Homestyle Magic: Rustic Chicken Mole Recipe for Soul Comfort

Slow-cooked chicken simmering in rich, complex mole sauce captures the heart of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Deep, dark chocolate blends seamlessly with warm spices in this rustic chicken mole that tells a story of culinary heritage.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate, revealing generations of cooking wisdom.

Each ingredient whispers tales of regional traditions and familial love.

The sauce, deep and velvety, wraps tender chicken in a luxurious embrace of chili, nuts, and subtle sweetness.

Earthy and intense, this mole transforms a simple protein into a celebration of Mexican gastronomy.

Prepare to savor every deeply satisfying bite of this soulful dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 695 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients That Make Chicken Mole Flavorful

• Chicken: Tender protein base that absorbs the rich mole sauce's complex flavors.
• Bay Leaves: Adds subtle herbal depth to the broth's aromatic profile.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a silky liquid foundation for the sauce and keeps meat moist.

• Dried Chilies: Provide deep, smoky undertones and authentic Mexican warmth.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that enhances the sauce's complexity.
• Oregano: Bright herbal note that complements the rich sauce.
• Cinnamon: Warm, sweet undertone that balances the sauce's intensity.
• Cloves: Adds subtle pungent depth to the mole's flavor profile.

• Onions: Foundational aromatic that builds the sauce's savory base.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor and traditional Mexican depth.
• Tomatoes: Provides natural sweetness and acidic balance.
• Nuts: Contributes creamy texture and nutty richness.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers subtle crunch and toasted flavor.
• Raisins: Introduces natural sweetness and complexity.
• Tortillas: Helps thicken the sauce with authentic Mexican technique.
• Cocoa Powder, Mexican Chocolate: Creates deep, luxurious chocolate undertones.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb garnish that brightens the final dish.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy finishing touch for textural contrast.

Cooking Tools for Authentic Chicken Mole

• Large pot: Essential for boiling chicken and preparing broth.
• Dry skillet: Perfect for toasting chilies and sautéing ingredients.
• Blender: Crucial for creating smooth, creamy mole sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing vegetables and removing chili stems.
• Sharp knife: Required for chopping onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring sauce and preventing sticking.

How to Prepare Mole With Layers of Depth

• Poach The Chicken

Gently simmer chicken in flavorful broth with aromatic bay leaves until tender and fully cooked. Remove chicken and save the delicious cooking liquid for later.

• Awaken The Chilies

Carefully char dried chilies in a hot skillet, releasing their deep, smoky essence. Soak them in warm water to transform into a soft, pliable state.

• Craft The Velvety Sauce

Sizzle onions, garlic, and tomatoes until they caramelize beautifully. Add a medley of nuts, seeds, and raisins for rich complexity. Sprinkle warming spices to build layers of flavor.

• Create Magical Fusion

Blend all sauce ingredients into a silky, luxurious mixture. Stir in rich chocolate, allowing it to melt and create a deep, glossy texture. Nestle the poached chicken into the sauce, letting it absorb all the incredible flavors.

• Present With Flair

Ladle the mole-coated chicken onto a warm plate. Scatter toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top for a vibrant, appetizing finish. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Mole Sauce Variations That Elevate the Dish

• Choose a blend of ancho, guajillo, and pasilla chilies for complex, layered heat and depth of flavor that transforms the entire dish.
• Use authentic Mexican chocolate like Ibarra or Abuelita for traditional richness; dark chocolate with 70% cocoa works wonderfully as an alternative.
• Toast nuts and seeds until golden brown to unlock deeper, nuttier undertones that elevate the mole's complexity.
• Let the mole sauce develop by cooking slowly, allowing ingredients to marry and intensify their flavors for a more authentic experience.
• Prepare mole sauce a day ahead – flavors deepen overnight, creating an even more spectacular result when reheated.

Plating Chicken Mole for Dinner Parties

• Comfort Plate Partner: Fluffy white rice makes the perfect companion, soaking up the rich mole sauce and balancing its complex flavors.
• Festive Family Style: Serve family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to scoop their desired portion with extra sauce on the side for those who love extra dipping.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and extra toasted sesame seeds on top to add brightness, texture, and authentic Mexican flair to the dish.
• Weekend Fiesta Finish: Pair with warm corn tortillas, a crisp Mexican beer like Modelo, or a refreshing margarita to complete the delicious meal and transport your taste buds to a vibrant Mexican kitchen.

Storage Methods That Maintain Mole Flavor

• Store leftover chicken mole in airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain sauce's rich flavors and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Portion chicken mole into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze up to 3 months for future quick meals. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste quality.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed mole sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small amounts of chicken broth if sauce appears thick. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Cook larger chicken mole batches on weekends. Separate sauce and chicken before storing. This allows flexible meal planning, letting you create tacos, enchiladas, or serve over rice throughout the week without losing texture or flavor intensity.

Rustic Chicken Mole Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich Mexican chicken mole blends complex spices and chocolate into a soul-warming culinary journey through Puebla’s beloved traditions. Silky sauce draped over tender chicken creates an unforgettable meal you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless breasts)
• 2 cups chicken broth (for poaching)
• 2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 dried ancho chilies (stems & seeds removed, soaked in warm water)
• 2 dried guajillo chilies (or pasilla chilies, soaked in warm water)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1 oz dark chocolate (70% or Mexican chocolate like Abuelita)
• 1 small corn tortilla (torn into pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps peanut butter (or ground almonds)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ cup raisins
• 2 cups chicken broth (or reserved poaching liquid)
• Sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
• Chopped cilantro
• Warm corn tortillas or rice

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Instructions

1. Poaching Chicken: Immerse seasoned chicken with bay leaves in broth, simmering gently until tender and fully cooked. Extract chicken, preserving aromatic liquid for sauce preparation.
2. Chili Preparation: Carefully remove stems and seeds from dried chilies. Gently toast in dry skillet until fragrant, then submerge in warm water to rehydrate and soften.
3. Sauce Foundation: Sauté aromatics including onions, garlic, and tomatoes until translucent. Incorporate nuts, sesame seeds, raisins, and tortilla fragments, creating a complex flavor base. Introduce warming spices like cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves.
4. Sauce Refinement: Transfer sautéed mixture to blender, incorporating reserved chicken broth. Pulse until silky smooth. Return to skillet, introducing cocoa powder or Mexican chocolate, allowing sauce to simmer and develop deep, rich flavors.
5. Final Assembly: Gently nestle poached chicken into mole sauce, allowing flavors to meld for several minutes. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper. Present dish adorned with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, creating a visually appealing and aromatic Mexican delicacy.

Notes

• Choose fresh, pliable dried chilies without mold or musty smell for intense, authentic flavor and proper sauce texture.
• Lightly toast chilies to release aromatic oils without burning, which can create bitter taste; watch skillet closely and move chilies constantly.
• Use high-powered blender and strain sauce through fine-mesh sieve to achieve silky, restaurant-quality consistency without chunky bits.
• Start with small amount of cocoa or chocolate, tasting gradually to prevent overpowering sweetness; authentic mole requires subtle chocolate undertones.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg