Authentic Chicken Mole

Chicken Mole is a traditional Mexican dish renowned for its rich, complex flavors and velvety sauce. This recipe combines tender, shredded chicken with a decadent mole sauce made from an array of ingredients including ancho chiles, Mexican chocolate, and creamy peanut butter.

The process begins with simmering chicken breasts in a fragrant broth infused with onion and bay leaf, ensuring each piece is infused with savory goodness. Meanwhile, the mole sauce is meticulously prepared by sautéing a medley of vegetables, blending them with aromatic spices and rich mole paste, then simmering until the flavors meld into a harmonious symphony.

Finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, Chicken Mole offers a culinary journey that celebrates the depth and heritage of Mexican cuisine, promising a dish that delights both the palate and the senses. This recipe invites you to savor the magic of mole, bringing warmth and comfort to your table with every spoonful.

Chicken Mole

Ingredients:

Chicken

4 1/2 cups chicken broth

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 onion, cut into quarters

1-2 pounds chicken breasts

1 bay leaf

Mole Sauce

2 tablespoons avocado oil

1 small shallot, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bolillo or small baguette, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 dried ancho chiles, rinsed, stemmed, seeded, and chopped

2 red bell pepper pods, rinsed, stemmed, seeded, and diced

2 small tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed, and chopped

1 tomato, chopped

1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1.5 ounces Mexican dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons cocoa powder

3 tablespoons Doña Maria mole paste

2 teaspoons sea salt

Instructions:

Chicken

In a large pot, bring chicken broth, sea salt, onion, chicken, and bay leaf to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Remove chicken to a plate to cool, then shred.

Discard bay leaf.

Reserve broth and onion.

Mole Sauce

Step 1:

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add shallot, garlic, bolillo pieces, ancho chiles, red bell pepper, tomatillos, tomato, and sesame seeds.

Sauté for 10 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Step 2:

Transfer half of the reserved broth and boiled onion to a blender.

Add half of the sautéed mixture, peanut butter, chocolate, cocoa powder, mole paste, and sea salt.

Blend until smooth.

Transfer the sauce to the skillet.

Step 3:

Blend the remaining broth and sautéed mixture until smooth, then add to the skillet.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4:

Add 2 cups of shredded chicken to the skillet and stir until well coated with the sauce.

Step 5:

Reduce heat and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Serve the mole on plates, garnished with sesame seeds.

Notes:

Chicken Selection: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and uniform cooking. Thighs can also be used for added richness.

Broth Flavor: Use homemade chicken broth if possible for the best flavor. If using store-bought broth, choose low-sodium varieties to control the saltiness of the dish.

Mole Paste: Doña Maria mole paste is a convenient option, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness and richness. Start with less if you prefer a milder flavor.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Mexican dark chocolate adds depth and slight sweetness, while creamy peanut butter enhances the sauce’s texture and flavor. Adjust quantities to balance the sweetness and nuttiness to your liking.

Blending the Sauce: Ensure the sauce is blended until completely smooth to achieve a velvety texture. Take care when blending hot liquids; allow them to cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

Simmering Time: Simmer the sauce after adding the shredded chicken to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for developing a rich and complex mole flavor.

Stirring and Monitoring: Stir the mole sauce frequently during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the skillet and ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the plated mole for added visual appeal and a delightful crunch. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Serve with: Traditionally, Chicken Mole is served with rice and warm tortillas. The rice helps balance the richness of the mole sauce, while tortillas are perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce on the plate.

Make Ahead: Chicken Mole flavors develop even more when allowed to sit overnight. Consider making it a day ahead and reheating gently before serving for an even more delicious dish.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does “mole” mean in Chicken Mole?

“Mole” refers to a rich, savory sauce in Mexican cuisine that typically includes a blend of chiles, spices, and often chocolate.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts.

Thighs will add a bit more richness and flavor to the dish.

What is Doña Maria mole paste, and where can I find it?

Doña Maria mole paste is a concentrated sauce mixture used to make mole.

It can usually be found in the international or Mexican foods aisle of most grocery stores.

Can I make Chicken Mole ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Mole actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chicken Mole spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chiles used.

Ancho chiles typically provide a mild to medium heat level.

What can I serve with Chicken Mole?

Chicken Mole is traditionally served with rice and warm tortillas.

The rice helps balance the rich flavors of the mole sauce.

Can I freeze Chicken Mole?

Yes, Chicken Mole freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I substitute ingredients in the mole sauce?

Yes, you can customize the mole sauce to your taste.

For example, you can adjust the amount of chocolate or peanut butter based on your preferences.

What does avocado oil contribute to Chicken Mole?

Avocado oil adds a mild, buttery flavor and is also high in healthy fats.

It’s a good choice for sautéing the vegetables in the mole sauce.

How do I adjust the thickness of the mole sauce?

If the mole sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of additional chicken broth or water.

Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.