Most Authentic Mole Sauce with Chicken
A rich, complex mole sauce made with chocolate, spices, and toasted nuts, served over tender chicken for a taste of Oaxaca. This mexican ready in about 85 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, chopped dark chocolate, toasted almonds into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup, chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 large, juiced lime
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, 5-7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Crush the chocolate and toasted almonds into the pot. Add lime juice, salt, and 1 cup water. Simmer for 30 minutes until sauce thickens. Serve over chicken, garnished with cilantro.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Most Authentic Mole Sauce with Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (45 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Most Authentic Mole Sauce with Chicken?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Most Authentic Mole Sauce 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 Most Authentic Mole Sauce 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 Most Authentic Mole Sauce with Chicken?
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
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
