Mole Poblano Chicken Plate

Name: Mole Poblano Chicken Plate
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 dried ancho chiles, seeds removed; 2 dried guajillo chiles, seeds removed; 1/4 cup almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 cups chicken broth; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

Experience the rich and complex flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with this Mole Poblano Chicken Plate, a delightful dish that beautifully combines spices, chocolate, and chicken.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:53:48.641Z

Mole Poblano is a classic Mexican sauce known for its deep flavors and unique ingredients. This dish brings together tender chicken and a rich mole sauce, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or special occasions.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and complex flavors from a variety of spices
A perfect balance of savory and sweet with chocolate notes
An impressive dish that’s sure to wow your guests

      

The Essence of Mole Poblano

Mole Poblano is a quintessential dish of Mexican cuisine, renowned for its intricate blend of flavors and ingredients. Originating from the state of Puebla, this sauce is traditionally made with a variety of chiles, nuts, and spices, creating a depth of flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. The addition of dark chocolate is what sets this mole apart, adding a unique richness that enhances the overall dish. Each family may have its own version, making it a cherished recipe passed down through generations.

The preparation of Mole Poblano is an art form that reflects the heart of Mexican culinary traditions. From toasting the chiles to simmering the sauce until it reaches the perfect consistency, every step contributes to the complexity of flavors. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of culture and history, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or family gatherings.

Tips for Perfecting Your Mole

To achieve the best Mole Poblano, it's important to carefully select your chiles. Dried ancho and guajillo chiles are the stars of this recipe, providing a robust flavor profile. Be sure to toast them lightly before adding to the sauce; this will enhance their natural sweetness and bring out their aromatic qualities. Additionally, the quality of the dark chocolate you choose can significantly influence the depth of your mole, so opt for a high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the best results.

Don't rush the simmering process! Allowing the sauce to cook and meld together for an adequate time ensures that all the flavors fully develop. If you prefer a smoother texture, blending the sauce thoroughly is key. For those looking to make it ahead of time, mole sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

Mole Poblano Chicken Plate is extremely versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Traditionally, it is served over a bed of fluffy white rice or accompanied by warm corn tortillas, allowing you to scoop up the savory sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables to balance out the richness of the mole.

For a special touch, garnish your dish with chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or sliced avocado. These toppings not only add a burst of color but also enhance the flavor profile, providing a refreshing contrast to the deep, rich mole. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mole Sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 dried ancho chiles, seeds removed
2 dried guajillo chiles, seeds removed
1/4 cup almonds, toasted
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups chicken broth
Salt to taste

Ensure all ingredients are prepared before starting the cooking process for a smoother experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Make the Mole Sauce

Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and blend until smooth, then stir in the dark chocolate until melted.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the mole sauce. Let simmer for another 10 minutes to absorb flavors. Serve hot over rice or with tortillas.

Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for an extra touch!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, Mole Poblano can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, consider freezing your mole sauce in portions. This allows you to enjoy the rich flavors of Mole Poblano anytime you crave it. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags, and label them with the date for easy tracking.

Pairing Wines with Mole Poblano

Mole Poblano’s complex flavors call for a wine that can stand up to its richness. A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Zinfandel or a Merlot, complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the savory and sweet notes of the mole. The fruitiness of these wines balances the heat from the chiles, creating a harmonious pairing.

If you prefer white wine, consider a dry Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc. These options provide a refreshing contrast to the rich mole, cleansing the palate between bites. No matter your choice, serving wine with your Mole Poblano Chicken Plate will elevate the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, pork or turkey can also be used for this recipe.

→ How can I make the mole vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I prepare the mole sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the mole sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What should I serve with Mole Poblano?

Serve it with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.