Quick Chicken Mole

Name: Quick Chicken Mole
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 medium garlic clove, chopped; 1 teaspoon New Mexico chile powder* (optional); 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon anise seeds; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds; 1/2 cup tomato puree; 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth; 3 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips; 2 pounds boned, skinned chicken thighs; 1/2 to 1 serrano chile, minced; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves; Lime wedges

18 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 medium garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon New Mexico chile powder* (optional)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon anise seeds
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/2 cup tomato puree
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
2 pounds boned, skinned chicken thighs
1/2 to 1 serrano chile, minced
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
Lime wedges

Directions

1

Heat a grill to high (450° to 550°). Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in spices, sesame seeds, and almonds and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomato puree, broth, and chocolate chips.
2

Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until flavors develop and sauce thickens and darkens slightly, about 10 minutes. Puree in a blender with 1/2 cup water until smooth, about 30 seconds.
3

Pour 1 cup mole sauce over chicken in a medium bowl and toss to coat.
4

Grill chicken, turning once, until browned, about 8 minutes. Set chicken on a serving plate and sprinkle with minced chile and cilantro leaves. Serve with remaining mole sauce and lime wedges.
5

*Fruity, mild New Mexico chile powder is available at well-stocked grocery stores and Latino markets, but if you can't find it, you can leave it out and still have a flavorful dish.