Chicken Mole Poblano

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Fancy a Fiesta?
Ever wondered what it's like to taste a bit of sunshine and spice all in one bite? This chicken mole recipe will transport you straight to Mexico.
Honestly, it's like a party in your mouth.
Brief Overview: What's the Deal with Mole?
Authentic Mole Recipe , especially Mole Poblano, has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. It’s basically a celebration of flavors.
This version is medium difficulty. Expect a little bit work, but trust me. It's totally worth the flavour punch at the end.
It yields 6 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or a get-together with your mates.
Main Benefits: Good for the Soul (and Body)
One of the top benefits? Chocolate! The unsweetened Mexican chocolate is packed with antioxidants. Serve this Mexican Chicken Recipe at your next dinner party.
It will wow everyone. What makes this chicken mole recipe special? Well, it's the depth of flavor, all thanks to those amazing chillies and spices.
Let's Talk Ingredients for Our Chicken Mole Poblano Recipe
So, before we dive in and attempt to how to make Chicken Mole . you’ll need to get your hands on a few bits and bobs first.
Don’t be put off by the list, most are easy to find!
Right, first up, you'll need the Homemade Mole Sauce Ingredients. Don't go thinking this is like your average pasta sauce.
We’re talking dried ancho chillies, guajillo chillies, and pasilla chillies (about 2 of each).
Now, about the chicken. We are going to need 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. That helps keep things juicy. Get those thighs, and some olive oil to get the party started.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
So, you wanna make chicken mole ? Ace! Don't worry, it's way easier than you think. We're talking proper Mexican Chicken Recipe but without needing a Michelin star.
Main Ingredients for Amazing Chicken Mole
First, the good stuff. You will need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (around 900g / 2 lbs ) - look for plump, juicy looking thighs. Chicken Mole with Chocolate need to be really juicy for a tasty sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15 ml ) - for browning the chicken.
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 150g/5oz ) - yellow or white is fine.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced - fresh is best, obvs.
- Salt and pepper season to taste.
Now for the Mole Poblano Sauce :
- 2 dried ancho chillies - Authentic Mole Recipe has this one.
- 2 dried pasilla chillies.
- 1 dried guajillo chilli - These chillies give the chicken mole its signature depth!
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ( 60 ml ) - for cooking the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 150g/5oz ).
- 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1/4 cup blanched almonds ( 30g/1oz ) - Mole Sauce Ingredients has to include almonds..
- 1/4 cup raisins ( 40g/1.5oz ).
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves.
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin.
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander.
- 1/4 tsp anise seeds - trust me, it works.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained ( 400g ).
- 2 cups chicken broth ( 500 ml ).
- 1 oz unsweetened Mexican chocolate ( 28g ), chopped.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar ( 15 ml ), packed.
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar ( 5 ml ).
- Salt - you know the drill.
Garnish (optional): Toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro.
Seasoning: Spice Up Your Life!
Forget bland. Easy Mole Poblano is all about the spices. Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves are a MUST! No anise seeds? A pinch of fennel seeds can work in a pinch.
This Homemade Mole Sauce is going to be incredible!
Equipment You'll Actually Need
No fancy gadgets here. Just the essentials:
- A large pot or Dutch oven - for simmering.
- A large skillet or frying pan - for cooking the sauce.
- A blender or food processor - trust me, you need this for a smooth Mole Sauce Ingredients .
- A small saucepan - for heating water for your dried chillies.
Cooking up a Storm: Chicken Mole Poblano My Way!
Honestly, guys, are we ready to tackle chicken mole ? This isn't your beige supermarket sauce, this is a proper flavour explosion.
My first try? Oh my gosh, let’s not even go there! But trust me, this version is foolproof. I was really surprised to be making such an Authentic Mole Recipe right from my very own kitchen.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First, your mise en place is KEY. This means getting all your bits and bobs ready before you even think about turning on the hob.
Chop your veggies, measure your spices. It makes life SO much easier, trust me. Safety first, always! Keep a clean workspace and watch those fingers when you're chopping.
step-by-step: Mole Magic
- Rehydrate your chillies. Soak those dried ancho, pasilla, and guajillo chillies in hot water until they are soft. About 20 minutes should do it.
- Brown the chicken. Season the 900g of chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and brown them in 15ml of olive oil in a large pot. Take them out when golden.
- Sauté the aromatics. In the same pot, cook 150g of chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until softened.
- Blend it ALL. Put the chillies, onion, garlic, 30g of almonds, 40g of raisins, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, spices, 400g of tomatoes and a bit of broth into a blender. Blitz until smooth.
- Simmer chicken in the mole. Stir in the blended sauce, 500ml of chicken broth, 28g of chocolate, 15ml of brown sugar, and 5ml of vinegar. Season with salt. Put the chicken back in, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C).
Pro Tips: Mole Mastery
Want to level up your Homemade Mole Sauce ? Toast those chillies lightly in a dry pan before rehydrating. Just a few seconds per side makes the flavor insane.
Avoid burning them, though! Taste as you go. Mole is all about balance. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, or vinegar for tanginess.
And if you're feeling brave, a pinch of cayenne really turns up the heat in this Spicy Mexican Chicken. You might like to consider variations and substitutions.
If you can’t find a specific dried chilli, experiment with equal parts of another mild dried variety. Don't fancy nuts? Replace almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Right, go on, give my Chicken Mole Poblano Recipe a go. You got this!
Recipe Notes: Chicken Mole Mastery
Right, so you're ready to tackle this cracking Chicken Mole Poblano Recipe ? Ace! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it goes swimmingly.
Honestly, a good Chicken Mole is a proper hug in a bowl, but getting it just right can feel a bit like herding cats.
Plating Like a Pro
First off, presentation matters, doesn't it? Think of it as giving your homemade mole sauce the red-carpet treatment.
- Plating and Presentation Ideas: Ladle that glorious Mexican chicken recipe over a bed of fluffy rice. Then, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds and a sprig of fresh coriander.
- Complementary Sides or Beverages: I personally love serving it with warm corn tortillas for mopping up every last bit of that delicious authentic mole recipe . A chilled cerveza (Mexican beer) or a tangy Margarita on the side? Oh my gosh, heaven!
Storage Savvy
So you’ve gone and made a vat of this Chicken Mole with Chocolate , now what? No worries, I've got you covered!
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftover mole? Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .
- Freezing Options (if applicable): Freezing is a go-er, too! Portion it out, freeze for up to 3 months . Just make sure it's properly cooled first.
- Reheating Instructions: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Microwaving works in a pinch, but low and slow is the way to go, yeah?
Mole Makeovers
Fancy shaking things up a bit? This Easy Mole Poblano adapts like a charm!
- Dietary Adaptations: For a veggie version, swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or sweet potato. Lush!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In autumn, a splash of pumpkin puree adds a lovely depth to the Mole Poblano Variations . Trust me on this.
Nutrition Nuggets
Let's face it, this isn't health food, but it's packed with flavour!
- Simplified Nutrition Information: Each serving clocks in around 650 calories. But think of all those delicious chillies, nuts, and spices brimming with antioxidants!
- Key Health Benefits: It's a proper mood booster! Plus, the chillies can give your metabolism a little kick. Win-win!
So there you have it! Now get in that kitchen and make some magic. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! I promise, once you’ve nailed this spicy Mexican chicken , you'll feel like a proper culinary superstar.
Go on, you got this! And remember, even if it's not perfect the first time, it'll still taste blummin' fantastic.
Have fun with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Chicken Mole, and why is it so famous?
Chicken Mole, particularly Mole Poblano, is a traditional Mexican dish featuring chicken smothered in a rich, complex sauce. The sauce is made from a blend of chillies, spices, nuts, seeds, and even a touch of chocolate!
Its fame comes from its incredible depth of flavour a symphony of smoky, sweet, and subtly spicy notes that's quite unlike anything else.
Mole sounds intimidating! Is this Chicken Mole recipe really doable for a home cook?
Absolutely! While traditional mole can take days to prepare, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavour. We've streamlined the steps and ingredients to make it manageable for a weeknight meal. Think of it as a "Naked Chef" version of mole stripping it back to the essentials!
Can I make Chicken Mole ahead of time? Does it freeze well?
Yes, you can definitely make Chicken Mole in advance. In fact, the flavours often meld together even better after a day or two in the fridge like a good Sunday roast! For freezing, let the mole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
I'm not a fan of spice. Can I make this Chicken Mole less spicy?
Certainly! The spice level in mole comes primarily from the chillies. When preparing the dried chillies, be meticulous about removing all the seeds and veins, as that's where most of the heat resides. You can also reduce the number of chillies used, or substitute with milder varieties like ancho chillies.
Always taste as you go and adjust the spice to your liking it's your kitchen, your rules!
What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Mole? It sounds quite rich!
Given the richness of the mole, lighter sides are a great choice. Mexican rice is a classic pairing, and warm corn tortillas are perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A fresh, zesty slaw or a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette can also provide a nice contrast.
And don't forget a refreshing drink, like a lime margarita!
I can't find all the chillies listed. Can I substitute other types in this chicken mole recipe?
Finding the exact chillies can sometimes be tricky, a little like finding hens teeth if you ask me. Don't worry too much! While the specific chillies contribute unique flavors, you can experiment with substitutions. Look for other mild, dried chillies at your local international market or specialty store.
Equal parts of another dried chilli variety can work well. Just keep a note of the spice levels so you aren't caught off guard.
Chicken Mole Poblano

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 5g |