Cilantro and Lime Chicken Scoops (Print version)

Tangy chicken dip with fresh cilantro, lime, and jalapeño. Perfect for parties 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

→ Serving

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

# Steps:

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 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
06 - Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
07 - Serve warm with tortilla scoops.

# Cooking tips:

01 -
  • It disappears faster than any appetizer Ive ever set out, even when the table is crowded with options.
  • The lime and cilantro keep it feeling fresh instead of heavy, so you dont feel weighed down after a few scoops.
  • Everything goes into one dish and bakes without any fussing or stirring.
  • It works just as well for a quiet weeknight as it does for a loud, happy gathering.
02 -
  • Softening the cream cheese completely is the difference between a smooth dip and one with little cold lumps that never quite blend in.
  • If you skip the lime zest and only use the juice, you lose a lot of the bright, aromatic quality that makes this dip special.
  • Overbaking will dry it out, so pull it as soon as the edges bubble and the top barely starts to color.
03 -
  • Zest the limes before juicing them, it is much easier and you wont lose any of those fragrant oils.
  • Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the salt or lime juice, because once its in the oven, you are committed.
  • Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds a bit of extra flavor from the seasoning on the skin.
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