When I first made chicken mole, I wasn’t prepared for the explosion of flavors that came together in that rich, slightly sweet and smoky sauce. It’s honestly a show-stopper of a dish. Every bite feels like a hug from the very heart of traditional Mexican cooking. With the perfect mix of spices, chocolate, and tender chicken, I couldn’t wait to share this recipe with you. Keep reading, and I promise you’ll soon have your very own plate of mouthwatering chicken mole!

Credit: firstdayofhome.com

Ingredients

To make this delightful chicken mole, here’s what you’ll need. Each ingredient plays a unique role, and I’ve added a few tips to help you get the best results.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (Helps brown the chicken perfectly for a rich flavor.)
1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds), cut into pieces (Fresh chicken works best; avoid pre-cooked options.)
½ teaspoon paprika (Adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor.)
½ teaspoon ground cloves (A pinch of warm spice that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (Essential for that authentic mole profile.)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (Balances the sweetness.)
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (Adjust this based on your spice preference.)
1 bay leaf (Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.)
1 onion, chopped (Fresh onions help develop a base for the sauce.)
2 garlic cloves, minced (Use freshly minced garlic for the best aroma.)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.)
1 cup chicken broth (Homemade or low-sodium broth tastes fresher.)
2 teaspoons brown sugar (Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.)
¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips (The shining star of mole, lending richness and sweetness.)
¼ cup raisins (Adds a fruity note to the sauce.)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (For a traditional garnish that adds texture.)

Note: This recipe makes approximately four servings but can easily be scaled up.

Variations

Here’s where you can get creative with your mole!

For a dairy-free version, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, swap brown sugar for a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
Add an extra smoky kick with chipotle chilies in adobo sauce or by using smoked paprika.
Love nuttiness? Stir in a tablespoon of smooth peanut butter for added depth.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes to prepare and cook this delightful dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You Need

Gather these tools to make the cooking process seamless.

Dutch oven or large pot (Perfect for browning and simmering everything evenly.)
Knife (For chopping onions and cutting chicken pieces.)
Cutting board (Essential for prepping ingredients.)
Wooden spoon (To stir the sauce and prevent sticking.)
Measuring spoons and cups (Accurate measurements lead to the best flavors.)

How to Make Chicken Mole?

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or a large pot over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in the pot and cook until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes. Browning the chicken first adds deep flavor to the dish. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Spices and Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and add the paprika, ground cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir the spices for about 30 seconds, letting them release their fragrance. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step creates the aromatic foundation of the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Mole Sauce

Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, add the chocolate chips, stirring until they melt completely. If you’re tempted to taste-test at this point, go ahead—but careful, it’s hot! The sauce should already start to look silky and rich.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Turn the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken will become tender and soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Add the raisins to the pot and stir them in. Cook for about 3 minutes longer, allowing the raisins to plump up in the sauce. To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

Credit: babaganosh.org

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here’s what I’ve learned from making chicken mole myself.

Remove most of the chicken juices after browning to prevent a watery sauce.
Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce if you prefer a smooth texture.
Toast the sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan for a nuttier flavor.
If you’re not a fan of raisins, dried apricots or cranberries can be fun substitutes.
Always taste and adjust the seasoning! A little extra cinnamon or cayenne can make a big difference.

How to Serve Chicken Mole?

Chicken mole pairs beautifully with a bed of fluffy white rice or warm corn tortillas. For a full presentation, garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds. If you’re hosting, serve it family-style in a large dish with a side of refried beans or a vibrant salad. If you’re a fan of hearty and flavorful dishes, you might also enjoy this fried chicken recipe.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich and hearty, and here’s a quick glance at its nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 610
Protein: 49g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 35g

Make Ahead and Storage

Chicken mole is a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time, as the flavors deepen and improve with time.

Storing: Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Store mole sauce and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why chicken mole will top your favorite recipes list.

Rich flavors: The mixture of chocolate, spices, and savory chicken is unforgettable.
Customizable: Adjust the heat or sweetness to suit your taste.
Perfect for hosting: A show-stopper at any dinner party.
Leftover-friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
Easy yet impressive: Simple steps for a dish with complex flavors.

Chicken mole isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Once you’ve tried it, I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine. Give it a go, and enjoy every delicious bite!

For more inspiration, check out these chicken recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Ash Tyrrell