Cilantro and Lime Chicken Scoops (Printable)

Tangy chicken dip with cilantro, lime, and jalapeño, baked until bubbly and served with tortilla scoops.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

→ Vegetables & Herbs

02 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
05 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Citrus

06 - Zest and juice of 2 limes

→ Dairy

07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

15 - 1 bag tortilla scoops (corn chips)
16 - Additional cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, red onion, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro.
03 - Add the lime zest and juice, sour cream, cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
04 - Transfer the mixture to a greased 1-quart baking dish and spread evenly.
05 - Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
06 - Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve warm with tortilla scoops.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like a fancy restaurant appetizer but comes together in under an hour with ingredients you probably already have.
  • The lime and cilantro cut through the richness in a way that makes it impossible to stop at one scoop.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese is cold, the dip will be lumpy and sad; let it soften or microwave it for 10 seconds.
  • Taste the jalapeño before you add it; some are mild, some are fire, and you can always add more heat but you can't take it back.
03 -
  • Zest the limes before you juice them; it's nearly impossible to zest a squeezed lime and you'll end up frustrated.
  • Use rotisserie chicken and this becomes a 15-minute prep job; no one will know you took the shortcut.
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