Spicy Mole Poblano with Chicken

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

A smoky, complex mole sauce with roasted tomatoes and chili, served over tender chicken for an authentic Mexican flavor. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breast, tomatoes, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 1, 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 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 1 Mexican cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 oz roasted tomatoes, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp cacao powder, 1/4 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
  2. Step 2: Cook 4 oz chicken breast in a skillet until fully cooked, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with 1/2 tsp chili powder and 1/4 tsp cumin.
  3. Step 3: Serve chicken topped with mole sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of remaining broth.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Mole Poblano with Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Mole Poblano with 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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Mole Poblano 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 Spicy Mole Poblano with Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Spicy Mole Poblano with 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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