Seven-Mole Chicken Stew with Toasted Sesame
A rich and complex Oaxacan chicken stew featuring a blend of seven moles and toasted sesame seeds for a deep, smoky flavor. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, vegetable oil, medium onion, chopped 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup prepared mole paste (seven moles blend)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 4 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until golden.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup prepared mole paste, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly; cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and add 1 tsp salt, bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the stew before serving for added aroma and texture.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seven-Mole Chicken Stew with Toasted Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Seven-Mole Chicken Stew with Toasted Sesame?
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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seven-Mole Chicken Stew with Toasted Sesame?
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 Seven-Mole Chicken Stew with Toasted Sesame 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 Seven-Mole Chicken Stew with Toasted Sesame?
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.
