Chicken Mole

Imagine a plate filled with tender chicken bathed in a rich, chocolatey sauce that smells like heaven. The moment you dig in, the combination of spices dances on your palate, leaving you craving more. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, welcome to the world of Chicken Mole Recipe—a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also makes you feel like a culinary rockstar.

I still remember the first time I tried making this dish. My kitchen transformed into a chaotic symphony of bubbling pots and aromatic spices as my family hovered nearby, eyes wide with anticipation. Little did I know I was about to create a flavor explosion that would impress even my toughest critics—my kids!

My kids devoured this dish faster than I could say “mole,” leaving only empty plates and happy faces behind.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy while cooking; they are perfect for absorbing all those incredible flavors.
• Onion: Use one medium onion; it adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic punch; use 4-5 cloves for maximum flavor impact.
• Chili Powder: Choose a good-quality chili powder; it sets the tone for the heat level in your sauce.
• Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder; it adds richness without making the dish sweet.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste thickens the sauce and adds a lovely acidity to balance all the flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps things healthy while providing moisture during cooking.
• Cinnamon Stick: A small addition that lends a warm note to the mole’s complexity—don’t skip it!
• Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish and adds color when sprinkled on top before serving.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and mincing your garlic—this will help release their amazing aromas when cooked together.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, add chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

Cook Aromatics: Remove chicken from pan. In the same skillet, add onions until they become translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Then toss in minced garlic for another minute.

Create the Mole Sauce: Stir in chili powder and cocoa powder into the onion-garlic mixture. You’ll want that deep color to bloom! Add tomato paste followed by chicken broth slowly while stirring constantly.

Simmer Everything: Return seared chicken to skillet. Add cinnamon stick and simmer everything together over low heat for about 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Finish with Garnish: Once cooked, remove cinnamon stick before plating. Serve hot with freshly chopped cilantro sprinkled over top for an aromatic finish!

This Chicken Mole Recipe offers not just a meal but an experience filled with delicious flavors waiting to be discovered by you and your loved ones!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for a crispy exterior, then simmer in the mole sauce for deep flavor absorption. Cook rice or tortillas while the chicken finishes to create a harmonious meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to substitute dark chocolate with cocoa powder or add nuts for extra texture. Customize the heat level by adjusting the chili peppers according to your taste preference.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and mouthwatering aromas wafting through the air as we gathered around the table together.

FAQ

What is mole sauce made from?

Mole sauce combines ingredients like chilies, chocolate, spices, nuts, and tomatoes for its unique flavor.

Can I make chicken mole ahead of time?

Yes! Making it ahead allows flavors to deepen; just reheat before serving.

What sides pair well with chicken mole?

Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal experience.

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: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in this Chicken Mole Recipe, where tender chicken meets a rich, chocolatey sauce infused with spices, perfect for any dinner gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper; sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove from skillet.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent (3-4 minutes), then stir in minced garlic for an additional minute.
3. Mix in chili powder and cocoa powder to bloom the flavors. Gradually add tomato paste followed by chicken broth while stirring continuously.
4. Return seared chicken to the skillet, add the cinnamon stick, and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Searing and simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (200g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 120mg