A warm plate of Chicken Mole sits on the table, steam wafting up like an aromatic hug. The rich scent of chocolate and spices dances in the air, promising a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing. It’s not just any chicken dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that blends sweet and savory in a way your palate never knew it craved.

The first time I encountered this glorious dish was at my cousin’s wedding fiesta. As I took my first bite, I felt like I was transported to the streets of Oaxaca. The layers of flavor were so intense that I couldn’t help but embarrassingly lick my plate clean. Now, gathering friends around for a cozy dinner while serving this Chicken Mole is one of my favorite traditions.

Sometimes my friends ask if I’m secretly part Mexican because I can’t stop raving about this dish after every gathering.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier than breasts and absorb flavors beautifully; they are perfect for this recipe.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor; it adds depth to the mole sauce.
• Onion: Choose a large yellow onion; it adds sweetness when sautéed until golden.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic is essential; it enhances the aromatic profile of your mole.
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes; they provide a luscious base for your sauce.

For the Sauce:

• Dark Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for depth; avoid any sugary varieties that can alter the flavor balance.
• Mole Spice Mix: You can buy pre-made or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps control over saltiness while adding richness to the sauce.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creaminess and complements the chocolate; use natural peanut butter without added sugar.
• Sesame Seeds: Toast them lightly before adding as garnish; they add crunch and visual appeal.

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 ingredients on your countertop to streamline cooking. Chop onions and mince garlic to have everything ready at hand.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add onions first and sauté until they turn translucent before adding garlic.

Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned tomatoes and their juices into the pot. Let them cook down for about 10 minutes until you see bubbling excitement.

Stir in Spices: Add your mole spice mix along with salt to taste. Stir continuously until fragrant—your kitchen will start smelling like a fiesta!

Melt That Chocolate: Break dark chocolate into pieces and add it along with peanut butter into the pot. Stir until melted completely—the sauce should become silky smooth.

Tenderize Your Chicken: Nestle the chicken thighs into this luscious sauce. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until fully cooked through.

Serve hot over rice or tortillas, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for that extra flair!

And voilà! You’ve just mastered an unforgettable Chicken Mole Recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds (and possibly thirds). With each bite, you’ll savor not only various flavors but also memories created around your dining table—a true feast for both stomachs and souls alike!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken in a hot pan to lock in flavor, then prepare the mole sauce while it cooks to maximize efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even tofu for a plant-based option. Experiment with different nuts or spices in your mole for unique flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the sauce’s rich consistency.

Sharing my first attempt at this Chicken Mole Recipe reminds me of my friend’s skeptical face as I served it. Thankfully, one bite turned that frown upside down!

FAQ

What is Chicken Mole made of?

Chicken Mole features chicken cooked in a rich sauce made from chocolate, spices, and nuts.

Can I make Chicken Mole ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when allowed to sit overnight in the fridge.

What should I serve with Chicken Mole?

Pair your Chicken Mole with rice or warm tortillas to complement its rich flavors.

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Easy Chicken Mole Recipe

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in this easy Chicken Mole recipe, where succulent chicken simmers in a rich, chocolate-infused sauce, creating a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 3 oz high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• 2 tbsp mole spice mix
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent; add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in canned tomatoes and their juices; allow to simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Add mole spice mix and salt to taste; stir continuously until fragrant.
5. Incorporate dark chocolate and peanut butter; mix until melted and smooth.
6. Nestle chicken thighs into the sauce, cover, and simmer on low for 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked.
7. Serve hot over rice or warm tortillas, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 120mg