Chicken Mole is a classic Mexican dish known for its rich, complex flavors. Originating from the Oaxaca and Puebla regions, this traditional recipe has been passed down through generations. If you’re a home cook, a Mexican food enthusiast, or a culinary adventurer, this guide will walk you through making the perfect Chicken Mole in your own kitchen.
Ingredients List
You'll need the following ingredients to make Chicken Mole:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Mole Sauce:
- 4 dried ancho chilies
- 2 dried pasilla chilies
- 1 dried chipotle chili
- 1 tomato
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 slice of stale bread or 1 tortilla
- 1 small piece of Mexican chocolate (or dark chocolate)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Clean and Cut the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken breasts or thighs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Optional Marinating:
- Marinate the chicken with lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of cumin for an extra flavor boost.
Making the Mole Sauce
- Prepare the Chilies:
- Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies.
- Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant, then soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes.
- Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, tomato, onion, garlic, almonds, raisins, sesame seeds, bread or tortilla, Mexican chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and chicken broth.
- Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more chicken broth as needed.
- Cook the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Pour in the blended mixture and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking the Chicken
- Combine Chicken and Mole Sauce:
- In the same pot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the mole sauce.
- Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce.
- Cook Evenly:
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Mole pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed rice
- Warm tortillas
- Black beans
- Fresh avocado slices
Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for an authentic touch.
Tips and Tricks
- Variations:
- Try using turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle chilies.
- Storage:
- Chicken Mole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The mole sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Making Chicken Mole at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the rich flavors of Mexico to your kitchen. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with friends and family.
Happy cooking!
Feel free to visit our website for more delicious recipes and tips, or book a call with one of our culinary experts for personalized advice. Enjoy your meal!
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