Chuy’s Jalapeno Ranch

Back in the late '80s and early '90s, my family had a standing tradition of heading to the original Chuy’s restaurant off Barton Springs Road in Austin. After a long swim at Barton Springs or Deep Eddy, sun-drunk and starving, we’d pile into a booth and waste no time tearing into their thin, warm tortilla chips—and that delicious dip— Chuy’s creamy jalapeño dip. Creamy, tangy, cool with just the right kick of heat… y’all, it's so good I could drink it.

Now, I’m sharing the ultimate copycat recipe for that unforgettable Chuy’s jalapeño ranch dip—and it’s ready in just 5 minutes. Whether you’re planning a spread of Tex-Mex dishes for Cinco de Mayo or just need something bold and creamy for your taco night, this one checks all the boxes. It’s a zesty dip, a salad dressing, a sauce for tacos—and even a veggie dip for those who like their fresh veggies with a little sass.

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Why This One’s a Keeper

This one hits every note: it’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and utterly addictive. You can blend it up in minutes with a blender or food processor, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge all week. Serve it with chips, spoon it over tacos, or drizzle it on your taco salad—this creamy dip has range. Plus, you’ll never need to ask for extra at Chuy’s Tex-Mex restaurant again, because now you’ve got it at home.

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Where This Recipe Comes From

If you’ve been to Chuy’s Tex-Mex restaurant, you know the one. With the Elvis shrine, hubcaps on the ceiling, and servers who actually seem happy to be there. The first time we tasted this creamy jalapeño ranch dip, we were hooked. This creamy jalapeño recipe was my family’s white whale for years—we tried every ranch packet, every combo of pickled jalapeños and ranch mix, and this version is the closest we’ve ever come. It's a Tex-Mex classic, beloved for good reason.

Round Up Your Kitchen Tools

• Blender or Food Processor – Essential for that silky-smooth finish
• Mixing Bowl – For combining everything before blending
• Spatula – Helps you scrape down the sides so nothing’s wasted
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Precision makes the flavors pop

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Here’s What You’ll Need

• Dry ranch dressing packets – The base of the creamy ranch flavor
• Buttermilk – Adds that cool, tangy depth
• Real mayonnaise – For a rich, smooth texture
• Pickled jalapeños – Classic Chuy’s heat with a vinegary bite
• Jalapeño juice – Extra zing to brighten it up
• Tomatillo sauce – Adds a fresh, tangy note
• Fresh cilantro – Brings a herbaceous lift to this creamy jalapeño recipe

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Let’s Get to Blendin’

Serve or chill – It’s delicious right away, but chilling it helps it thicken and lets those flavors really come together.

Combine all the ingredients – Toss the ranch mix, buttermilk, mayo, pickled jalapeños, jalapeño juice, tomatillo sauce, and cilantro into your blender pitcher.

Blend until smooth – Use a food processor or blender to puree the mixture until creamy and dreamy.

Taste and adjust – Want more heat? Add a few more jalapeños. Need more tang? A splash more tomatillo sauce or jalapeno juice will do it.

✨ Scroll on down, friend. That full recipe’s waitin’ for you at the bottom. ✨

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Little Tricks from My Kitchen

• Use the right ranch – I always go with the Hidden Valley Ranch dry ranch dressing packets for the best flavor. Bottled ranch doesn’t hit the same.
• Don’t skip the tomatillo sauce – It’s what gives the dip that unmistakable brightness you get at Chuy’s restaurant.
• Use a food processor if you have one – It’s faster and helps you get a smoother dip without over-blending.
• Chill before serving – This gives the creamy dip time to thicken and mellow into perfection.
• Make extra – It doubles beautifully and disappears faster than you'd think.

This is the kind of dip you bring to a party and leave with an empty bowl—and at least three requests for the recipe.

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Ways to Dish It Up

• Easy Homemade Tortilla Chips – A crispy scoop for your creamy jalapeño ranch dip
• Tex-Mex Taco Salad – Drizzle this over the top instead of Catalina Dressing for a twist.
• White Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Salsa Verde – Pairs perfectly with this sauce.
• Peach Fried Pies – Because sweet after spicy is always a good call!

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Curious? You’re Not Alone

Is this really a copycat of Chuy’s creamy jalapeño dip?
Yes! It’s a homemade version of the cult-favorite Chuy’s creamy jalapeño dip, made with ingredients you can grab at any store.

Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Absolutely. It’s a bold, creamy salad dressing that adds a Tex-Mex twist to greens or taco salads. If it is too thick, add another splash or two of buttermilk or regular milk.

Is this dip spicy?
It’s a spicy dip, but not over-the-top. You can always adjust the heat by adding or reducing the pickled jalapeños.

What’s the best way to blend the dip?
A food processor or blender works best for that ultra-creamy texture.

How long does the dip last in the fridge?
It keeps well for up to a week in an airtight container. Stir before using.

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What to Do with the Leftovers

Store your dip in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days. It may separate slightly—just give it a quick stir or shake before serving. For make-ahead prep, blend it a day early so the flavors have time to meld. 

Freezing isn’t ideal—it can mess with the texture of this creamy dip—but a chilled batch is your best friend for leftovers.

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Stick Around for Seconds!

If this creamy jalapeño ranch dip took you back to Chuy’s—or just made your taco night next-level—subscribe to my newsletter and come back hungry. I’ve got more copycat recipes, comfort food, and Tex-Mex memories waiting to be shared.

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A Dip Worth Dishing About

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag @jennifercooks on Instagram with your spin. Add more jalapeños? Swapped in Greek yogurt? Let’s trade notes!

The Party Starts Here: Must-Try Appetizers & Dips

When the party kicks off, the snack table becomes the heart of the gathering—and nothing draws a crowd like a lineup of irresistible appetizers and dips. From creamy classics to bold, spicy bites, these recipes are designed to keep guests mingling and munching. Whether you're hosting a game day bash, a holiday soirée, or a casual get-together, these flavorful starters are sure to be the life of the party.

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Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y’all!