Authentic Mexican Mole Poblano with Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety chocolate-mole sauce smothered over tender chicken, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh onions. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes pairs (24 oz) chicken thighs, large, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs and cook 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté 1 diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves for 5 minutes until softened. Add 2 cups crushed tomatoes and 4 stemmed/ancho chiles. Cook 10 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 cups chicken broth. Simmer 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the pot and simmer 15 minutes until fully cooked through. Garnish with 2 tbsp sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Mexican Mole Poblano with Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Mexican Mole Poblano with Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (24 oz) chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Mexican Mole Poblano with Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Mexican Mole Poblano with Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Mexican Mole Poblano with Chicken?

Mexican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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