Chicken Mole

There’s something magical about the aroma of a simmering pot of chicken mole wafting through the house. Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a rich, chocolate-infused sauce that tantalizes the senses. The flavor is an explosion of spices and sweetness that dances on your tongue and makes you feel like a culinary superstar in your own kitchen.

I first encountered this culinary gem during a family gathering where my aunt whipped up her famous chicken mole. Everyone was hooked! I knew then that I had to recreate this masterpiece in my own home. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive celebration, chicken mole will surely steal the show.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how restaurant-quality it tasted.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Bone-in Chicken Thighs: These add moisture and richness to your dish; you can use breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for the best flavor enhancement.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they infuse the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
• Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes for a fresh taste; canned tomatoes work if you’re short on time.
• Dried Chilies (Ancho or Pasilla): These bring smokiness and depth to the sauce; soak them before blending for best results.
• Chocolate (Dark or Semi-Sweet): A crucial ingredient that balances spice with sweetness; choose high-quality chocolate for richer flavor.
• Chicken Broth: This helps create a flavorful sauce; low-sodium broth allows you to control saltiness more easily.
• Cumin and Cinnamon: Essential spices that elevate flavor complexity; they bring warmth and earthiness to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables; extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the overall profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to personal taste preferences.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping onion and garlic finely while soaking your dried chilies in hot water until softened—this should take around 15 minutes.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute should do.

Add Chicken: Place bone-in chicken thighs into the pot. Brown them on both sides until golden—typically around 4-5 minutes per side should suffice.

Create the Sauce: Blend soaked chilies with tomatoes and a bit of broth until smooth. Pour this rich mixture over browned chicken in the pot.

Add Seasonings: Sprinkle cumin and cinnamon on top of the mixture along with more broth. Bring everything to a simmer while covering with a lid—let it cook for about 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender.

Add Chocolate: Stir in chopped chocolate into the pot just before serving—it melts into an irresistible richness that will have everyone begging for more!

Now you’re ready to serve up some delightful chicken mole! Pair it with rice or warm tortillas for an unforgettable meal experience!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for enhanced flavor, then prepare the mole sauce while it simmers. This method ensures a rich depth of flavor while keeping everything streamlined and efficient.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out dark chocolate for bittersweet if you prefer a bolder taste. You can also add roasted nuts for added texture or spice it up with your favorite chili.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken mole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep the chicken tender and flavorful.

I remember the first time I made this Chicken Mole Recipe at a family gathering. The smiles on everyone’s faces as they took that first bite were priceless, and they kept coming back for seconds!

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor to your mole dish.

How spicy is this Chicken Mole Recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your choice of chili peppers used.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Mole?

Serve with rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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Chicken Mole Recipe

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in this Chicken Mole Recipe featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, chocolate-infused sauce, perfect for impressing family and friends at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ripe tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
• 3 dried ancho chilies, soaked
• 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Soak dried chilies in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent; add garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Add chicken thighs to the pot and brown on both sides for approximately 4–5 minutes each.
4. Blend soaked chilies with tomatoes and some chicken broth until smooth; pour over the browned chicken.
5. Add cumin, cinnamon, and remaining chicken broth to the pot. Cover and let simmer for 30–40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
6. Stir in chopped chocolate just before serving for added richness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with mole sauce (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg