If you’ve ever wondered how to make Mexican chicken mole, you’re in for a treat. Mole is one of Mexico’s most iconic and beloved sauces, known for its rich, complex layers of flavor that combine chilies, spices, nuts, and chocolate into a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish. Making chicken mole from scratch might seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience and the right ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that will impress family and friends alike.
What Is Mole?
Mole (pronounced moh-lay) is a traditional Mexican sauce that varies widely by region and family recipe. The most famous version, mole poblano, is a thick, reddish-brown sauce made from a blend of dried chilies, nuts, seeds, spices, vegetables, and Mexican chocolate. It’s slow-cooked to develop its signature deep, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavor. Mole is often served over chicken, making chicken mole a festive and comforting dish perfect for celebrations or a special dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Mole
Making mole involves a variety of ingredients, many of which are toasted and blended to create the sauce’s complex flavor. Here’s a general list to get you started:
– Chicken: Whole chicken pieces or thighs and breasts
– Dried chilies: Guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chilies (deseeded and toasted)
– Vegetables: Onion, garlic, tomato, tomatillo
– Nuts and seeds: Sesame seeds, sliced almonds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
– Spices: Peppercorns, cloves
– Bread: Bolillo or corn tortilla (toasted for texture)
– Chocolate: Mexican chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder
– Sweeteners: Orange juice or a touch of honey or brown sugar (optional)
– Broth: Chicken broth made from cooking the chicken
These ingredients come together to create the layers of flavor mole is famous for.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Mole
1. Cook the Chicken and Prepare Broth
Start by boiling chicken pieces in water with aromatics like onion, celery, and cilantro to create a flavorful broth. Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and reserve the broth for the sauce. This broth will add depth to your mole.
2. Toast the Ingredients
Toast dried chilies, nuts, seeds, spices, onion, tomato, and tomatillo separately in a dry skillet or with a little oil until fragrant and slightly browned. Toasting intensifies the flavors and adds a smoky note that’s essential to mole.
3. Prepare the Bread and Crackers
Lightly toast pieces of bolillo (or a small French roll), corn tortillas, and crackers in oil until crisp and golden. These add body and texture to the sauce.
4. Blend the Mole Sauce
Combine the toasted ingredients with some of the reserved chicken broth in a blender or food processor. Add Mexican chocolate, peanut butter (optional for creaminess), and cocoa powder. Blend until very smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on your blender size.
5. Simmer the Sauce
Pour the blended sauce into a large skillet or pot and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step melds the flavors and thickens the sauce. Adjust salt and sweetness to taste—some like to add a bit of honey or sugar if the sauce is too spicy or bitter.
6. Add the Chicken
Add shredded or whole cooked chicken pieces to the simmering mole sauce. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors soak in.
7. Serve and Garnish
Serve your chicken mole with warm rice, beans, and corn tortillas. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and, if you like, fresh herbs or edible flowers for a festive touch. Mole also pairs wonderfully with enchiladas, tacos, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Mole
– Plan ahead: Mole sauce can take a few hours to prepare, so gather and prep all ingredients before starting.
– Balance flavors: Mole is all about balance—adjust salt, sweetness, and spiciness gradually.
– Use quality chocolate: Mexican chocolate adds a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate with regular chocolate.
– Make extra sauce: Mole freezes well and can be used later for other dishes like enchiladas or nachos.
– Experiment: Every family has their own mole recipe; feel free to tweak ingredients to suit your taste.
Chicken mole is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Mexican culinary heritage with every bite. With these steps, you can bring this classic dish to your table and enjoy its rich, comforting flavors anytime.
Enjoy cooking and savor every delicious moment!