The aroma of simmering spices fills the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace as you step into the kitchen. This Chicken Mole Recipe promises a flavor explosion that will awaken your taste buds and leave you anticipating every bite. The combination of tender chicken smothered in a rich, velvety sauce makes this dish an unforgettable experience.
Imagine gathering around the dinner table with loved ones as you serve this beautiful dish. Each forkful brings laughter and stories shared over flavorful bites. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an adventurous gathering with friends, this is the recipe that will make memories last.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Mole Recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare while delivering complex flavors that impress everyone at the table
- It’s visually stunning with its deep brown color and garnishes
- Enjoy it with rice or tortillas for a complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion
I remember the first time I made this Chicken Mole; my friends couldn’t believe something so delicious could come from my kitchen!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay juicy during cooking and soak up the mole sauce perfectly.
- Onion: A medium onion adds a sweet base flavor when sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a fragrant kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives depth to the mole without overpowering sweetness.
- Chili Powder: Adjust to your spice level; it adds warmth and richness to the sauce.
- Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes for a slightly acidic balance against the rich mole sauce.
- Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): They add nuttiness and texture; toast them lightly before using for enhanced flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping everything moist.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté vegetables and prevents sticking.
For the Sauce:
- Cinnamon Stick: Adds warmth; just remember to remove it before serving!
- Brown Sugar: Balances out the spices; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up all flavors right before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping onions and mincing garlic. Set aside your spices and canned tomatoes—this makes cooking smoother and quicker.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes until they’re soft.
Add Spices: Stir in chili powder and cocoa powder; cook until their aromas release—about 1 minute should do! You want that rich smell wafting through your kitchen.
Add Chicken: Nestle your chicken thighs into the skillet, browning them on both sides—about 5 minutes per side until they get a nice golden color.
Create The Sauce: Pour in diced tomatoes along with chicken broth and sprinkle brown sugar over everything. Toss in that cinnamon stick for good measure!
Simmer Away: Lower the heat and let everything simmer uncovered for about 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce will thicken beautifully!
Serve hot over fluffy rice or warm tortillas, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and lime juice for an zesty finish!
Enjoy every morsel of this delightful Chicken Mole Recipe as you relish its layers of flavor that dance on your palate!
You Must Know
- This Chicken Mole Recipe blends rich flavors and spices, creating a delightful dish that warms the soul
- It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests
- The aromatic scent of cocoa and chili will fill your kitchen, making it a must-try!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in juices, then simmer it slowly with the mole sauce for maximum flavor. This two-step process ensures tender meat and a rich sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to add unique flavor profiles to your mole.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken mole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the sauce’s richness and avoid drying out the chicken.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always toast your spices before using them; it enhances their flavor significantly
- Don’t rush the simmering process; give the flavors time to meld together beautifully
- A splash of lime juice at the end brightens up the dish remarkably
Cooking this Chicken Mole Recipe brings back fond memories of my first dinner party—everyone raved about it, and I felt like a culinary superstar!
FAQ
Can I make this Chicken Mole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting overnight as flavors meld.
What should I serve with Chicken Mole?
Serve it with rice or warm tortillas to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Is Chicken Mole spicy?
It has a mild spice level; you can adjust it based on your preference by altering chili amounts.
Chicken Mole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Chicken Mole, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety mole sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by chopping onions and mincing garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder and cocoa powder; cook for another minute to release aromas.
- Add chicken thighs to the skillet, browning on both sides for about 5 minutes per side until golden.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then sprinkle brown sugar and add the cinnamon stick.
- Lower heat and let simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or tortillas, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and lime juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
