Cilantro and Lime Chicken Scoops (Print Version)

Tangy chicken dip with cilantro, lime, and jalapeño. Perfect party appetizer served warm with tortilla scoops.

# Ingredients List:

→ 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

→ To Serve

15 - 1 bag tortilla scoops
16 - Additional cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, red onion, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro.
03 - Add lime zest, lime juice, sour cream, cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
04 - Transfer mixture to a greased 1-quart baking dish and spread evenly across the surface.
05 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is 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 tastes like restaurant-quality nachos transformed into a warm, creamy dip you can scoop endlessly.
  • The lime and cilantro keep it bright and fresh instead of heavy, even with all that cheese.
  • You can prep it hours ahead and just slide it in the oven when guests arrive.
  • It works for everything from casual Tuesdays to holiday gatherings without breaking a sweat.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese isn't soft, the dip will have lumps that won't smooth out no matter how much you stir, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  • Taste the mixture before baking, once it's hot you can't adjust seasoning easily and every batch of chicken has different salt levels.
  • Don't skip the lime zest, the juice alone won't give you that fragrant citrus note that makes this dip special.
03 -
  • Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, it's already seasoned and saves you from poaching and shredding from scratch.
  • If the dip looks dry after baking, stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or lime juice while it's still warm to bring back the creaminess.
  • For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of adobo sauce from canned chipotles, it deepens the flavor without overwhelming the lime.
Go Back