The aroma of spices wafts through the air, teasing your senses as you dive into the world of a Chicken Mole Recipe that sings with flavor. Picture tender chicken bathed in a rich, dark sauce that’s a perfect blend of chocolate, chilies, and spices, creating an experience for your taste buds that’s nothing short of magical. sour cream chicken enchiladas Each bite transports you to a bustling Mexican market where the air is filled with laughter, vibrant colors, and the mouthwatering scent of this traditional dish. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Chicken Mole Recipe
- How to Make Chicken Mole Recipe
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What is Chicken Mole made of?
- How long does it take to prepare Chicken Mole?
- Can I make Chicken Mole ahead of time?
- What can I serve with Chicken Mole?
- Conclusion for Chicken Mole Recipe:
- 📖 Recipe Card
This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s steeped in memories. I remember my first encounter with mole during a family gathering. My aunt served it with pride, and I watched in awe as the rich sauce transformed plain chicken into a feast fit for royalty. breakfast sliders with eggs Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at a soirée, this Chicken Mole Recipe promises a culinary adventure that will leave everyone asking for seconds—who knew love could be poured from a pot?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Mole Recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
- The unique flavor profile combines savory and sweet elements that create a delicious surprise in every bite.
- With its beautiful dark sauce, this dish is visually stunning and sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.
- Versatile enough for weeknight meals or special occasions, this recipe fits every scenario seamlessly.
Ingredients for Chicken Mole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender thighs work best for this recipe; they soak up flavors beautifully and remain juicy.
- Onions: Use yellow onions for their sweetness; they add depth to the mole sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic punch that elevates each flavor in the dish.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder; it adds richness without unnecessary sweetness.
- Dried Chilies (Ancho or Pasilla): Rehydrate dried chilies in warm water to unlock their intense flavors before adding them to the sauce.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Homemade or store-bought broth provides moisture and flavor; choose low-sodium versions if possible.
- Cumin and Cinnamon: These spices add warmth and complexity; don’t skip them!
- Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the heat from the chilies beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Mole Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by soaking your dried chilies in hot water for about 20 minutes until softened. While they’re soaking, chop your onions and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Once hot, toss in your chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them until they’re translucent and fragrant—about five minutes should do!
Step 3: Blend Your Sauce
Drain the soaked chilies (don’t forget to remove those pesky stems) and transfer them into a blender along with sautéed onions, garlic, cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, sugar, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
Step 4: Cook Your Chicken
In that same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), brown your chicken thighs on both sides—about three minutes per side should suffice. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet; we’ve got more magic coming!
Step 5: Add Sauce & Simmer
Pour your delicious mole sauce over the browned chicken thighs. Bring it to a simmer then cover and let it cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Transfer your beautifully sauced chicken onto plates or serve family-style straight from the skillet. Pair it with rice or tortillas to soak up that delightful sauce!
And there you have it! Now go ahead and dig into this indulgent Chicken Mole Recipe—your taste buds will thank you later!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chicken Mole Recipe offers a rich, complex flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to a fiesta.
- With just the right mix of spices and chocolate, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your dinner table.
- Perfect for gatherings yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by searing the chicken until golden brown. While that’s happening, whip up your mole sauce in another pan. Once the chicken is beautifully browned, combine it with the sauce and simmer for a while to let those flavors mingle.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Chicken Mole Recipe! Swap out chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also play with spices like adding cinnamon or extra chili powder for more heat.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor in your mole sauce.
- Don’t rush the simmering time; this is where the magic happens!
- Lastly, taste as you go; adjusting flavors can elevate your dish significantly.
Sometimes I still remember that one dinner party where my friends declared my Chicken Mole Recipe an “instant classic.” The smiles on their faces made all the effort worthwhile!
FAQs:
What is Chicken Mole made of?
Chicken Mole consists of chicken cooked in a rich sauce made primarily from chili peppers, chocolate, and various spices. The sauce can include ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and nuts to enhance the flavor. Each region in Mexico has its unique take on mole, making it a versatile dish. The combination of sweet and savory elements creates a complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with rice or tortillas.
How long does it take to prepare Chicken Mole?
Preparing Chicken Mole typically takes about 30 minutes for the preparation and around 1 to 2 hours for cooking. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, some cooks prefer to let it simmer longer for an even richer taste. Overall, while it may require some time, the result is well worth the effort.
Can I make Chicken Mole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Mole ahead of time! In fact, many chefs recommend preparing it a day in advance as this allows the flavors to deepen and develop further. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove until warm. This makes it an excellent dish for gatherings or meal prep.
What can I serve with Chicken Mole?
Chicken Mole pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Traditional options include rice and warm tortillas for scooping up the sauce. You can also serve it with beans or a fresh salad for added texture and flavor. For a festive touch, consider garnishing your plate with sesame seeds or fresh cilantro before serving.
Conclusion for Chicken Mole Recipe:
The Chicken Mole Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. By using simple yet flavorful ingredients such as chili peppers and chocolate, you create a dish that is both satisfying and memorable. walking tacos for a fun meal With various ways to enjoy this recipe—whether served with rice or tortillas—you’ll find it’s perfect for any occasion. homemade taco meat recipe Enjoy this comforting meal with loved ones and savor every bite!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Chicken Mole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken Mole is a traditional Mexican dish that offers a perfect harmony of rich, complex flavors. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a luscious sauce made from chocolate, chilies, and spices, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or special occasions, ensuring everyone at your table will savor every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 dried ancho or pasilla chilies, soaked and rehydrated
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Soak dried chilies in hot water for about 20 minutes until softened. Chop onions and mince garlic while they soak.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Drain the chilies, remove stems, and blend them with sautéed onions, garlic, cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, sugar, and chicken broth until smooth.
- In the same skillet, brown chicken thighs on both sides (about 3 minutes per side). They do not need to be fully cooked.
- Pour mole sauce over browned chicken thighs. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Serve the Chicken Mole with rice or tortillas to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
