What Exactly Is Chicken Mole?

Chicken mole (pronounced “moh-lay”) is a beloved traditional Mexican dish featuring chicken simmered in a complex, flavorful sauce known as mole sauce. Originating from regions like Puebla and Oaxaca, mole recipes vary widely; however, they typically include ingredients like dried chiles, chocolate, sesame seeds, cinnamon, garlic, and an assortment of spices. The result is a multi-layered sauce with flavor depth that is truly unparalleled.

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Chicken Mole

• Toast Your Ingredients: Toasting nuts, seeds, and dried chiles enhances their flavors and adds depth to the sauce.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Traditional mole uses Mexican chocolate, which is less sweet and often spiced. If unavailable, use a high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao) to replicate the flavor.
• Don’t Rush: Mole sauce is a labor of love that often involves multiple steps like roasting, grinding, and simmering. Give yourself ample time for the flavors to meld.
• Strain for Smoothness: Once blended, strain the sauce to achieve a silky texture.
• Batch Cook the Sauce: Mole sauce freezes exceptionally well, allowing you to make extra for quick use later. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Variations of Chicken Mole to Explore

While mole poblano is the most famous variation, numerous regional interpretations of mole exist, each offering unique and delightful flavor profiles:

• Mole Poblano: The quintessential version featuring dried chiles, nuts, chocolate, and diverse spices.
• Mole Negro: A darker, richer version made with charred ingredients, specific to Oaxaca.
• Mole Amarillo: A yellow mole with a lighter, tangy flavor profile.
• Mole Verde: A fresh, herbaceous green mole featuring tomatillos, pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs.
• Shortcut Mole: For those short on time, store-bought mole paste can be a lifesaver. Simply rehydrate it with chicken broth and add a few personal touches.

How to Serve Your Flavorful Chicken Mole

Traditionally, chicken mole is served with steamed white rice, allowing the sauce to saturate each grain beautifully. Additionally, consider these serving suggestions:

• Corn tortillas for dipping or wrapping.
• Refried beans or black beans for a hearty side dish.
• Pickled onions or sliced avocado for a fresh, tangy complement.
• Mexican crema or sour cream as a cooling element to balance the flavors.

For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the mole sauce before serving.

How to Properly Store Chicken Mole

Chicken mole keeps exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Mole sauce freezes remarkably well. Place it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
• Reheating: Reheat the sauce slowly over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

Delicious Chicken Mole Recipe

Ingredients for Chicken Mole:

For the Chicken:

• 5 lbs chicken (any cut—breasts, thighs, legs, or a combination)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups orange juice
• 3 cups chicken broth

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (or sesame seeds)
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds
• 8 garlic cloves, sliced
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 4 tsp cumin seeds
• 4 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp whole anise seeds
• 4 whole cloves
• 5 oz dried pasilla chiles (stems removed, seeded)
• 1 oz dried ancho chiles (stems removed, seeded)
• 1 oz dried chipotle chiles (stems removed, seeded)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• ½ cup raisins
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3.1 oz Mexican dark chocolate (or dark chocolate)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Preparation Steps for Chicken Mole:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until lightly browned (3-4 minutes per side), working in batches as needed.
2. Return all chicken to the pot, add orange juice and chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
3. Remove chicken and set aside, reserving the broth for later use in the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions until golden brown (about 12 minutes).
2. Add pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, garlic, cumin, coriander, anise, and cloves; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the dried chiles and cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the reserved chicken broth and add the cinnamon, bay leaves, raisins, thyme, oregano, and marjoram. Simmer for approximately 30-35 minutes.
4. Add tomato paste and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, then add the chocolate and allow it to melt.
5. Blend the sauce in batches until smooth. Strain for added silkiness if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with half of the prepared sauce, adding more sauce if desired.
2. Serve warm with rice or corn tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro and pumpkin seeds.

Final Thoughts on Chicken Mole

Chicken mole is more than just a meal; it represents a celebration of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you decide to make it from scratch or opt for a shortcut, this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients from Amazon or AliExpress, and embark on a flavorful cooking adventure. Trust me, every bite is worth it!