The aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like a culinary maestro. Picture this: tender chicken simmering in a velvety chocolate-infused sauce that dances with a medley of spices. That’s the magic of the Chicken Mole Recipe; it’s comfort food elevated to an art form.
I remember the first time I tried making this dish—my kitchen looked like a war zone. Ingredients everywhere, but oh, the joy on my family’s faces when they tasted it! It turned a regular Tuesday into a fiesta.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Mole Recipe is not only packed with flavor but also easy enough for weeknight dinners
- The vibrant colors and rich aromas make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Versatile enough to pair with rice or tortillas, it’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table
Sharing this dish always brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the delightful scent of spices simmering away.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier than breasts and soak up flavors beautifully.
- Onion: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they caramelize perfectly in the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; don’t skimp on this aromatic superstar!
- Canned Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes to enhance the smoky flavor profile.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa provides that signature mole richness without overpowering sweetness.
- Spices (Cumin & Cinnamon): These spices contribute warmth and complexity; feel free to adjust according to taste.
- Chicken Broth: A good quality broth enhances the overall flavor; homemade is best if you have it!
- Sugar (Brown or White): Just a touch balances out all those vibrant flavors; be gentle!
- Peanut Butter (optional): Adds creaminess and nuttiness; you can skip it if you’re not a fan.
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnishing): Nothing brightens up a dish like cilantro; sprinkle generously before serving!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by prepping all your ingredients so they’re ready when you need them. Chop onions and mince garlic while dreaming about how amazing dinner will be tonight.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and sear chicken thighs until browned on both sides—about 5 minutes per side. The sizzling sound is music to your ears!
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Remove the chicken from the pan and add onions. Sauté until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling—around 3-4 minutes—then toss in minced garlic for another minute.
Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in canned tomatoes along with cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, and sugar. Stir everything together while admiring that gorgeous color transformation happening right before your eyes!
Add Broth: Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in chicken broth until everything is swimming happily together. Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender.
Finish with Optional Peanut Butter: If using peanut butter, stir it in now for added creaminess. Taste-test to ensure seasoning is just right before serving.
This Chicken Mole Recipe not only fills your belly but also warms your heart! Serve it over rice or with fresh tortillas and enjoy every bite of this flavorful journey right at home.
You Must Know
- This delightful Chicken Mole recipe combines rich flavors and aromas, making it a perfect dish for any gathering
- The smooth, velvety texture of the mole sauce complements the tender chicken beautifully
- Everyone will be asking for seconds as soon as they take their first bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in juices, then prepare your mole sauce while it cooks. This method streamlines your cooking time and enhances flavors, making sure every bite is deliciously tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients! Use dark chocolate or different nuts for a unique twist on the mole sauce. Add some heat with chili peppers if you like your food spicy; it’s all about personal preference!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Mole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, ensuring you don’t lose that luscious sauce texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a deeper flavor, let your mole sauce simmer longer
- Always taste and adjust seasoning to suit your palate
- Don’t rush; let those ingredients mingle for maximum deliciousness!
Sharing this Chicken Mole recipe reminds me of my cousin’s wedding; I prepared it for the first time there. Everyone raved about it, and it felt amazing to share such joy through food.
FAQ
What is Chicken Mole made of?
Chicken Mole features chicken cooked in a rich chocolate-based sauce with spices.
Can I make Chicken Mole ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better when made a day in advance as flavors meld beautifully.
What should I serve with Chicken Mole?
Pair Chicken Mole with rice or warm tortillas to soak up that incredible sauce
Chicken Mole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Savor this easy Chicken Mole recipe, featuring succulent chicken simmered in a rich, chocolate-infused sauce bursting with vibrant flavors. Perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp sugar (brown or white)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients: chop onions and mince garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and sear chicken thighs until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes each).
- Remove chicken, then sauté onions in the same pan until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, and sugar; combine well.
- Return chicken to the skillet and pour in chicken broth. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender.
- If using peanut butter, stir it in before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, allow the mole sauce to simmer longer. Experiment with dark chocolate or chili peppers if you prefer more heat.
