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 !!

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1 serving

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.