Chicken Mole Poblan

Chicken Mole Poblano is a classic Mexican dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, complex sauce made with dried chiles, spices, and chocolate. The result is a flavorful, mildly spicy dish with deep, savory notes. Serve it over rice with warm tortillas for a truly comforting meal.
Prep Time : 20 min
Cook Time : 1hr
Rest Time : 20 min
Total Time : 1hr 40 min
Yield: 1
Servings : 4
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Ingredients

For the Mole Sauce:

  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried pasilla chiles
  • 2 dried mulato chiles (or extra pasilla chiles if unavailable)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder or 2 oz. Mexican chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the bitterness)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for acidity)

For the Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 bone-in, skinless chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Cooked rice
  • Warm tortillas
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Lime wedges

Direction

  • Prepare the Chiles:

    1. Stem and Seed: Remove the stems and seeds from the dried ancho, pasilla, and mulato chiles.
    2. Toast: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the chiles lightly for about 30 seconds per side, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for about 20 minutes until softened.
  • Make the Mole Sauce:

    1. Blend the Chiles: Drain the chiles and place them in a blender or food processor. Add a small amount of the soaking liquid and blend until smooth. Set aside.
    2. Cook Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
    4. Combine Ingredients: Add the blended chiles, diced tomatoes, peanut butter, sesame seeds, cocoa powder (or Mexican chocolate), raisins, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
    5. Simmer: Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to smooth out the mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt, and add sugar or vinegar if desired for balance.
  • Cook the Chicken:

    1. Season: Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper.
    2. Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage.
  • Combine Chicken with Mole Sauce:

    1. Simmer Together: Place the browned chicken pieces in a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour the mole sauce over the chicken. Ensure the chicken is mostly covered with the sauce.
    2. Cook: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Serve:

    1. Plate the Dish: Serve the chicken with mole sauce over a bed of cooked rice. Accompany with warm tortillas on the side.
    2. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

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