The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe

This The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. With a rich blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this dish is perfect for weddings, birthdays, and other special celebrations. Each ingredient contributes to the complex profile that makes mole poblano a favorite. Serve it with rice, beans, and corn tortillas for a truly authentic experience.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Mole Sauce
• Other Ingredients
• For Toasting
• Finishing Touches
• How to Make The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Toast the Chiles
• Step 3: Blend the Sauce
• Step 4: Cook the Mole
• Step 5: Combine Chicken with Mole
• Step 6: Final Touches
• How to Serve The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe
• With Rice
• Accompanied by Beans
• Topped with Fresh Cilantro
• Alongside Corn Tortillas
• With Sliced Avocado
• Garnished with Sesame Seeds
• How to Perfect The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe
• Reheating The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I enhance the flavor of The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe?
• Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
• What side dishes pair well with chicken mole?
• How spicy is this chicken mole?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of chiles and spices creates a deep, satisfying taste.
• Cultural Tradition: This recipe is steeped in history and reflects true Mexican culinary art.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal for various occasions—from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
• Satisfying Meal: Hearty enough to be a main course that will please everyone at the table.
• Make Ahead: Mole can be prepared in advance and reheats beautifully without losing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your cooking experience is seamless, having the right tools is essential. Below are the key items you’ll need to make this authentic chicken mole.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Blender
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Perfect for simmering the chicken and mole sauce together evenly.
• Blender: Essential for achieving a smooth, well-blended mole sauce without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 whole chicken (about 3 lbs each, cut in pieces, neck and giblets removed from cavity)
• 2 sticks celery (sliced)
• 3-4 sprigs cilantro
• ½ bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 small yellow onion (quartered)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

For the Mole Sauce

• 8 guajillo chiles (deseeded, stems removed, and rinsed)
• 8 pasilla chiles (deseeded, stems removed, and rinsed)
• 8 ancho chiles (deseeded, stems removed, and rinsed)
• ½ yellow onion (quartered)
• 1 roma tomato
• 1 tomatillo (quartered)
• ¼ cup raisins
• 4 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 4 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons pepitas
• 2 cloves garlic (sliced)

Other Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon peppercorns
• 2 cloves
• 1 bolillo(small pan frances)
• 1 corn tortilla
• 8 Ritz crackers(or similar)

For Toasting

• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Finishing Touches

• 1 tablet Mexican chocolate(3.2 ounces)
• salt(to taste)
• sugar(to taste)

How to Make The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot over medium heat, add water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil and add sliced celery, quartered onion, cilantro, and minced garlic. Simmer until chicken is cooked through.

Step 2: Toast the Chiles

In a pan over medium heat, lightly toast the guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chiles until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them as it can lead to bitterness.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once toasted, place the chiles in a blender along with quartered onion, roma tomato, tomatillo, raisins, sesame seeds, almonds, pepitas, sliced garlic cloves, peppercorns, cloves, bolillo bread or corn tortilla and Ritz crackers. Add some of the chicken broth for easier blending. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Mole

In a separate pot over medium heat with vegetable oil, pour in the blended mole sauce. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently. Add more chicken broth if it becomes too thick.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Mole

Add cooked chicken pieces into the mole sauce. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Let simmer on low heat for an additional 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Final Touches

Before serving your authentic chicken mole recipe, stir in Mexican chocolate until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt or sugar as needed for balance.

Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe

Serving chicken mole can elevate any meal. This flavorful dish is often the star of special occasions, making it essential to present it attractively.

With Rice

• Serve with fluffy white or Mexican rice to soak up the rich mole sauce.

Accompanied by Beans

• Black beans or pinto beans provide a hearty contrast and complement the mole’s flavors.

Topped with Fresh Cilantro

• A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a fresh touch and enhances the dish’s presentation.

Alongside Corn Tortillas

• Warm corn tortillas are perfect for scooping up the mole and enjoying every bite.

With Sliced Avocado

• Creamy avocado slices balance the spicy notes of the mole, offering a delicious combination.

Garnished with Sesame Seeds

• Toasted sesame seeds not only add flavor but also make for an appealing visual garnish.

How to Perfect The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe

Achieving perfection in this authentic chicken mole recipe requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for an even better result.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh spices and vegetables enhance the depth of flavor in your mole.
• Don’t rush the cooking process – Allowing ample time for simmering helps develop complex flavors.
• Balance sweetness and spice – Adjust sugar and spice levels to suit your taste; this dish should have a harmonious blend.
• Toast your chiles properly – Briefly toasting dried chiles deepens their flavor; be careful not to burn them.
• Blend well – Ensure your sauce is smooth for a luxurious texture that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken.
• Let it rest – Allowing the dish to sit before serving lets flavors meld together, enhancing overall taste.

Best Side Dishes for The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe

Pairing side dishes with chicken mole can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these tasty options:

1. Mexican Rice – A flavorful rice dish often infused with tomatoes and spices that complements the mole.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide a rich texture that pairs wonderfully with chicken mole.
3. Guacamole – This creamy avocado dip adds freshness and balances out the richness of the mole.
4. Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese, lime, and chili powder offers a delicious crunch.
5. Cabbage Slaw – A tangy slaw adds brightness and crunch, contrasting beautifully with the savory mole.
6. Chips and Salsa – Crispy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa make for excellent appetizers or snacks before enjoying your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the toast step: Toasting the chiles and nuts is crucial for deepening the flavors. Always take the time to toast them lightly before blending.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for a tender texture by monitoring cooking times closely.
• Ignoring seasoning: Seasoning is key in this recipe. Taste as you go and adjust salt and sugar to balance flavors perfectly.
• Using fresh herbs at the wrong time: Adding cilantro too early can cause it to lose its vibrant flavor. Add it at the end for a burst of freshness.
• Not letting the mole rest: Allowing the mole to sit after cooking enhances the flavors. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe:

How do I enhance the flavor of The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe?

Adding more spices like cinnamon or allspice can enhance complex flavors. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute turkey or even pork for a different twist on The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe.

What side dishes pair well with chicken mole?

Serve with rice, beans, and corn tortillas for a complete meal that complements The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe beautifully.

How spicy is this chicken mole?

The heat level varies depending on your choice of chiles. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the number of chiles used.

Final Thoughts

The Most Authentic Chicken Mole Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience rich in history and flavor. This dish is perfect for celebrations but is also versatile enough for everyday enjoyment. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit your taste buds!