What is Chicken Mole?
Chicken mole is a classic Mexican dish famous for its complex, rich sauce made from a blend of dried chiles, spices, nuts, and a subtle hint of chocolate. This sauce is slow cooked to perfection and poured over tender chicken, resulting in a meal full of deep, vibrant flavors.
Many people shy away from making mole because it looks complicated, but with the right steps, it becomes a rewarding and delicious experience.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Mole
To create an authentic chicken mole, you need a combination of four dried chiles: mulato, ancho, guajillo, and pasilla. These chiles bring unique smoky, earthy, and slightly fruity flavors to the sauce.
Other important ingredients include:
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Lard or oil for frying
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Onion and garlic for depth
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Corn and flour tortillas for thickening
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Plantain for natural sweetness
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Almonds, peanuts, and sesame seeds for texture and nuttiness
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Whole peeled tomatoes for a fresh base
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Mexican chocolate (such as Abuelita or Ibarra), which adds a rich, smooth finish
Together, these ingredients create a sauce that’s complex but balanced — the chocolate never overpowers but enhances the chiles.
How to Make Chicken Mole: Step-by-Step
First, you’ll need to prepare the dried chiles by removing stems, veins, and seeds. This step is important to avoid bitterness. After toasting the chiles briefly in lard, set them aside.
Next, sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Then, toast broken pieces of tortillas to add body to the sauce. The plantain adds a natural sweetness, balancing the spicy chiles.
In a skillet, toast the almonds, peanuts, and sesame seeds until fragrant. These nuts add richness and texture to the sauce.
Warm the canned tomatoes and melt in the Mexican chocolate to create the perfect base. Then blend everything until smooth — add water gradually if needed.
Finally, pour the sauce over a whole chicken in a Dutch oven, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours. The result? Chicken so tender it falls off the bone, soaked in that unforgettable mole sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Mole
Chicken mole pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas, fluffy rice, and refried beans. The combination creates a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Expect a bit of a mess in the kitchen — but it’s all worth it once you taste this authentic dish!
Why Chicken Mole is Worth the Effort
Despite the number of ingredients and steps, chicken mole is surprisingly approachable. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a sauce that’s deeply flavorful without being overpowering.
Moreover, making mole at home connects you with centuries of Mexican culinary tradition, turning a simple dinner into a cultural experience.
Ready to Try This Delicious Chicken Mole?
If you love rich, bold flavors and want to impress your family or guests with something truly special, this chicken mole recipe is a must-try. It’s a beautiful blend of smoky, sweet, nutty, and spicy elements all in one pot.
Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with your friends, family, and loved ones on social media. Let’s spread the joy of authentic Mexican cooking together!
source : www.allrecipes.com
