Hellmann’s Crunchy and Moist Chipotle Lime Chicken

Are you sick of dry chicken breasts? I tend to overcook my chicken and hate when they are rubbery and dull. So when I found out that there was a trick to make sure they were always moist, I absolutely had to try it! And that’s how my chipotle lime chicken was born. 

I think mayonnaise is an evil invention. But when Hellmann’s sent this recipe for Chipotle Lime Chicken crusted in tortilla chips, I knew I needed to try it. The flavors sounded insanely delicious. Delicious enough to use mayo, an ingredient I generally avoid at all costs. 

I’m always looking for quick dinner recipes and this one turned out to be super delicious, moist and full of flavor. In spite of the mayo.

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Chipotle Lime Chicken is a Great Family Recipe

This post was sponsored by Hellmann’s and posted in March, 2012. 

Like most of you, I struggle with getting a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table each night. On top of that, I have dietary restrictions, picky eaters and budget constraints to work with. And I just get plain tired of the things that I make over and over.

Which brings me to why I decided to challenge myself and use mayonnaise.

The smell of mayo turns my stomach. And the consistency can trigger my gag reflex like nothing else. We’re off to a good start here, aren’t we? 

When Hellmann’s reached out and asked me to share this recipe for Chipotle Lime Chicken I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. If this recipe worked out, I’d have a new, easy idea to make for my family.

Besides, what else could you possibly use to get the tortilla chips to stick to chicken?

Why Use Mayonnaise in Chicken Recipes

I really enjoyed partnering with Hellmann’s on this post. It opened my eyes to the fact that mayonnaise actually has positive qualities. If you can get passed the smell while making your recipe, mayo provides moisture and flavor that you wouldn’t expect. It kind of acts like a marinade that makes it easy to create a nice flavorful crust on a simple baked chicken breast. 

Over the years I’ve met a bunch of people who also dislike mayo. So as long as you don’t tell them you used mayo in the making of their dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. 

But, if you ever try to sneak mayo into anything I’m eating, I promise I may kick you. 

I only ever eat it in Tuna and Noodles, a dish my mom used to make for me. Because gross. 

How to Make Chipotle Lime chicken with Hellmann’s

The recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook which is super quick for baked chicken! The secret is a high temperature for speedy cooking and the mayo for keeping it moist. With simple ingredients, this unfussy recipe should please even your pickiest eater.  

The ingredient list is short and the most exotic item is the ground chipotle pepper that I was able to find at Target.

The entire recipe is in the printable card at the bottom of this post. But I’ll share a quick overview first. 

Ingredients:

• Hellmann’s or Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
• Lime juice
• Ground chipotle chile pepper
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• Crushed plain tortilla chips

Chipotle Lime Chicken Overview

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
2. Combine Hellmann’s or Best Foods Real Mayonnaise, cheese, lime juice and ground chipotle in a medium bowl. 
3. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet.  
4. Evenly top with mayonnaise mixture.
5. Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips.
6. Bake 20 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

I would recommend doubling the number of chips you use for this part. It provided a nice crunch in the finished dish and I could have used more of it. More is always better, right? 

It really was quick to put together although I found that I needed about 5 more minutes of cook time.

This was a perfect weeknight dinner recipe. It was such a nice change of pace. And while I did plug my nose while I slathered the chicken breasts in mayonnaise, it really is a fantastic way to add moisture and flavor to chicken and would work with all kinds of different flavor combinations! 

Check out the recipe for Parmesan Crusted chicken.  

The chipotle pepper added a little kick to the dish and the smokiness of the spice coupled with the creaminess of the jack cheese created a delicious ranch-like taste.

I served the chicken with some delicious side dishes. This black bean salad can be made ahead and simply served straight from the fridge or at room temperature. You might also want to serve it with some Mayo Cookies.

Printable Chipotle Lime Chicken Recipe

More Easy Dinner Recipes

• 20 Super Easy Dinner Ideas That Hardly Count as Cooking
• Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
• Easy Teriyaki Ground Turkey Stir Fry

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This easy Chipotle Lime Chicken Recipe is a great weeknight dinner idea that your whole family will love. The crunchy tortilla crust is addicting! 

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