Cilantro and Lime Chicken Scoops (Print View)

Tangy chicken dip with cilantro, lime, and spices, baked until bubbly. Perfect for parties with tortilla scoops.

# Components:

→ Poultry

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
16 - Additional fresh cilantro for garnish
17 - Lime wedges for garnish

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes restaurant-quality but comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • Everyone asks for the recipe, even people who claim they don't eat dips.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling the cream cheese before mixing, or you'll end up with lumps that won't blend properly no matter how hard you stir.
  • The lime juice can curdle sour cream if you're not careful, so add it slowly and fold gently rather than stirring aggressively.
03 -
  • Make this ahead and refrigerate it unbaked, then just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to serve.
  • If your dip breaks or separates while baking, add a splash of cream right before serving and stir gently to bring it back together.
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