Mole Poblano Chicken Plate

Name: Mole Poblano Chicken Plate
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 dried ancho chiles; 2 dried pasilla chiles; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1/4 cup almonds; 1/4 cup raisins; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; Salt to taste; 4 chicken thighs, skin-on; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Experience the rich flavors of Mexico with this authentic Mole Poblano Chicken Plate, featuring tender chicken smothered in a complex and savory mole sauce.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-18T19:01:48.619Z

Mole Poblano is a traditional Mexican sauce that combines various ingredients to create a depth of flavor that is simply unforgettable. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, where every bite tells a story of culinary heritage.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A rich and complex sauce that will tantalize your taste buds
Tender chicken that absorbs the delicious mole flavors
Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties

      

The Essence of Mole Poblano

Mole Poblano is a quintessential Mexican sauce known for its depth of flavor and intricate blend of ingredients. Originating from the Puebla region, this sauce combines a variety of dried chiles, nuts, and spices, resulting in a complex profile that can be both spicy and sweet. The use of chocolate is a signature element, giving it a rich, velvety texture that perfectly complements the tender chicken.

Making Mole Poblano from scratch allows you to control the flavors and adjust the spice levels to your liking. Each ingredient contributes to the overall harmony of the dish, making it a true labor of love. The process may seem daunting, but the end result is a rewarding culinary experience that brings the authentic taste of Mexico right to your kitchen.

Perfect Pairings

Mole Poblano Chicken is best served with traditional sides that enhance its flavors. Fluffy white rice is a classic choice, soaking up the sumptuous mole sauce and balancing the dish. Alternatively, warm corn tortillas can be used to scoop up the chicken and sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast.

For a refreshing touch, consider serving a simple salad of diced avocado, tomatoes, and onions dressed with lime juice. This adds a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the mole, creating a well-rounded meal that will delight your guests.

Tips for Success

When preparing the mole sauce, don’t rush the toasting of the ingredients. This step brings out their natural oils and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the nuts or seeds, as this can introduce bitterness to your mole.

Allowing the chicken to simmer in the mole sauce is crucial for infusing the flavors. Make sure to cover the pot to retain moisture and ensure the chicken cooks evenly. For best results, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother cooking experience.

For the Mole Sauce

2 dried ancho chiles
2 dried pasilla chiles
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup raisins
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt to taste

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs, skin-on
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results. Measure everything accurately.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create a delicious Mole Poblano Chicken Plate.

Prepare the Mole Sauce

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened. In a skillet, toast the sesame seeds, almonds, and raisins over medium heat until fragrant. Remove from heat.

In the same skillet, heat vegetable oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the cumin and cinnamon, cooking for another minute. Blend the soaked chiles, toasted mixture, sautéed ingredients, chicken broth, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine and Simmer

In a large pot, add the chicken and pour the mole sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

Serve

Serve the Mole Poblano Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Enjoy with rice or tortillas for a complete meal.

Make sure to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Mole Poblano Chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious when reheated. Simply warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, consider freezing the mole and chicken separately. The mole sauce can be frozen for up to three months, which allows you to enjoy this complex flavor without the need to prepare it from scratch each time.

Variations to Explore

While this recipe focuses on chicken, Mole Poblano can be adapted for various proteins. Try using pork or turkey for a different twist on this traditional dish. Each protein will absorb the mole in its own way, offering a unique dining experience.

Vegetarians can also enjoy the rich flavors of mole by substituting the chicken with hearty vegetables such as roasted sweet potatoes or portobello mushrooms. This not only makes for a satisfying meal but also maintains the integrity of the mole, allowing everyone to partake in its richness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make mole sauce ahead of time?

Yes, mole sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ Is mole sauce spicy?

Mole sauce has a mild to medium spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chiles.

→ What can I serve with Mole Poblano Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can use turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.