Cilantro and Lime Chicken Scoops (Printable)

Tangy chicken dip with cilantro, lime, and melted cheese, 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 of 2 limes
07 - Juice of 2 limes

→ Dairy

08 - 1/2 cup sour cream
09 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Serving

16 - 1 bag tortilla scoops
17 - Fresh cilantro for garnish
18 - Lime wedges for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced red onion, minced garlic, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
03 - Add lime zest, lime juice, sour cream, softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly 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 allow to cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
07 - Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve warm with tortilla scoops.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour and tastes like you fussed over it for twice as long.
  • The balance of tangy lime, smoky spices, and creamy cheese makes every bite feel layered and interesting.
  • You can make it ahead, bake it just before guests arrive, and watch it vanish while you enjoy the party.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the cream cheese or you'll end up with stubborn lumps that never quite blend in.
  • Taste your jalapeño before adding it, some are mild and some are scorching, and you want to control the heat.
  • If the dip looks too thick, add a tablespoon of water or lime juice to loosen it before baking.
03 -
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time, and pull the meat while it's still slightly warm for easier shredding.
  • Zest your limes with a microplane for the finest, most fragrant zest that melts into the dip.
  • Let the dip rest for a few minutes after baking so the flavors settle and the cheese firms up just enough to cling to the chips.
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