Mole is a rich, complex, and deeply flavorful Mexican sauce made with a variety of ingredients, including chiles, spices, and chocolate. Paired with tender chicken, it creates a dish that is both comforting and full of depth. This recipe for Mole with Chicken is a great way to bring the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Mole Sauce:
- 4 dried ancho chiles, seeds and stems removed
- 4 dried guajillo chiles, seeds and stems removed
- 2 dried pasilla chiles, seeds and stems removed
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 cups chicken broth (more if needed)
- 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chiles:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the dried chiles for 1-2 minutes, until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Transfer the toasted chiles to a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes, until they are softened. Drain the chiles and set aside.
- Make the Mole Sauce:
- In the same skillet, toast the sesame seeds, peanuts, and almonds until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, raisins, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground cumin, oregano, black pepper, and ground coriander. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the softened chiles to the skillet along with the toasted nuts and seeds. Stir everything together.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender, add 2 cups of chicken broth, and blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.
- Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over low heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate and sugar, stirring until the chocolate is melted and the sauce is thick and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the mole sauce is simmering, season the chicken thighs (or breasts) with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared mole sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the mole sauce for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken with mole sauce over a bed of rice, accompanied by warm tortillas.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for Success:
- Adjusting Spice: Mole is a complex sauce that can vary in heat depending on the chiles used. Adjust the amount of chiles or type of chiles to your preferred spice level.
- Make Ahead: Mole sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently before serving.
- Blending: For a super smooth sauce, strain the mole after blending to remove any bits of chile skin or seeds.
Conclusion:
Mole with Chicken is a classic Mexican dish that showcases the depth and richness of mole sauce, a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. While the recipe involves multiple steps, the end result is a dish that is deeply satisfying and full of layered flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or as a comforting meal for your family, this mole with chicken will bring the taste of Mexico to your table. Enjoy!