Garcia's Smoky Mole Chicken

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

Tender chicken thighs bathed in a complex, velvety mole sauce with toasted spices and a touch of chocolate. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, dried ancho chiles, sesame seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove stems and seeds from 4 dried ancho chiles, then toast in a dry skillet for 1 minute per side until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Blend 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1/4 cup almonds, 2 medium tomatoes (quartered), 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, 3 garlic cloves, and the toasted chiles with 1.5 cups chicken broth until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (skin-on), and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Pour the blended sauce over chicken, add 1 cinnamon stick, and simmer covered for 25 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened to coat the back of a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garcia's Smoky Mole Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 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 Garcia's Smoky Mole 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garcia's Smoky Mole 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 Garcia's Smoky Mole 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 Garcia's Smoky Mole 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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