If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken mole, you’re in for a treat! Chicken mole is a classic Mexican dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, complex sauce bursting with bold flavors. This sauce is a harmonious blend of chilies, spices, nuts, and chocolate, creating a unique balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that dance on your palate. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, making chicken mole at home is easier than you think. Let’s dive into a friendly, step-by-step guide to crafting this delicious dish.
What Is Chicken Mole?
Mole (pronounced “MOH-lay”) is a traditional Mexican sauce known for its deep, layered flavors. It typically includes dried chili peppers, spices like cinnamon and cloves, nuts, seeds, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a touch of chocolate. When paired with chicken, it becomes a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
– 2 to 5 pounds chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, legs, or a whole chicken cut into parts)
– 1 onion, quartered
– 3 cloves garlic
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 4 ½ cups water or chicken broth
– 1 bay leaf
For the Mole Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded, and diced
– 2 dried guajillo or pasilla chiles, prepared like the ancho
– 1-2 dried chipotle chiles (optional for smokiness)
– 1 bolillo or small French roll, cut into pieces (used as a thickener)
– 2 small tomatillos, husks removed and chopped
– 1 tomato, chopped
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
– ¼ cup almonds
– ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
– ½ cup raisins
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 4-5 whole cloves
– 4 teaspoons cumin seeds
– 4 teaspoons coriander seeds
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 3 ounces dark Mexican chocolate (or good-quality dark chocolate)
– 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (optional for creaminess)
– Salt to taste
– Orange juice (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
How to Make Chicken Mole: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken, quartered onion, garlic cloves, salt, and bay leaf in a large pot with water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the chicken is tender (about 20-30 minutes). Remove the chicken, let it cool, then shred or leave in pieces. Don’t discard the broth—you’ll use it later for the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Mole Sauce Ingredients
Toast the dried chiles lightly in a dry pan to bring out their flavor, then soak them in warm water until soft. In the same pan, toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, sesame seeds, almonds, and pepitas until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Bread
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, tomatillos, tomato, and pieces of bolillo bread. Sauté for about 10 minutes until everything is soft and fragrant. Add the soaked chiles and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
In a blender, combine half of the sautéed vegetables and chiles with half of the toasted seeds and nuts, some of the reserved chicken broth, peanut butter, tomato paste, chocolate, and a splash of orange juice if using. Blend until smooth. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Pour the blended sauce back into a large pan.
Step 5: Simmer and Season
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop rich flavors. Taste and adjust salt or add a bit of honey or brown sugar if the sauce tastes too spicy or bitter.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Mole
Add the shredded or cut chicken to the mole sauce, stirring to coat well. Let it simmer together for another 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your chicken mole hot, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, rice, or beans for a full Mexican feast.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Mole
– Use Mexican chocolate if you can find it—it adds authentic richness.
– Toasting the spices and nuts before blending really enhances the flavor.
– Don’t rush the simmering process; mole needs time to develop its signature depth.
– Save the chicken broth from cooking the chicken—it adds extra flavor to the sauce.
– Adjust the heat by choosing how many and which types of chilies you include.
– Mole sauce freezes well, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers later.
Chicken mole is a dish that brings people together with its bold, comforting flavors. It may seem complex at first, but with a little patience and love, you’ll create a meal that’s truly unforgettable. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Chicken mole is a delicious way to experience the heart of Mexican cuisine right in your kitchen. Give it a try and savor every bite!