Chicken Mole

There’s something utterly enchanting about a steaming plate of Chicken Mole Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken bathed in a luscious sauce made from chocolate and spices—it’s like a culinary hug! When you take that first bite, the complex flavors dance on your palate; sweet, spicy, and utterly unforgettable.

Picture it: my kitchen transformed into a battlefield of pots and pans as I attempted to recreate my abuela’s legendary chicken mole. Spoiler alert—there were definitely more splatters than I had anticipated! But the moment I served it to my family, their eyes lit up like kids in a candy store. This dish is perfect for celebrations or simply when you want to impress someone special with an unexpected twist on dinner.

I remember my cousin’s face lighting up when I first served this delightful dish; it was a huge hit at our family gathering!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Choose thighs for their juiciness and flavor; they hold up beautifully in the rich sauce.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil helps sauté the ingredients and adds depth to your mole.
• Onion: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they’ll caramelize beautifully in the pan.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic warmth; don’t skimp on these little flavor boosters.
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes; their smokiness enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): They add nuttiness and thickness to the mole; toast them lightly before use for extra flavor.
• Dried Chiles (Ancho & Guajillo): These chiles provide earthy heat; soak them beforehand to ensure they blend smoothly.
• Mexican Chocolate: Essential for that signature mole sweetness; look for high-quality dark chocolate for richness.
• Cinnamon Stick: A hint of cinnamon adds warmth; just one stick can transform your mole!
• Chicken Broth: Use homemade or low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness in your sauce.
• Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish right before serving—don’t forget this essential touch!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping your onion and garlic finely so they cook evenly while sautéing.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onion until translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic & Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic followed by canned tomatoes; cook until mixture thickens slightly—around 8 minutes should do it.

Blend Your Sauce: In a blender, combine soaked chiles, pumpkin seeds, chocolate, cinnamon stick, and some broth from your skillet until smooth—a velvety texture is what you want!

Simmer with Chicken: Return blended sauce back into the skillet with browned chicken thighs; cover and simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender.

Finish & Serve: Taste your mole sauce for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving alongside rice or warm tortillas.

Enjoy this magical journey through flavors as each step brings you closer to enjoying an authentic Chicken Mole Recipe!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by searing the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors. While it cooks, prepare your mole sauce separately for optimal taste and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your chicken mole by adding nuts like almonds or switching to dark chocolate. Experimenting with different spices can also elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken mole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat for best quality.

Sharing my first attempt at this chicken mole recipe brings back fond memories; I nearly scared my family away with my spicy mishaps, but they loved it anyway!

FAQ

What is the origin of chicken mole?

Mole originated from Mexico and blends indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions beautifully.

Can I use store-bought mole sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought mole sauce saves time while still delivering great flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Chicken Mole Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in this easy Chicken Mole Recipe, featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, chocolate-infused mole sauce that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted
• 3 dried ancho chiles, soaked and stemmed
• 2 dried guajillo chiles, soaked and stemmed
• 2 oz Mexican chocolate, chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes and cook until slightly thickened, around 8 minutes.
3. In a blender, combine soaked chiles, toasted pumpkin seeds, chocolate, cinnamon stick, and one cup of chicken broth; blend until smooth.
4. Return the blended sauce to the skillet and add the chicken thighs. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro alongside rice or warm tortillas.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 125mg