Snacks

Trader Joes Chili Lime Chips Recipe

This crunchy tangy Trader Joes Chili Lime Chips Recipe is made with corn tortillas, chili lime seasoning, and ready in 25 minutes. Pulling a tray of vividly red, heavily seasoned chips fresh from the oven is deeply satisfying. I make these whenever I crave that famous sour and spicy crunch.

The Secret To Getting It Right

Getting the seasoning to stick was my biggest challenge when recreating this snack. I learned that tossing the warm chips with a tiny bit of oil and seasoning immediately after baking is crucial. The residual heat locks the flavors onto the surface.

If you wait until they cool, the spices just fall to the bottom of the bowl. Rolling the tortillas tightly before baking ensures they keep that iconic tube shape and extra crunchy texture.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Chili Lime Chips Recipe Ingredients

  • 10 small yellow corn tortillas
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp chili lime seasoning (like Tajin)
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

How To Make Trader Joes Chili Lime Chips Recipe

  1. Prep the tortillas: Cut each tortilla in half, then roll each half tightly into a thin cylinder. Secure the rolls with a wooden toothpick if they begin to unroll.
  2. Bake the rolls: Place the rolled tortillas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush them lightly with one tablespoon of vegetable oil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until deeply crispy.
  3. Mix the seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chili lime seasoning, cayenne pepper, and fine sea salt.
  4. Coat the chips: Remove the chips from the oven, carefully take out the toothpicks, and immediately toss the hot chips with the remaining oil and the seasoning blend until evenly coated.

Recipe Tips

  • Use warm tortillas: Microwaving the tortillas for 15 seconds wrapped in a damp towel makes them pliable and prevents cracking during rolling.
  • Work quickly: Tossing the chips while they are piping hot helps the spices adhere properly to the oil.
  • Adjust the heat: Add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a fiercer burn comparable to the intense store-bought version.

What To Serve With Chili Lime Chips

These spicy chips pair brilliantly with a cooling homemade avocado dip or a robust roasted tomato salsa. They also make a fantastic crunchy side for turkey sandwiches or black bean burgers.

How To Store

Keep the fully cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Do not refrigerate them, as the humidity will quickly make them stale and chewy.

FAQs

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes, you can shallow fry the rolled tortillas in vegetable oil over medium heat until golden brown. Drain them on paper towels before seasoning.

Why did my tortillas crack when rolling?

Cold or dry tortillas will split easily when bent. Warming them gently ensures they bend without breaking apart.

What chili lime seasoning is best?

Tajin is the most accessible option in most grocery stores and mimics the classic citrus and chili flavor perfectly.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 2 g

Try More Recipes:

Trader Joes Chili Lime Chips Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Crunchy tangy Trader Joes Chili Lime Chips Recipe yields rolled snacks using simple corn tortillas, spicy chili seasoning, and oil in just 25 minutes. Perfect for satisfying late-night cravings or serving as unique party appetizers.

Ingredients

  • 10 small yellow corn tortillas

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 2 tbsp chili lime seasoning (like Tajin)

  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

Directions

  • 1. Prep the tortillas: Cut each tortilla in half, then roll each half tightly into a thin cylinder. Secure the rolls with a wooden toothpick if they begin to unroll.
  • 2. Bake the rolls: Place the rolled tortillas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush them lightly with one tablespoon of vegetable oil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until deeply crispy.
  • 3. Mix the seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chili lime seasoning, cayenne pepper, and fine sea salt.
  • 4. Coat the chips: Remove the chips from the oven, carefully take out the toothpicks, and immediately toss the hot chips with the remaining oil and the seasoning blend until evenly coated.

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