Chicken Mole

A symphony of spices dances through the air as you prepare this Chicken Mole Recipe. The aroma of toasted chiles and chocolate wafts around your kitchen like a warm hug from your grandma. You can almost hear the angels singing as you imagine diving into that rich, velvety sauce that will envelop succulent pieces of chicken.

Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon, friends gather around your table, laughter fills the air, and there’s a pot of chicken simmering away in a glorious mole sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together. This dish is perfect for celebrations or simply when you want to impress your loved ones with something special.

I once made this Chicken Mole for my family reunion, and let’s just say I became the hero of the day when they all went back for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier than breasts and won’t dry out during cooking; I recommend using about 4-6 thighs.
• Dried Ancho Chiles: These provide a deep flavor; be sure to remove stems and seeds for a smoother sauce.
• Dark Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for that luscious richness.
• Canned Tomatoes: Fire-roasted canned tomatoes add a smoky note; choose organic if possible for better taste.
• Onion: One large onion adds sweetness; slice it thinly so it caramelizes nicely in the pan.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances flavor; use about 3-4 cloves minced finely.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while adding depth; aim for about 2 cups.
• Cumin Powder: Just a teaspoon adds warmth and earthiness; don’t skip this essential spice!
• Cinnamon Stick: A whole stick brings warmth; trust me, it’s worth seeking out!
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic until tender and fragrant; about 2 tablespoons will do.
• Sugar or Honey: Just a pinch balances acidity from tomatoes; use brown sugar or honey based on preference.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors—add them according to taste

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepping the Ingredients

Start by soaking dried ancho chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until soft. Remove stems and seeds while they’re soaking to avoid bitterness in your sauce.

Sautéing Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil then sauté sliced onion until golden brown—approximately 5-7 minutes—followed by minced garlic until fragrant.

Blending the Sauce

Transfer softened chiles into a blender along with sautéed onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin powder, cinnamon stick, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth—this step transforms everything into pure magic

Cooking Chicken

In the same skillet used earlier (no need to wash!), add more olive oil if needed then sear seasoned chicken thighs over medium-high heat until browned on both sides—about 4 minutes per side should do.

Simmering Together

Pour blended mole sauce over seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and cover tightly. Let it cook undisturbed for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender and infused with flavors.

Final Touches

Once cooked through (165°F internal temperature), remove cinnamon stick before serving! Serve hot over rice or tortillas with freshly chopped cilantro as garnish to brighten up those rich flavors.

Enjoy every bite as you savor how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken overnight to soak up flavors, then sear it before simmering in the mole sauce for the best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken with turkey or tofu for a different twist. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or even add nuts to enhance texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

I remember the first time I made this Chicken Mole Recipe; my friends were blown away! They couldn’t believe I had created such rich flavors at home.

FAQ

How long does it take to make Chicken Mole?

The preparation and cooking time is about two hours total.

Can I make Chicken Mole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; flavors deepen overnight.

What should I serve with Chicken Mole?

Serve it with rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal experience.

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Chicken Mole Recipe

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Experience the magic of Chicken Mole, where tender chicken meets a rich, chocolate-infused mole sauce, creating an unforgettable meal perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing/Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 dried ancho chiles
• 2 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Soak dried ancho chiles in hot water for 15 minutes until soft. Remove stems and seeds.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté sliced onion until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Blend softened chiles with sautéed onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin powder, cinnamon stick, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. In the same skillet, sear seasoned chicken thighs over medium-high heat until browned on both sides (about 4 minutes each).
5. Pour blended mole sauce over the chicken. Simmer on low heat with a lid for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
6. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving hot over rice or tortillas with chopped cilantro.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 thigh with sauce (139g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 390mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Marinate the chicken overnight for richer flavors. Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently.