Authentic Mexican Chicken Mole Recipe

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup raisins
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Add the cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Add the diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, sliced almonds, and raisins. Stir well to combine.
Return the chicken to the pan. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth.
Return the chicken to the pan and stir well to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened.
Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the chicken mole hot with your choice of side.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for chopping the onion and garlic.
Knife - Essential for cutting and prepping the ingredients.
Large pan - Used for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Spatula - Helps in flipping and transferring the chicken.
Immersion blender - Used to blend the sauce until smooth.
Measuring spoons - Needed to accurately measure the spices and cocoa powder.
Can opener - Required to open the cans of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Cooking spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients together.
Tongs - Helpful for removing the chicken from the pan.
Simmering lid - Covers the pan while the chicken cooks in the sauce.

Recipe variations

Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the mole sauce for a nutty twist.
Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Add a teaspoon of chipotle chili powder for a spicy kick.
Include a chopped poblano pepper for added depth of flavor.
Substitute almond butter or tahini for the sliced almonds for a smoother sauce.
Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Serve the chicken mole over rice or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Garnish with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
Try using different types of dried chilies, such as ancho or guajillo, for a unique flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Chicken Mole is a traditional Mexican dish that offers a unique combination of rich flavors. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts simmered in a sauce made from a variety of spices, cocoa powder, diced tomatoes, and chilies. The addition of sliced almonds and raisins provides a sweet and nutty contrast to the depth of the spices. The final touch of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness to this hearty dish. This recipe requires some prep work, but the resulting flavors are definitely worth it. Expect a dish that's robust, slightly sweet, a bit spicy, and entirely satisfying. The versatile chicken mole can be served with your choice of side, such as rice, tortillas, or beans. So, get ready to delight your taste buds with this savory chicken mole recipe.

Common questions

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Can I substitute the olive oil with another type of oil? Yes, you can use a different type of cooking oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer.
Is there a substitute for almonds if I have an allergy? If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of chicken mole by substituting the chicken with tofu or a meat substitute of your choice. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I serve with chicken mole? Chicken mole pairs well with rice, tortillas, or Mexican-style cornbread. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I freeze chicken mole? Yes, you can freeze chicken mole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping ingredients.
Chef's Knife - A sharp knife for slicing and dicing the ingredients.
Large Pan - A wide and deep pan for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Immersion Blender - A handheld blender for blending the sauce to a smooth consistency.
Spatula - A utensil for flipping and stirring the chicken while cooking.
Measuring Spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring spices and cocoa powder.
Can Opener - A tool for opening canned diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Tongs - Utensils for handling and turning the chicken while cooking.
Serving Platter or Plates - Dishware for presenting and serving the Chicken Mole.
Garnish Options - Optional garnishes such as fresh cilantro leaves or sliced almonds for adding a finishing touch to the dish.

Origin stories

Mole, a traditional Mexican sauce, has a story as rich as its flavor. Legend has it that the dish was born out of necessity when the archbishop made an unexpected visit to the Convent of Santa Rosa in Puebla, Mexico. The nuns, pressed for time, hurriedly prepared a meal from what they had - chili peppers, spices, day-old bread, nuts, and a bit of chocolate. The result was the first mole sauce, served over turkey. Today, chicken mole is enjoyed worldwide, its complex flavors embodying the resourcefulness and creativity of its humble origins.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.