Mole-Style Chicken with Toasted Almonds

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

Simmered chicken thighs in a rich, smoky mole sauce with toasted almonds for a comforting weeknight dinner. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, mole paste, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 chicken thighs skin-side down, cooking for 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook 3 more minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp mole paste and 1 cup chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes until chicken is tender.
  4. Step 4: Uncover, add 1/4 cup toasted almonds, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mole-Style Chicken with Toasted Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Mole-Style Chicken with Toasted Almonds?

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 Mole-Style Chicken with Toasted Almonds?

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 Mole-Style Chicken with Toasted Almonds 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 Mole-Style Chicken with Toasted Almonds?

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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