Cilantro Lime Chicken Scoops (Printable)

A vibrant chicken blend with cilantro, lime, and a spicy kick. Excellent for gatherings, served with crunchy tortilla scoops.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (about 2 large breasts)

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

→ To Serve

15 - 1 bag tortilla scoops (corn chips)
16 - Additional cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large 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 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
06 - Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
07 - Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve warm with tortilla scoops.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Tangy and Spicy: A perfect balance of zesty lime juice and a hint of jalapeño heat.
  • Quick Preparation: Ready to go into the oven in just 15 minutes.
  • Gluten-Free: A naturally gluten-free appetizer option when served with corn tortilla scoops.
  • Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and Monterey Jack creates a luxurious, melted consistency.
02 -
  • Heat Level: Leave the jalapeño seeds in if you prefer a more aggressive kick.
  • Healthy Swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost and fewer calories.
  • Gluten-Free Safety: Always double-check chip and cheese labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free if catering to allergies.
  • Serving: Use tortilla scoops specifically, as their shape is perfect for holding the chunky chicken mixture.
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