In a medium saucepan, heat the light vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped white onions and sauté until they turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes. You can stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This step builds the flavor base for your sauce.

Once the onions are ready, add the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, letting the aroma fill your kitchen. Next, toss in the chopped chipotle peppers. This is where the magic begins as the oil carries the flavors into the sauce.

Now it’s time to pour in your smooth tomato sauce and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything gently, making sure all ingredients mingle nicely.

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, coarse salt, ancho chili powder, and oregano. Each of these ingredients contributes a different aspect of flavor, so don’t rush! Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Just before you finish cooking, stir in the lime juice and honey. The lime will brighten your sauce, and the honey provides a lovely balance to the spices. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

For a smoother consistency, allow the sauce to cool slightly and blend it in a blender if you prefer a more refined texture. If you love the chunky feel, just skip this step.