This heart healthy chicken mole is a flavorful, diabetic-friendly dish inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine. By using lean shredded chicken and a rich mole sauce crafted from unsweetened chocolate, raisins, and almonds, we’ve created a bold and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a low-sodium lifestyle.
Whether you are looking for a weight-loss-friendly taco night or a complex sauce without the excess saturated fat, these tacos deliver authentic cocoa and chili notes.
Check out more global flavors in our healthy Mexican recipes collection!
These tacos swap traditional lard-heavy mole for a heart-healthy version using heart-healthy olive oil and nutrient-dense almonds. By utilizing no-salt-added tomatoes and low-sodium broth, we significantly reduce the salt content while maintaining the deep, smoky flavor profile of the original dish.
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Traditional mole can be high in sodium and saturated fats; however, this version is heart-healthy because it uses lean protein, healthy fats from nuts and olive oil, and low-sodium pantry staples.
This recipe contains 306 calories per tortilla serving, making it a calorie-conscious choice compared to restaurant versions.
There are approximately 30g of carbohydrates per serving, much of which comes from the fiber-rich whole grain tortillas and raisins.
Yes, you can substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain the texture without the allergens.
Tacos made with lean proteins (like chicken or fish), plenty of fresh vegetable garnishes, and whole grain or corn tortillas are generally the healthiest options.
If you enjoyed the bold, smoky spices in these mole tacos, you’ll love exploring our other nutritious twists on classic South-of-the-Border flavors that prioritize lean proteins and fresh ingredients.
For more ways to transform lean poultry into a vibrant fiesta, these heart-healthy chicken recipes offer high-protein meal options that are low in saturated fat and bursting with authentic Mexican zest.
Recipe yields 12 servings
In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil until hot. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chipotle pepper, raisins, lime juice and tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Carefully pour the mixture into a blender. Add the almonds, broth, chili powder, cinnamon and black pepper. Purée the mixture until smooth
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chocolate and stir constantly until melted. Add the shredded chicken and heat through.
Serve chicken on tortillas and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
For a complete Mexican-inspired feast, pair these tacos with a fresh high-protein bean salad or our black bean and hominy chili. A simple side of brown rice or quinoa also helps soak up any extra delicious mole sauce.
If you don't have whole grain tortillas, corn tortillas are a naturally gluten-free and heart-healthy alternative.
This mole sauce works beautifully with lean turkey breast or even extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
If you have a nut allergy, swap the almonds for toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) to keep that traditional nutty texture.
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be used in many different dishes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy chicken sandwich recipe for lunch or a quick and easy chicken and vegetable recipe for dinner, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.