Pat's Chicken Mole

Dive into the bold and complex flavors of Pat's Chicken Mole, a hearty Mexican-inspired dish that balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes in every bite. Tender boneless chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, velvety sauce made from canned tomatoes, smooth peanut butter, and chopped dark chocolate, perfectly complemented by warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and ancho chili powder. This one-pot recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, with a prep time of just 20 minutes before it transforms into a deeply flavorful masterpiece. Finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, this crowd-pleasing dish pairs beautifully with rice or fresh corn tortillas. Easily customizable and packed with authentic ingredients, Pat’s Chicken Mole is your gateway to exploring traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, peanut butter, chopped dark chocolate, ground cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the ingredients into a smooth sauce.

Step 5

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat.

Step 6

Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook on low heat for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt or chili powder.

Step 8

Serve the chicken mole over warm rice or alongside corn tortillas, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1837.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2273.0

Total Fat 134.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 750mg	0%
Sodium 4667.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.7g	0%
Total Sugars 31.2g
Protein 181.7g	0%

Vitamin D 42IU	0%
Calcium 479.2mg	0%
Iron 22.8mg	0%
Potassium 3532.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.5%

Protein: 32.2%

Carbs: 14.3%