Chipotle peppers are dried and smoked jalapenos. They are sold in their dry form, or preserved in a can with an adobo sauce made with tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. What is great about chipotles is that they have a strong smoky flavor, and are not too spicy. When they come packed in a can with adobo sauce, you get extra benefits, because the sauce is also a great ingredient that can be added to recipes for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.