Mole Poblano with Tender Chicken a Taste of Mexico

Mole Sauce with Chicken A Family Dinner Fiesta

By Sally ThompsonOctober 4, 2025

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved something truly special? This Mole Sauce with Chicken is it! It’s a complex, flavourful dish. It is like nothing you've ever tasted, blending smoky chilies with rich chocolate.

Oh my gosh! Honestly, you just gotta try it!

Brief Overview

Mole , pronounced "moh-lay," is traditional Mexican cuisine at its finest. Think of it as a culinary hug! It hails from Mexico, a land famed for its vibrant flavours.

This recipe is a bit of a project. Give yourself around 3. 5 hours. It yields 6-8 servings. Perfect for a family dinner .

Main Benefits

This dish is packed with antioxidants. It’s thanks to all those lovely chilies and spices. Mole poblano with chicken is ideal for special occasions.

Or even a cosy night in when you want something a bit extra. What makes this Authentic Mexican Cuisine so special? It’s the depth of flavour! It is that unexpected hint of chocolate.

And that slow simmer that lets everything meld together perfectly. A truly Spicy Chocolate Chicken sensation.

Ready to get started? Let's gather what you will need!

Key Ingredients for Chicken with Rich Sauce

Alright, this isn’t your average quick supper. This Homemade Mole Recipe requires a bit of a shopping list. We need some beautiful ingredients! But don't worry.

Each item plays a crucial role in the flavour symphony. This symphony is Mole Sauce .

Here's what you'll need for the chicken and mole:

Chicken First: Grab 3 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Thighs and drumsticks work best! They’re juicier. Olive oil, onion, garlic, chicken broth. Plus, salt and pepper, naturally!

For the Mole Poblano: Now, the stars of the show! Dried ancho, pasilla, and mulato chilies. Oh my gosh, yes, three different types! You’ll also need almonds, raisins, sesame seeds, and another onion and garlic.

Don’t forget crushed tomatoes, lard (or shortening). Also, a bolillo roll (or baguette), peanuts, pumpkin seeds, Mexican chocolate, and a bunch of spices.

Cinnamon, cloves, anise seed, oregano, and black pepper. Finally, brown sugar and salt. Phew! I know!

Don't freak out! Once you have everything prepped, the rest is simple. Well, relatively simple.

Ingredients & Equipment for Seriously Good Mole Sauce with Chicken

Mole Poblano with Tender Chicken a Taste of Mexico presentation

Okay, darlings, let's talk about what you'll actually need to make this Mole Sauce with Chicken . Don’t worry, I'm not going to send you on a wild goose chase for obscure ingredients.

Think of it as a "Project Runway" challenge make something amazing with what you've got, or can easily get your hands on.

Main Ingredients: It’s All About the Details

Okay, so here’s the lowdown for this Homemade Mole Recipe . We’re diving deep into Authentic Mexican Cuisine now, but don't stress!

Chicken: 3 lbs (1.4 kg) of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Thighs and drumsticks are the bomb. Quality matters, people! Look for chicken that's plump and pink. You know, like when you're picking out the freshest ingredients down the market.
Dried Chilies: 4 oz (115g) ancho, 2 oz (57g) pasilla, and 1 oz (28g) mulato. These are the foundation of our Mole Sauce . The key is they should be pliable, not brittle. No old, dusty chilies allowed!
Mexican Chocolate: 1/4 cup (10g) . Abuelita or Ibarra are the real deal. This adds that unique, slightly grainy texture and subtle Mexican Chocolate flavor.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . This is important to balance the spice and adds a Chicken with Rich Sauce .

Seasoning Notes: Your Secret Weapon

Spices are KEY. We need some serious Essential Spice Combinations happening here.

Cinnamon, cloves, anise seed, oregano, black pepper. These all bring a warmth. Don't skimp, or it will be bland, honey!
For flavor enhancers and aromatics : brown sugar, almonds, raisins, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. These add layers of flavor.
Quick Substitution Options : Don't have Mexican chocolate? Dark chocolate with a pinch of cinnamon will work in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this Family Dinner .

Essential tools only : A large Dutch oven is ideal for simmering. A blender or food processor is a must for the sauce.
Common household alternatives : If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a heavy bottomed pot will do. You know, use what you’ve got!

Making Mole Poblano with Tender Chicken isn't always a walk in the park, but these tips will make it a whole lot easier.

Trust me, once you master this Spicy Chocolate Chicken , you'll be the star of every potluck. Get ready to experience some Traditional Mexican Dishes .

Diving into Delicious: Mole Sauce with Chicken

So, you fancy making Mole Sauce with Chicken ? You brave soul! Honestly, this isn't a quick Tuesday night dinner, but boy, is it worth it.

We are talking Traditional Mexican Dishes . Making Mole Poblano with Tender Chicken takes time, patience, and a good soundtrack. Think Bohemian Rhapsody levels of commitment.

However, the end results will put any store-bought to shame!

Prep Like a Pro

First things first: mise en place , darling. Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. It’s like prepping for a battle, but instead of swords, you have, dried chilies, spices, and chocolate.

Speaking of, don't forget to deseed those chilies (ancho, pasilla, mulato). Trust me; your hands will thank you later if you use gloves.

Cooking Steps for Your Masterpiece

Soak those chilies in hot water. This is when the magic starts, they will start to soften.
Brown the chicken in a large pot. Then, sauté the onion and garlic. Adds flavour and makes the chicken taste even better.
Add chicken broth, return chicken, and simmer for about 1 hour 30 minutes until cooked. You want fall off-the-bone tender.
Toast almonds, sesame seeds, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds in a skillet. It’s like giving them a sun tan!
Blend chilies, nuts, seeds, spices, chocolate, brown sugar until smooth. This is the Homemade Mole Recipe base!
Sauté the blended mole in lard or shortening (yes, lard!) until fragrant. Add the broth and simmer for 30 minutes , or until thickened.
Add the chicken and simmer another 15 minutes to meld all those flavours.

Pro Tips for Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Don't skip toasting the spices and nuts. It unlocks SO much flavour, it's like Mexican Chocolate magic.
Taste as you go! The spice levels in Spicy Chocolate Chicken is a delicate balance. If it’s too bitter, add a pinch of brown sugar.
Low and slow simmering creates the best depth of flavour. Patience, my friend, patience. The Chicken with Rich Sauce will reward you.

Honestly, making Mole Sauce with Chicken is a commitment, but once you taste that rich, complex sauce with tender chicken, you'll understand why it's a staple in Authentic Mexican Cuisine and many Family Dinners .

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Mole Sauce with Chicken

Okay, so you're diving into the wonderful world of Mole Sauce with Chicken ! Awesome! Honestly, it's a journey. It's a bit like trying to assemble Ikea furniture, but way more delicious.

I want to share some notes that can help you make it a success. Consider this a gentle nudge in the right direction!

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!

Presentation matters, right? It's like wearing your best frock to a party!. When plating, think about contrasting colours. Picture this: a generous serving of Chicken Mole Poblano drizzled over fluffy Mexican rice.

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve it with warm corn tortillas. This is perfect for scooping up all that delicious, rich sauce.

For drinks, agua fresca is a winner. A cold Mexican beer also works a treat! Or, how about horchata ? It's a sweet rice milk drink and it adds a nice touch of sweetness.

It complements the spiciness of the mole so well.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness

So, you have leftovers, score! To keep your Authentic Mexican Cuisine fresh, pop that Mole Sauce with Chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

Store it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3-4 days .

Want to freeze it? Go for it! Place the cooled Mole in a freezer safe container. It can last up to 3 months .

When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, gently heat it on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if it's too thick.

Variations: Make It Your Own

Got dietary needs? No worries!. Want a spicier version of this Spicy Chocolate Chicken dish? Add a dried chile de árbol for extra heat. But, be careful! They pack a punch!.

For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken with cauliflower or butternut squash. Be sure to check the Mexican Chocolate to ensure is vegan. This can create a delicious vegan friendly Mole!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, let's break it down. Mole Sauce can be a bit calorie dense. The nuts and chocolate contribute to that. But, it's also packed with flavour.

Enjoy in moderation, as a part of a balanced Family Dinner . Plus, that bit of Mexican Chocolate does make you feel good!

The recipe is good for you. It's full of antioxidants from the chilies and spices. It's a tasty way to get a nutritional kick.

This Homemade Mole Recipe is sure to impress! Don't be afraid to experiment. Have fun with it! You will have an amazing dish, I believe in you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Making Mole Sauce with Chicken sounds intimidating! Is it really that hard?

Mole Poblano with Chicken is definitely a labour of love, like knitting a Fair Isle sweater! It requires a good bit of prep work and time, but the individual steps aren't overly complicated. If you follow the recipe carefully and embrace the process, you'll be rewarded with an incredibly flavorful and complex dish.

Just take it one step at a time, and remember, even Mary Berry had to start somewhere!

Can I make the Mole Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the mole sauce in advance is a great way to break up the workload. The flavors actually deepen and improve over time, so it's like a culinary investment! You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing, and reheat gently before adding the chicken.

I can't find all the dried chilies. Are there any substitutes I can use for this Mole Sauce with Chicken recipe?

Finding specific dried chilies can be tricky, like trying to find a decent parking spot on a Saturday! If you can't find ancho, pasilla, and mulato chilies, try using a combination of other dried Mexican chilies like guajillo or New Mexico chilies.

The key is to use a variety of chilies to get a good balance of flavor and heat. Don't be afraid to experiment a little, like a contestant on MasterChef trying to impress the judges!

My Mole Sauce turned out bitter. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

Bitterness in Mole Sauce with Chicken can be caused by a few things. It could be from over toasting the spices or nuts, or sometimes even from the chocolate. Try adding a little more brown sugar to balance the flavors.

A splash of apple cider vinegar or even a bit of orange juice can also help to cut through the bitterness. Like with a dodgy pint down the pub, a little tweaking can make all the difference!

Is there a way to make this Mole Sauce with Chicken recipe healthier?

Definitely! You can make a few tweaks to lighten things up. Use skinless chicken pieces, reduce the amount of lard or shortening, and consider using a sugar substitute. You could also load up on vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini when serving for a more filling meal.

Think of it as your own personal Eat Well for Less challenge!

Can I use a slow cooker to make Mole Sauce with Chicken?

While the traditional method involves simmering on the stovetop, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. First, prepare the mole sauce as instructed. Then, place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over it, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender.

It's a bit like setting and forgetting, similar to a Countdown conundrum!