Cilantro and Lime Chicken Scoops (Printable)

Tangy chicken dip with fresh cilantro, lime, and melted cheese. Baked until bubbly, 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

→ Serving

15 - 1 bag tortilla scoops
16 - Additional cilantro for garnish
17 - Lime wedges for garnish

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large mixing 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 for 2 to 3 minutes.
07 - Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve warm with tortilla scoops.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It disappears faster than you can refill the chip bowl, which means you did something right.
  • The lime and cilantro cut through the richness in a way that makes you reach for just one more scoop.
  • You can have it in the oven in the time it takes your friends to find parking.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day for lunch.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese isn't soft, the dip will have stubborn lumps no amount of stirring will fix.
  • Taste the mixture before baking, the flavors mellow slightly in the oven so it should be bold going in.
  • Don't overbake it or the top will dry out and lose that creamy pull.
03 -
  • Zest your limes before you juice them, it's nearly impossible to zest a squeezed lime.
  • Use a fork to shred warm rotisserie chicken, it pulls apart faster and stays tender.
  • If the dip looks dry after baking, stir in a spoonful of sour cream before serving to bring back the creaminess.
Go Back