Mole Chicken

Mole Chicken Recipe from Mexico - Delicious Blend of Spices and Cocoa Powder

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mole chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and complex sauce made from tomatoes, cocoa powder, and a blend of spices. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

History

Mole chicken is a traditional Mexican dish that dates back to pre-Columbian times. The word "mole" comes from the Nahuatl word "molli," which means sauce or concoction. Mole sauces can vary greatly in ingredients and flavors, but they typically include a combination of chilies, chocolate, nuts, and spices. Mole chicken is a popular variation of this classic sauce, combining the rich flavors of mole with tender chicken.

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 lb (454 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 4 pieces
0.5 large sweet vidalia onion, halved again and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (14 oz or 397 g) crushed tomatoes
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp honey
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
0.5 tsp cinnamon
sea salt, to taste
ground pepper, to taste
0.5 to 1 tsp chipotle chili powder

How to prepare

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove the chicken to a plate.
Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is tender.
Add tomatoes, chicken broth, cocoa powder, honey, vinegar, and cinnamon to the skillet.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes.
Uncover the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through and the sauce is lightly thickened.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Add a can of black beans or corn to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
Use turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it to the sauce. This will help seal in the juices and add flavor to the dish.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences. If you like a spicier dish, add more chili powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less.

- Be sure to simmer the sauce for the full 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook through.

Serving Suggestions

Mole chicken is traditionally served with rice and beans, but it also pairs well with tortillas, avocado, and a side salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before adding it to the sauce helps to develop flavor and create a nice crust on the outside of the chicken.

- Simmering the sauce for the full 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

- Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey for a different sweetness profile.

- Use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Mole chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve mole chicken in a shallow bowl with a scoop of rice in the center. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro and a slice of lime. Add a side of beans and a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Mole chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including rice, beans, tortillas, and avocado. For drinks, try serving with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or a refreshing margarita.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 15g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 20%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Mole chicken is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and contains no allergens, making it a healthy and delicious option for a meal.

Summary

Mole chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and complex sauce. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a healthy and satisfying option for any meal. Serve with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings for a complete and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Mole Chicken. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. At the time, I was fascinated by the art of cooking and would spend hours watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, learning their secrets and techniques.

One day, as I was rummaging through an old chest of recipes that belonged to my grandmother, I came across a worn and tattered piece of paper with the words "Mole Chicken" scrawled across the top. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about it, and she smiled knowingly before telling me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that Mole Chicken was a traditional dish in our family, passed down from generation to generation. The recipe originated from a dear friend of hers, Doña Rosa, who was known throughout the village for her incredible culinary skills. Doña Rosa had graciously shared her recipe with my grandmother many years ago, and it had since become a staple in our family gatherings.

Eager to learn more, I asked my grandmother if she would teach me how to make Mole Chicken. She agreed, and we spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, carefully measuring out spices, toasting chilies, and simmering the ingredients to create the rich, complex sauce that would define the dish.

As the aroma of chocolate, cinnamon, and peppers filled the air, my grandmother shared stories of her youth and the many adventures she had experienced in her quest for culinary knowledge. I listened intently, hanging onto her every word as she imparted her wisdom and expertise.

After hours of patient instruction and careful preparation, the Mole Chicken was finally ready. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of our labor, and as I took my first bite, I was overcome with emotion. The dish was a symphony of flavors, with the sweetness of the chocolate balancing perfectly with the heat of the chilies and the depth of the spices.

From that day forward, Mole Chicken became a beloved tradition in our family. Whenever there was a special occasion or a gathering of loved ones, I would don my apron and set to work in the kitchen, recreating the dish that had brought us all together.

Over the years, I have continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a tribute to the generations of strong, talented women who came before me and shared their love of cooking with me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories of that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for Mole Chicken, I am filled with gratitude for the gift that my grandmother bestowed upon me. Cooking has always been a passion and a form of expression for me, and I am proud to carry on the tradition that has been passed down through the ages.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, searching for a new recipe to try or a dish to share with loved ones, I urge you to seek out the stories and histories behind the food. For it is in those moments of connection and remembrance that we truly honor the legacy of those who came before us. And who knows – you may just stumble upon a recipe as special and delicious as Mole Chicken.