Authentic Oaxacan Chocolate Mole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deep, complex Mexican sauce blending roasted chiles, bitter chocolate, and toasted spices, served with tender chicken and warm tortillas. This 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

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