Instant Pot Chicken Mole
Try this Instant Pot Chicken Mole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Instant Pot Chicken Mole recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 garlic cloves minced.
- salt and pepper.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa.
- 2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce. this which you can find in the hispanic food aisle of your grocery story — assuming your store has one — is spicy! i’m not quite sure what i’m going to do with the rest of the can. freeze it in a small container?
- 2- 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth. if you use a quart sized as i did, you can use the remainder with water to make the rice. if you use canned chicken broth, you can get away with using one can and making up the difference to 2- 1/2 cups with water.
- 1 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes. i used 3 medium very ripe fresh tomatoes from my garden.
- 1 cup raisins.
- 1/4 cup peanut butter.
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, with fat trimmed off. the original recipe calls for 4 pounds bone-in thighs.
- 1 onion, halved and sliced in 1/2 inch thick pieces.
- 1 red bell pepper stem and seeds removed, cut into 1/2 inch pieces. in general, i don’t like peppers, but i’m trying very hard to like them so i included them.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped.
- Carbohydrate 16.095911250031 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.9369437500044 g
- Fiber 8.09192499258501 g
- Protein 3.08003250001801 g
- Saturated Fat 0.491737250000118 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (136g)
- Sodium 312.454875000389 mg
- Sugar 8.00398625744602 g
- Trans Fat 0.675878125001615 g
- Calories 87 calories
Step-by-step
- Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to Instant Pot and press Sauté to start heating.
- When oil is shimmering, add chili powder, cocoa, garlic, chipotle, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook about 30 seconds.
- Stir in broth, tomatoes, raisins, and peanut butter. Be sure to scrape any bits of the dry ingredients off the bottom of the pan.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from the pot and puree it in a blender.
- Set it aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the pot.
- Add the onions and sauté until softened, about five minutes.
- Stir in sauce, chicken, and peppers.
- Cover and lock pot; close steam vent.
- On the Instant Pot, press Off and then press Manual and set the time to 20 minutes.
- When the timer beeps, press Off.
- Do a quick pressure release and then carefully remove the lid.
- Stir in cilantro and serve.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure with Instant Pot Chicken Mole
As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and the ever-present struggle to put a healthy and delicious meal on the table before everyone collapses from exhaustion. So when I stumbled upon this Instant Pot Chicken Mole recipe, I was intrigued. Chicken Mole? That sounded fancy, something I'd only ever ordered at a very nice restaurant, the kind that required reservations and a babysitter. But the promise of "instant" and the sheer convenience of the Instant Pot whispered a siren song of efficiency, something that resonated deeply with my overscheduled life.
I'll admit, I was initially intimidated by the list of ingredients. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce? Unsweetened cocoa? This wasn't your average chicken stew! But armed with my trusty Instant Pot and a healthy dose of determination, I dove in. The process was surprisingly straightforward. The sauté function of the Instant Pot allowed me to quickly build the rich, complex flavor base – a fragrant blend of spices that filled my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The immersion blender, another kitchen gadget I'd initially been hesitant to invest in, became my new best friend, effortlessly pureeing the sauce to a velvety smooth consistency.
The most satisfying part of the entire experience was the sheer ease with which this dish came together. Twenty minutes in the Instant Pot, and dinner was practically done! This left me with extra time to spend with my family, actually enjoying the meal instead of rushing through it. The chicken was incredibly tender, falling off the bone, infused with the deep, rich flavors of the mole sauce. The sweetness of the raisins played perfectly against the subtle heat of the chipotle peppers, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying flavor profile. I served it with a simple side of rice, and it was a meal that felt both special and effortlessly simple – the perfect combination for a busy weeknight.
Beyond the convenience and deliciousness, making this Chicken Mole felt like a small act of self-care. In a world that often feels relentlessly demanding, taking the time to create something delicious and nourishing for myself and my family felt restorative. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there's always room to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-made meal. This recipe has become a staple in our home, a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and impressive meals don't have to be time-consuming or complicated. The Instant Pot Chicken Mole is a true game-changer, and I highly recommend it to any busy woman who appreciates both efficiency and exceptional flavor.
One unexpected bonus was the leftovers! This dish reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually seem to deepen and meld together even more with time. The next day's lunch was just as satisfying as the night before's dinner – a testament to the versatility and lasting appeal of this Instant Pot miracle. If you're looking for a flavorful, easy, and impressive recipe to add to your weeknight rotation, look no further. The Instant Pot Chicken Mole is the perfect solution for those moments when you need a delicious meal without sacrificing precious time or energy. Give it a try – you won't be disappointed!
I encourage you to experiment with the recipe. Perhaps add a touch more chili powder for extra heat, or substitute different types of peppers for a unique twist. The beauty of cooking is in the creative freedom it allows – don't be afraid to make this dish your own. Let me know in the comments how your Instant Pot Chicken Mole turned out! I'd love to hear your experiences and any modifications you made. Happy cooking!
