This Chicken with Pumpkin-Seed Mole is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, nutty mole sauce made from pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chiles, and fragrant spices. The mole’s unique blend of roasted pumpkin seeds, cilantro, and lime creates a deliciously vibrant sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Chicken with Pumpkin-Seed Mole
Course: MainCuisine: Mexican4
servings15
minutes30
minutes360
kcalIngredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3), each halved
1 small serrano chile
1 small poblano chile
1 small white onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 garlic cloves
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons pepitas (roasted unsalted pumpkin seeds)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 tablespoons lime juice
Steamed rice, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Roast the chiles: Over a gas flame or under the broiler, char the serrano and poblano chiles until the skins are blistered and blackened. Place them in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel and remove the seeds, then chop the chiles.
- Prepare the mole sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted chiles, diced onion, garlic cloves, cilantro leaves, pepitas, cumin, oregano, and chicken stock. Blend until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and adjust spices to taste.
- Simmer the sauce: Return the sauce to the skillet, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the dish: Add the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon the mole sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors. Drizzle with lime juice.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and serve over steamed rice, if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 540mg
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
This Chicken with Pumpkin-Seed Mole is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table. The richness of the pumpkin-seed mole combined with the tender chicken and a touch of lime makes it an unforgettable meal. Perfect for a special dinner or when you want to elevate your weeknight cooking.
