?
At least 30 minutes is recommended so flavors meld, but cooling for 2 hours is even better.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — make it up to 2 days in advance and keep refrigerated until serving.
Is this sauce spicy?
The heat level is adjustable — mild to medium depending on how many seeds you include.
What if I don’t have cilantro?
You can omit cilantro or substitute with parsley, though it will change the flavor.
Can the sauce be used as a salad dressing?
Yes — thin it slightly with extra buttermilk or milk for a creamy dressing.
Conclusion
This Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Sauce brings that beloved Tex‑Mex restaurant flavor into your kitchen. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and pairs perfectly with snacks, meals, and salads alike. Give it a try for your next gathering or taco night!
