Oaxacan Steak & Mole Chicken Platter
A fancier stove-top Oaxacan-style platter with mole-coloradito glazed chicken thighs, a seared T-bone, and smoky poblano-corn rajas for early-summer flavor.
This recipe may need another look before cooking.
It scored 7/10, below our 8/10 retry mark.
Ingredients
-
T-bone steak1 steak, about 1 lb
-
Simple Truth® Natural Boneless & Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs Griller Pack BIG DEAL!12 oz $4.49
-
Fresh Poblano Peppers2 medium $3.49
-
Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob2 ears, kernels cut off $0.75
-
Fresh Roma Tomato1 large, chopped $1.49
-
Jumbo Yellow Onions1 small, thinly sliced, divided $0.99
-
Garlic3 cloves, minced $0.69
-
Simple Truth Organic Low Sodium Free Range Chicken Broth1/2 cup $2.19
-
Organic Cilantro1/4 cup chopped $1.69
-
Fresh Organic Limes1, cut into wedges $1.29
-
Corn tortillas or cooked ricefor serving
-
Ancho chile powder1 1/2 tablespoons
-
Ground cumin1 teaspoon
-
Dried oregano1 teaspoon
-
Ground cinnamon1/8 teaspoon
-
Unsweetened cocoa powder or finely chopped dark chocolate2 teaspoons
-
Apple cider vinegar1 tablespoon
-
Neutral oil2 tablespoons, divided
-
Kosher salt and black pepperas needed
Instructions
- Pat the T-bone and chicken thighs very dry; season both all over with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin, keeping the raw chicken separate from the steak. Slice the poblanos and onion, cut corn from the cobs, chop the tomato, mince the garlic, and gather the sauce ingredients.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the poblanos dry and cook 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until blistered in spots; transfer to a bowl and cover for 5 minutes, then slice into strips if not already sliced.
- Add 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet, then sear the T-bone 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness, until the center reaches about 130°F. Transfer to a cutting board and rest while you cook the chicken.
- Add the chicken thighs to the same skillet and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side, lowering heat to medium if the spices darken too quickly, until browned and the thickest part reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, half the onion, and the corn to the skillet; cook 4 minutes until the corn is lightly browned. Stir in the poblano strips and a pinch of salt, cook 1 minute more, then transfer to a serving platter.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining onion, tomato, and garlic; cook 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the remaining ancho chile powder, remaining cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cocoa, vinegar, and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, then simmer 4 to 5 minutes until glossy and lightly thickened.
- Return the chicken thighs to the sauce and turn to coat for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice the rested T-bone off the bone, then slice across the grain.
- Arrange the sauced chicken, sliced T-bone, and poblano-corn rajas on a warm platter; spoon extra sauce over the chicken, scatter with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges plus warm corn tortillas or rice.
Total time: 55 minutes
Estimated cost: About $18–$25 for listed ingredients; T-bone steak was requested but not priced in the TSV.
Health notes: Serves 2 generously; about 850–950 calories per serving with high protein, moderate carbs, and a richer sauce.
Drink pairing: A fruity Zinfandel stands up to the steak, smoky poblanos, and lightly spicy chocolate-chile sauce.