How to Make the Best Chicken Mole Recipe at Home
Have you ever wondered how a single dish can bring together so many flavors and still feel perfectly balanced? What if we told you that you can make a rich, complex, and utterly delicious meal right in your own kitchen — without any fancy tools or rare ingredients? That’s exactly what our chicken mole recipe delivers. If you’ve been intimidated by mole in the past, this guide is here to change your mind. Let’s dive in!
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What Is Chicken Mole?
Chicken mole (pronounced MOH-lay) is a traditional Mexican dish known for its deep, layered flavors. It features tender chicken simmered in a sauce made from dried chilies, spices, nuts, seeds, and sometimes even chocolate. The result? A savory, smoky, slightly sweet, and totally unforgettable meal.
Mole comes in many varieties, but one of the most popular is mole poblano , which often includes ingredients like ancho, guajillo, and pasilla peppers 2. While some recipes call for over 20 ingredients 6, we’ll show you how to make a flavorful version that’s approachable and perfect for home cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mole Recipe
- Flavor-packed : Smoky, spicy, nutty, and just a little sweet.
- Comforting : Like a warm hug on a plate — great for family dinners.
- Make-ahead friendly : Tastes even better the next day!
- Versatile : Serve it with rice, tortillas, or even as a topping for tacos.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s gather what you’ll need.
Ingredients for Chicken Mole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this chicken mole recipe :
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
For the Mole Sauce:
- 2 ancho chilies
- 2 guajillo chilies
- 2 pasilla chilies
- 1 small tomato, roasted
- 1 small onion, roasted
- 3 garlic cloves, roasted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon raisins (optional)
- 1 tablespoon almonds or peanuts
- 1 corn tortilla, toasted
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
Tip: You can find dried chilies at most grocery stores or Latin markets 7.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make this amazing chicken mole recipe step by step.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and bay leaf, then pour in enough water to fully submerge the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. Save the broth — you’ll use it later!
Step 2: Roast the Vegetables
Place the tomato, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until slightly charred. This adds depth and richness to your mole sauce 7.
Step 3: Toast the Chilies
Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast each chili for about 30 seconds per side. Be careful not to burn them — you just want to bring out their flavor 9. Once toasted, soak the chilies in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, roasted vegetables, spices, raisins, almonds, sesame seeds, and toasted tortilla. Add a few ladles of the reserved chicken broth and blend until smooth. Pour everything into the same pot you used for the chicken.
Step 5: Simmer the Mole
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth as needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
Shred or dice the cooked chicken, then return it to the pot with the mole sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes to let the flavors blend perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Your chicken mole recipe is now ready to enjoy! Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve over white rice for a hearty meal.
- Pair with warm tortillas for dipping or making tacos.
- Top with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices.
- Add a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Don’t forget the sides! Try it with refried beans or a simple salad for a complete dinner.
Tips for the Best Chicken Mole Recipe
- Use fresh spices : Old spices can dull the flavor.
- Toast carefully : Don’t let the chilies burn — they’ll turn bitter.
- Blend well : For a silky sauce, blend thoroughly and strain if needed.
- Taste as you go : Adjust salt and spice levels to suit your family’s preferences.
- Make ahead : Mole tastes even better the next day, so consider making it a day in advance 10.
Common Questions About Chicken Mole
Can I use store-bought mole paste?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can skip the homemade sauce and use store-bought mole paste. Simply sauté onions and garlic, add the paste and shredded cooked chicken, then stir in chicken broth and simmer until thickened 1.
Is mole supposed to be spicy?
Mole has mild spiciness, depending on the type of chilies used. You can adjust the heat level by removing more or fewer seeds from the chilies 2.
Can I freeze leftover mole?
Absolutely! Chicken mole freezes very well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What’s the secret ingredient in mole?
While there’s no one “secret,” many traditional recipes include a touch of chocolate, which adds depth and balances the spice 3.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — your new favorite chicken mole recipe ! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish brings bold flavor and warmth to your table. With just a few steps and a handful of ingredients, you can create something truly special.
So go ahead — give this recipe a try. Your family will thank you, and your taste buds will be forever grateful.
Try it today and see why this chicken mole recipe is worth every bite! 🌮🔥