Chicken Mole

Chicken Mole is a rich and flavorful Mexican dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety sauce made from chili peppers, chocolate, and various spices. This traditional dish has a deep, complex taste that is both savory and slightly sweet, making it a standout in Mexican cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic flavors: This recipe stays true to the traditional Mexican mole sauce, offering a blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes.
• Perfect for special occasions: Mole is often served at celebrations and gatherings, making it an excellent dish for impressing guests.
• Make-ahead friendly: The sauce develops even richer flavors when made in advance, making meal prep easy.
• Versatile serving options: Serve with rice, tortillas, or even over enchiladas for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
• Dried ancho chilies
• Dried guajillo chilies
• Chicken broth
• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Tomatoes
• Almonds or peanuts
• Raisins
• Corn tortillas
• Ground cinnamon
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Cloves
• Dark chocolate or Mexican chocolate
• Sesame seeds
• Vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the chilies: Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
2. Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine the softened chilies, tomatoes, onion, garlic, nuts, raisins, tortillas, and spices. Add a bit of chicken broth and blend until smooth.
3. Cook the sauce: Heat oil in a large pot and pour in the blended sauce. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add chocolate: Break the chocolate into small pieces and stir it into the sauce. Let it melt completely and mix well.
5. Cook the chicken: In a separate pot, boil the chicken until fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to the mole sauce.
6. Simmer: Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for at least 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
7. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with warm rice or tortillas.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicier mole: Add chipotle peppers for a smoky heat.
• Sweeter touch: Increase the amount of chocolate or add a bit of honey.
• Nut-free option: Skip the nuts and use pumpkin seeds instead.
• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables or tofu.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: The mole sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Store separately from the chicken for best results.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth if needed to thin the sauce.

FAQs

How do I thicken mole sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, simmer it longer to reduce or add crushed tortillas or more nuts.

Can I use store-bought mole paste?

Yes, but homemade mole provides a fresher, more authentic taste.

What kind of chocolate should I use?

Dark chocolate or Mexican chocolate is best. Avoid overly sweet varieties.

Can I make mole sauce in advance?

Yes! Mole sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

What is traditionally served with chicken mole?

It is typically served with rice, tortillas, and sometimes refried beans.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce together on low for 6-8 hours for even richer flavors.

What’s the best way to remove chili seeds?

Cut the chilies open and shake out the seeds, or rinse them under running water.

Can I substitute different chilies?

Yes, but try to use a mix of mild and smoky dried chilies for balance.

Is mole supposed to be sweet or spicy?

Mole is a balance of both, with a deep, earthy flavor profile.

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Yes, a high-powered blender works best to achieve a smooth sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Mole is a classic Mexican dish that offers a beautiful balance of flavors with its blend of chilies, chocolate, and spices. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, flavorful dishes. Serve it with rice and warm tortillas for a truly authentic experience!

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