Cilantro Lime Chicken With Scoops (Print Version)

Creamy, zesty chicken dip blending fresh cilantro, lime, and warm spices. Serve 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

→ To Serve

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
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.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour and uses ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.
  • The lime and cilantro make it taste fresh and vibrant, not heavy like most dips.
  • Everyone goes back for seconds, and it looks impressive even though its incredibly simple.
02 -
  • Softening the cream cheese is not optional, cold cream cheese will leave you with lumps no matter how hard you stir.
  • Taste the mixture before baking, once its in the oven you cant fix underseasoned dip.
  • Dont overbake or the edges will dry out and the creamy center will turn grainy.
03 -
  • Zest the limes before juicing them, its nearly impossible to zest a juiced lime and the zest adds serious flavor.
  • Use a fork to shred warm chicken, it pulls apart faster and more evenly than cutting with a knife.
  • If the dip looks dry after baking, drizzle a tablespoon of lime juice over the top before garnishing to revive the brightness.
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