Homemade Chicken Mole

Chicken Mole features tender chicken with peppers and onion cooked in a rich mole sauce. Mole gets its complexity of flavor from cocoa, chilies, and nuts that are simmered in broth. The result is a succulent dish worth every step of its preparation.

While you can opt for a store-bought mole sauce, this recipe uses a homemade sauce so we can control the ingredients and flavor. This Weight Watchers-friendly recipe is a healthful interpretation of a classic Mexican dish, retaining the flavors it’s beloved for. 

Why You Should Try Chicken Mole

1. Cultural Significance: Mole, especially Mole Poblano, is recognized as a cultural heritage. This ancient recipe encapsulates the vibrant flavors and rich culture of Mexico. Trying mole is not just about tasting a dish; it’s about experiencing history and tradition.
2. Healthy and Flavorful: Every chicken recipe is welcome here, especially those using chicken breasts. This recipe is worth the 4 Weight Watchers points it costs because it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of chicken and Aztec chocolate is simply delicious.
3. Effort and Reward: While not the quickest or easiest recipe, with a bit of effort, it turns out wonderfully. Believe me, the result is worth it.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with mole sauce (350 g.)

5 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW App here. (WW login required.)

Chicken Mole Ingredients

While the ingredients list for this Mexican-inspired dish looks long, there’s nothing to fear! The ingredients are accessible pantry staples that you likely have on hand already. 

For the Mole (spices):

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 allspice berries
• 4 cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon dill seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• A pinch of grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Nuts and Seeds:

• 12 almonds
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper, chopped (150 g.)
• 1 white onion, chopped (150 g.)
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste (60 g.)
• 6 guajillo chilies, rehydrated and deseeded

Other Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth (480 ml)
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (16 g)
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if needed)

For the Chicken:

• 3 chicken breasts (800 g.)
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 cup unsweetened orange juice (240 ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for serving)

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Mole

To make the mole, I rehydrate the chilies, toast the spices and nuts, and then sauté the vegetables. Everything is then simmered in broth, blended, and thickened with cornstarch if necessary. The chicken is seasoned, seared, and cooked in orange juice before being combined with the mole sauce. The result is a must-try main with deep flavor. 

1. Soak the chilies: The night before, soak the guajillo chilies in plenty of water. The next day, rinse them and remove the seeds.
2. Toast the spices: Toast the cinnamon stick, allspice berries, cloves, dill seeds, ground cumin, dried oregano, almonds, and pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Saute the veggies: Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the skillet and sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened. Add the rehydrated guajillo chilies and the toasted nuts and seeds back to the skillet. Also, add the tomato paste, raisins, cocoa powder, a pinch of grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Sear the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a separate skillet and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides.
5. Cook the chicken in juice: Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat in the unsweetened orange juice until the juice has evaporated.
6. Cook the sauce: Add the chicken broth to the mole mixture and cook until the liquid has reduced by at least half.
7. Blend and thicken the sauce: Remove the cinnamon stick from the mole mixture. Blend the remaining ingredients until smooth and silky. If the mole sauce is too thin, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water to thicken it.
8. Combine the chicken and mole: Add the blended mole sauce to the skillet with the chicken breasts. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is fully coated and heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken mole with sliced radishes, pickled red onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Adjust the Heat: You can control the spiciness by using different chilies. Ancho chilies are milder, while others like guajillo or chipotle are hotter. It’s common to mix different varieties for a balanced flavor.
2. Nuts and Seeds: While peanuts and pumpkin seeds are traditional, I used almonds (I was out of peanuts). Walnuts also work well.
3. Sweetness: Many versions of mole use ingredients like piloncillo or other sweet elements in addition to raisins. If you feel the need for a bit of sweetness, you can use Splenda, stevia, or any other light sweetener.
4. Liquids: Some versions of mole use chicken broth exclusively, while others include a bit of beer or even coffee for depth.

Tips and Tricks for This Dish

1. Moderation with Spices: If it’s your first time making mole, add the spices in moderation. Strong spices like cloves and nutmeg can overpower the dish if not used carefully.
2. Essential Ingredients: Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list. Focus on the essential ones: chilies and cocoa. They are the heart of mole.
3. Texture Preferences: Some prefer a chunky mole, but I like it smooth and velvety. I blend it thoroughly for a silky texture.
4. Balance the Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy according to your preference.
5. Cooking the Chicken: Ensure you sear the chicken well before simmering it in the orange juice.
6. Storage: Mole sauce can be made ahead and stored. It often tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Making Chicken Mole at home is a rewarding endeavor that offers a taste of Mexican heritage and culinary artistry. With careful preparation and a bit of patience, you can enjoy this rich, flavorful dish that honors tradition while fitting into a healthy lifestyle.