Chicken Mole With Rice for dinner
Chicken Mole with Rice, a rich and traditional Mexican dish that combines tender chicken with a complex and flavorful mole sauce. This recipe begins with simmering skinless chicken legs in a fragrant broth of onion, garlic, and spices until perfectly cooked.
Meanwhile, the mole sauce is crafted by toasting an array of dried peppers and roasting tomatoes and onions to develop deep, smoky flavors. Blended with spices, chocolate, and a touch of sweetness from prunes and toasted tortillas, the sauce simmers to a thick, velvety consistency.
Serve this indulgent dish over Mexican rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for a meal that promises warmth and depth in every bite. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, Chicken Mole with Rice is a celebration of authentic flavors that will transport you to Mexico with each savory spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Complex and Bold Flavors: Mole is known for its rich, deep flavors, and this recipe delivers on that front. The combination of dried chiles (Guajillo, Ancho, Pasilla) and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and oregano creates a complex, layered sauce that’s savory, spicy, and slightly sweet.
Perfect Balance of Heat and Sweetness: The mole sauce strikes a perfect balance between the heat from the chiles, the sweetness from prunes and sugar, and the richness from the peanut butter and chocolate. The addition of Abuelita chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips enhances the depth and adds a velvety smooth texture to the sauce.
Comfort Food with a Twist: The combination of tender chicken with the thick, luxurious mole sauce over rice is the epitome of comfort food but with an exotic twist. The mole sauce envelops the chicken, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
Homemade Mole is a Showstopper: Many people are familiar with store-bought mole, but making it from scratch allows you to adjust the flavors and truly appreciate the effort and love that goes into creating this traditional Mexican dish. The roasted peppers, tomatoes, and garlic give the mole a depth that store-bought versions often lack.
Nutritious and Hearty: The chicken provides a healthy source of protein, and the mole sauce is loaded with antioxidants from the dried chiles, garlic, and tomatoes. The peanut butter also adds a creamy texture and a bit of protein, making this meal both delicious and satisfying.
A Dish for Special Occasions or Family Dinners: This dish is perfect for gatherings or special meals. It’s impressive yet approachable, and the mole sauce is a conversation starter. It’s a great way to share a piece of Mexican culinary heritage with family and friends.
Customizable: You can adjust the spiciness, sweetness, and richness to suit your tastes. If you prefer a milder mole, you can reduce the chiles or the amount of chocolate. Likewise, you can adjust the sugar or salt to your liking.
Key Ingredients:
Dried Chiles (Guajillo, Ancho, Pasilla) – These provide the mole sauce with its deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
Mexican Chocolate (Abuelita) – Adds richness and depth to the mole, balancing the heat with its smooth, sweet flavor.
Peanut Butter – Contributes creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor, enhancing the sauce’s texture and taste.
Prunes – Bring natural sweetness to the mole, complementing the spices and chiles.
Roma Tomatoes & Onions – Roasted for a caramelized, rich base in the mole sauce.
Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and savory notes to the sauce.
Tortillas – Toasted until crunchy, they thicken the mole and give it a unique texture.
Chicken Legs – The main protein, simmered in broth to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Spices (Cinnamon, Oregano, Cloves) – Essential for adding warmth and complexity to the mole.
Chicken Broth – Provides the liquid base for the mole sauce, infusing it with extra savory flavor.
How to make Chicken Mole With Rice
Ingredients:
Chicken:
2.5 pounds of skinless chicken legs
1 large white onion
3 garlic cloves peeled
1 teaspoon salt
Mole Sauce:
10 dried Chile Guajillo peppers washed and with the stems removed
4 dried Chile Ancho peppers washed and with the stems removed
3 dried Chile Pasilla peppers washed and with the stems removed
5 large Roma tomatoes each cut into four pieces
1 large white onion sliced
8-10 garlic cloves
5 dried pitted prunes
2 tortillas toasted until crunchy
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or you can use the chicken broth from the cooked chicken legs
1 tablet of Abuelita chocolate or about 3 ounces of Mexican chocolate ,or ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips*
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
Instructions:
Cook the chicken:
Add the chicken, the whole onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 cups of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the chicken has cooked through and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Add a few extra cups of water if the water level gets too low.
Remove the chicken from the broth and set aside then strain the broth and save it for later.
Prepare the Mole sauce
While the chicken is cooking, heat the oven to 475 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with sides with nonstick aluminum foil.
Add the cleaned Guajillo, Ancho and Pasilla peppers to the pan and toast them for 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Remove the pan from the oven and set aside while you fill a large bowl with warm water.
Soak the chilis in the water for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. Drain the chilis from the water and set aside.
While the chilis are soaking, roast the tomatoes and sliced onion on the same baking sheet for 20 minutes, or until the bottoms of the tomatoes and onions turn a dark brown or black color.
Add tomatoes, onions, 8-10 garlic cloves, prunes, toasted tortillas, 2 teaspoons salt, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, and 3 cups of chicken broth (use the leftover from the chicken or store-bought broth) to a blender or food processor. Blend for 3 minutes or until smooth.
Coat the bottom of a large pot with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place over low heat (use the same one that you cooked the chicken in).
Strain the mole sauce through a fine mesh strainer directly into the pot, leaving about a cup of sauce in the blender.
Add the chilis to the blender along with at least 3 more cups of chicken broth or more as needed.
Blend for 3-4 minutes, or until smooth. Strain the sauce through the mesh strainer directly into the pot and stir to combine.
Bring the heat up to medium and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will be.
Add in the chocolate, peanut butter and sugar and stir until dissolved. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and add more salt or sugar as needed.
Place chicken in a large shallow bowl or deep platter and pour the mole sauce over. Serve with Mexican rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds.
Enjoy !!
Notes:
Choosing Peppers: Select dried Chile Guajillo, Ancho, and Pasilla peppers that are pliable and free from mold or signs of decay. Quality peppers will ensure a rich, flavorful mole sauce.
Handling Peppers: Wear gloves when handling dried peppers, especially when removing seeds and membranes, as they can irritate skin and eyes.
Toasting Peppers: Toasting the dried peppers enhances their flavor. Be careful not to burn them; they should become fragrant and slightly blistered.
Soaking Peppers: Soak the toasted peppers in warm water for at least 30 minutes to soften them before blending. This step ensures they blend into a smooth sauce.
Roasting Vegetables: Roast the tomatoes, onions, and garlic until they develop a deep, caramelized color. This step adds sweetness and depth to the mole sauce.
Blending Mole Sauce: Blend the roasted vegetables and soaked peppers with chicken broth until completely smooth. Straining the sauce ensures a velvety texture, free from any solids.
Simmering Mole Sauce: Allow the mole sauce to simmer over low heat for at least 30-45 minutes to develop its flavors and thicken to the desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Adding Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Incorporate chocolate (such as Abuelita or Mexican chocolate) and peanut butter into the sauce for richness and complexity. Stir until fully melted and incorporated.
Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the mole sauce before serving and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar as needed to balance the flavors. Mole should have a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the Chicken Mole with Rice alongside Mexican rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Storage: Leftover mole sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Enjoying: Mole is often even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Don’t hesitate to make this dish ahead of time for a special occasion or gathering.
Nutrition Information:
Serving size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 | Total Fat: 20 grams | Saturated Fat: 6 grams | Sodium: 800 milligrams | Total Carbohydrates: 35 grams | Dietary Fiber: 5 grams | Sugars: 8 grams | Protein: 30 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of chicken instead of chicken legs?
Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken like bone-in chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Is it necessary to use all three types of dried peppers in the mole sauce?
The combination of Guajillo, Ancho, and Pasilla peppers gives the mole sauce its unique flavor profile.
However, you can experiment with different combinations or use only one or two types of peppers if desired.
Can I substitute the Abuelita chocolate or Mexican chocolate with cocoa powder?
While Abuelita chocolate or Mexican chocolate provides a distinct flavor to the mole sauce, you can substitute it with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
How long does it take to make the mole sauce?
The process of making the mole sauce can take around 1 to 1.5 hours, including the soaking time for the dried peppers.
Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and develop richness, so it’s worth the time investment.
Can I make the mole sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mole sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
The flavors often deepen and intensify when the sauce sits overnight, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken legs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead of chicken legs.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless cuts may cook faster than chicken legs.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the mole sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the mole sauce by adding more or fewer dried peppers.
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the number of peppers or remove the seeds and veins before using them.
Can I freeze the leftover mole sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover mole sauce for future use.
Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.