Authentic Oaxacan Chocolate Mole
A deep, complex Mexican sauce blending roasted chiles, bitter chocolate, and toasted spices, served with tender chicken and warm tortillas. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 70 minutes pairs chicken thighs, ancho chiles, mexican chocolate for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 6 ancho chiles
- 4 oz mexican chocolate
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast 6 ancho chiles on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes until blistered, then soak in hot water for 20 minutes. Remove skins and stems, reserving 1/4 cup soaking liquid.
- Step 2: In a skillet, toast 1 tbsp cumin seeds and 2 cinnamon sticks over medium heat until fragrant (2-3 minutes). Add 1 diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped almonds, 4 oz Mexican chocolate (broken into pieces), and 1/4 cup chile soaking liquid. Cook for 5 minutes, then add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Puree the mixture in a blender until smooth, adding more water as needed. Season with salt and serve over warm corn tortillas with sliced avocado and radishes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Oaxacan Chocolate Mole take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 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 Oaxacan Chocolate Mole?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Oaxacan Chocolate Mole?
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 Oaxacan Chocolate Mole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Oaxacan Chocolate Mole?
Mexican mexican 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
