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Keto Mole Chicken Thighs with sesame and cilantro

Keto Mole Chicken Thighs (Instant Pot)

These juicy chicken thighs braise under pressure in a velvety, sugar-free mole that layers cocoa, chile, and warm spices with a hint of dark chocolate.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 410kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, about 2 lb; sub: boneless thighs or drumsticks
  • 1 large poblano pepper diced; sub: green bell pepper + pinch chipotle
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened canned tomato sauce sub: fire-roasted diced tomatoes, blended
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth sub: bone broth
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened almond butter sub: peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder sub: dark 90% chocolate, grated
  • 1 tsp chili powder sub: chipotle powder for heat
  • 1 tsp cumin + 1/4 tsp cinnamon sub: smoked paprika + allspice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced; sub: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Garnish: sesame seeds cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  • Brown thighs: Set Instant Pot to Sauté, add 1 Tbsp oil, sear thighs skin-side down 3 min per side. Hit Cancel.
  • Build sauce: Add poblanos, garlic; sauté 1 min. Stir in broth, tomato sauce, almond butter, cocoa, chili, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Pressure cook: Return thighs skin-side up. Seal; cook on HIGH pressure 10 min. Natural-release 5 min, then quick-release.
  • Thicken & serve: Set to Sauté, simmer 3 min to thicken. Plate chicken, spoon mole over top, sprinkle sesame seeds, cilantro, and add a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 410kcal | Protein: 28g | Fat: 29g
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