Here’s a deeply flavorful but doable version of Mole Poblano–style chicken that doesn’t require a full day or a monastery pantry.
Chicken Mole (Classic, Balanced, Not Overwhelming)
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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3–4 lb chicken pieces (bone-in thighs & drumsticks are ideal)
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Salt
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Water or light chicken broth (for simmering)
For the Mole Sauce
Chiles
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3 dried ancho chiles
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3 dried guajillo chiles
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1 dried pasilla (optional but great)
Aromatics & Body
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1 medium onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic
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¼ cup almonds or peanuts
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¼ cup sesame seeds
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1 small corn tortilla, torn (or 1 slice stale bread)
Sweet & Spice
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1 small Mexican chocolate tablet (about 1.5 oz)
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1–2 Tbsp raisins
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp cloves
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Mexican oregano
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½ tsp cumin
Liquids & Fat
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Chicken broth (about 3–4 cups)
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3–4 Tbsp oil or lard
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Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
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Simmer chicken gently in salted water/broth until just cooked (25–30 min).
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Remove chicken, reserve broth.
2. Prep the Chiles
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Remove stems & seeds.
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Toast chiles briefly in a dry pan (10 sec per side).
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Soak in hot water for 20 minutes until soft.
3. Build the Mole Base
In oil, fry one ingredient at a time until lightly golden:
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Onion & garlic
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Nuts
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Sesame seeds
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Tortilla pieces
Remove each as it browns—this layering matters.
4. Blend
Blend together:
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Soaked chiles
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Fried ingredients
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Raisins
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Spices
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Chocolate
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~2 cups reserved chicken broth
Blend until very smooth. (Strain if you want ultra-silky mole.)
5. Fry the Sauce
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Heat oil in a heavy pot.
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Carefully add blended mole (it will splatter).
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Cook, stirring, for 10–15 minutes until darkened and fragrant.
6. Simmer
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Add more broth to reach a thick sauce consistency.
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Nestle chicken into the mole.
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Simmer gently 20–30 minutes.
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Salt to taste. Balance with a pinch of sugar if needed.
How It Should Taste
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Not sweet
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Not spicy
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Deep, warm, savory, slightly bitter, slightly chocolatey
Everything whispering, nothing shouting.
Serve With
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Mexican rice
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Warm tortillas
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Extra sesame seeds on top
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Optional: chopped cilantro or white onion
Shortcuts (No Shame)
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Use quality mole paste + broth + chocolate
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Use rotisserie chicken
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Skip straining—rustic is authentic too
If you want:
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black mole
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quick weeknight mole
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Instant Pot version
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or help pairing this with a full menu
I’m in—just say how fancy we’re getting 🍗🌺