This Mexican dish works absolutely perfect in the Instant Pot! Instant Pot Chicken Mole is slightly spicy and smoky, with a hint of cocoa and cinnamon; such a delicious flavorful dish! This shredded mole can be used for many things: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or bowls of rice. I love this is a meal prep dish because it makes such a large amount that can last all week!
Hey Hey friends!! Pretty pumped about what we have on the menu this week. An entire list of Cinco De Mayo recipes! Because we always need an excuse to eat more Mexican food, am I right?? I’ve teamed up with 4 of my favorite blogger friends to give you some awesome Mexican dishes.
But first up, Instant Pot Chicken Mole. Are you all a fan?!?! To be honest, Chicken Mole was a recipe that was always hit or miss with me. Sometimes it’s a little to cocoa or chocolate-y, sometimes a bit to sweet, and other times….Just not enough flavor!
So set to work on getting the exact combo that I love. A little tangy and spiced, just a tad bit of sweetness, a hint of richness from the cocoa, and all with the Instant Pot creating a tender pull apart chicken.
DELICIOUS!!!!
Currently loving this recipe in our rotation for taco Tuesday, and for lunch meal prep so I can enjoy throughout the week! My favorite way to serve is over my Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice.
Can I make Chicken Mole in the Slow Cooker?
Yes, you absolutely can. You can saute the onion and garlic ahead of time, or just place them in the slow cooker with the chicken raw. Create the same sauce, the only difference is you can cut the broth/water to just 1/2 cup. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Other Paleo Cinco De Mayo Recipes!
Pretty excited about the rest of these recipes to add to my Cinco De Mayo Menu!
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers recipe from the Paleo Running Momma
Paleo Jalapeno Margaritas recipe from Mary’s Whole Life
Mexican Meatball Soup recipe from Real Food with Jessica
Chicken Tinga recipe from Real Simple Good
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Instant Pot Chicken Mole
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup smooth almond butter*
- 1 14 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder**
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 lbs chicken thighs, fat trimmed
Instructions
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Select the saute function on your Instant Pot (medium if possible). Once hot, coat with oil and toss in the onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Select the cancel function. Deglaze the pot with a few tablespoons of water and make sure nothing is sticking. This will help to prevent the burn function later.
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Make your mole sauce: combine tomatoes, vinegar, chipotle chili powder, almond butter, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, sea salt, cinnamon, raisins, chicken broth, and the onion/garlic mixture into a blender. Pulse until smooth.
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Place chicken inside the Instant Pot. Pour the mole sauce on top. Secure the lid. Select the manual function (or pressure), and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
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Use a quick release. Once steam is removed, open the lid and remove chicken. Shred the chicken with a fork, and return to sauce.
Recipe Notes
*If not following a Whole30 or Paleo diet, use 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in place of the powder
**If not following a Whole30 or Paleo diet, you can use peanut butter in place of almond butter. Cashew butter is also great!
What kind of fire roasted tomatoes? Diced, crushed, whole? Thanks! Looking forward to making this!
Diced fire roasted!
I’d like to try this recipe, but I don’t have an instant pot. Can it be done in a slow cooker or another method?
Yes! Follow the same instructions with the sauce, and cook on low for 6 hours in the slow cooker.
I’ve made this recipe twice and both times no steam released from the IP after 8 minutes and the chicken was raw. First time I thought maybe the IP didn’t seal, but I haven’t had issues on any other recipes. Any thoughts?
That is very strange. Sounds like a problem with the IP, but I can’t really tell if I’m not in the kitchen with you?
I had the exact same problem. It didn’t come up to pressure despite having the cup of broth. As if blending it all together mad eit not liquid enough… I don’t know. I just added more water and trying a 3rd time…
Hi Ross,
Sorry you had that issue! Sometimes the IP can give the burn signal if the sautéed veggies (in this case the onion and garlic), stick too much to the pan and aren’t deglazed with the liquid. I will add that step into the directions. Thank you for your feedback. I do make this recipe often and don’t have this issue, but I want to make sure it doesn’t happen to others.
This looks delicious! Could chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?
YESSS!! Definitely 🙂
Can I use frozen chicken
Yes! It will just take longer to come to pressure.
Looks awesome. Do the kids like it? Thinking of making tonight.
Yes, my kids love it!! Especially for taco Tuesday.