When the sun starts to set, casting a warm golden hue over the kitchen, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade meal simmering on the stove. That’s when the divine aroma of my Chicken Mole Poblano fills the air, instantly making the space feel welcoming and inviting. This traditional Mexican sauce—an enchanting blend of earthy chiles, rich chocolate, and the subtle sweetness of raisins—transforms an average weeknight dinner into something truly special.

You won’t believe how easy it is to create this complex dish in just an hour and a half, perfect for impressing family or friends without spending the whole day in the kitchen. Ever since I discovered this quick Chicken Mole Poblano recipe, it’s become my go-to for cozy evenings. Whether you’re serving it over cilantro-lime rice or tucking it into warm corn tortillas, the flavors are sure to transport you to a bustling taqueria. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed journey, where you can easily bring the magic of Mole Poblano to your table!

Why is Chicken Mole Poblano a Must-Try?

Comforting Flavor Explosion: This Chicken Mole Poblano serves up rich, complex flavors that dance on your palate, making every bite feel like a special occasion.
Quick and Easy: In just an hour and a half, you’ll have a homemade dish that rivals restaurant standards—ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment! It adapts beautifully to various proteins or even plant-based alternatives, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Aromatic & Inviting: The intoxicating aroma fills your home, inviting friends and family to the dining table, ready for a wonderful meal experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, this dish guarantees compliments, whether served with rice or in tacos, keeping everyone coming back for more.
For those interested in other variations, check out how switching out chicken for roasted cauliflower or tofu can create a delightful vegetarian version!

Chicken Mole Poblano Ingredients

For the Sauce

Dried Ancho Chiles – Brings depth and heat; substitute with dried Guajillo chiles for a different flavor experience.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce – Adds smokiness and spice; use fresh jalapeños for a milder option.
Vegetable Oil – Ideal for sautéing; can be replaced with olive oil for a different taste.
Yellow Onion – Provides sweetness and a flavorful base; no substitutions needed.
Bittersweet or Mexican Chocolate – Key for authentic flavor; dark chocolate or cocoa powder can be used, but reduce the amount.
Ground Cinnamon & Ground Cloves – Essential spices that round out the sauce; no substitutes required.
Garlic Cloves – Elevates flavor; can use garlic powder (1/4 tsp per clove) as an alternative.
Crushed Tomatoes – Contributes acidity and moisture; fresh pureed tomatoes work as a replacement.
Raisins – Infuse natural sweetness; substitute with chopped dried figs for a different twist.
Almond or Peanut Butter – Adds creaminess and nuttiness; sunflower seed butter makes a nut-free alternative.
Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) – Provides texture; can swap with sunflower seeds if desired.
Sesame Seeds – Used for garnish; no substitutes required.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth – Builds a flavorful base; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste.
Bone-in Chicken Pieces (skin removed) – The star protein; options include thighs or breasts, or for a vegetarian twist, substitute with roasted cauliflower or tofu.

How to Make Chicken Mole Poblano

Preheat the oven to 400°F. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and develops a tantalizing golden crust as it bakes.
Dry roast the ancho chiles in a hot Dutch oven for 2-4 minutes until fragrant; set aside. This roasting enhances their flavor, adding depth to your mole sauce.
Sauté onions in the same pot with vegetable oil and a pinch of salt for 5-7 minutes until they turn softened and translucent. This forms a sweet and savory base for your sauce.
Stir in the chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and toasted chiles; cook until the chocolate bubbles (about 2 minutes). This process melds the spices and chocolate, creating that signature mole flavor!
Add minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This step infuses the sauce with aromatic richness.
Incorporate crushed tomatoes, raisins, almond or peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds; stir for 1-2 minutes. Each ingredient adds different layers of flavor and texture.
Pour in chicken broth, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Blend the sauce carefully until smooth. You may need to do this in batches to avoid mess—just be sure to let it cool slightly before blending.
Prepare the chicken by patting it dry and seasoning with salt and pepper. Then, coat it with the prepared mole sauce in a baking dish, ensuring each piece is generously covered.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the chicken is cooked through; then let it rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps to lock in those delicious juices.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro before serving, and enjoy with rice or corn tortillas for a hearty meal!

Optional: Serve with a wedge of lime for added freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Chicken Mole Poblano preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can make the mole sauce up to 3 days in advance. Simply prepare the sauce as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the quality, make sure to mix the sauce well before reheating, either on the stovetop or in the microwave; this ensures that the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat your chicken with the sauce and bake as instructed. This way, you’ll have a delightful, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort on a bustling weeknight!

Expert Tips for Chicken Mole Poblano

Blend in Batches: Blending the sauce in batches helps avoid making a mess and ensures a smooth consistency.
Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer without the lid, reducing the broth for more intensity.
Use a Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven retains heat better and promotes even cooking, resulting in a richer flavor for your Chicken Mole Poblano.
Taste as You Go: Regularly taste the sauce while cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking for 10 minutes helps it retain its juices, keeping it moist and tender.

How to Store and Freeze Chicken Mole Poblano

Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Mole Poblano in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing.

Freezer: Freeze the mole sauce separately in portioned airtight containers for up to 3 months. This allows for easy, quick meals down the line!

Reheating: To reheat, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. For chicken, place in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until warmed thoroughly.

Airtight Storage: Always ensure your containers are airtight to prevent freezer burn or spoilage, keeping that rich mole flavor intact!

Chicken Mole Poblano Variations & Substitutions

Why not personalize this delightful Chicken Mole Poblano? There are countless ways to tailor it to your taste and dietary preferences!

Vegetarian: Substitute roasted cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken for a delicious plant-based version. You’ll enjoy the same rich flavors with a different texture!
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of almond or peanut butter, ensuring everyone can dive into this dish without worry. The essence of the sauce remains intact!
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat, elevating your mole to a whole new level.
Different Sweetness: Swap raisins for chopped dried figs or apricots to introduce a variance in flavor. This small change can add a delightful sweetness that surprises the palate.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding a tablespoon of molasses or maple syrup to deepen the sweetness and richness. The result is a beautifully layered sauce.
Acidity Adjustment: Replace crushed tomatoes with fresh pureed tomatoes for a brighter finish. This subtle tweak brightens the dish, making it feel lighter.
Whole Grains: Serve over quinoa or farro instead of rice for a nutty flavor and added nutritional benefits. This change can bring a new textural element to your meal.
Extra Garnish: Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and fresh avocado slices for a creamy texture and lovely crunch that enhances presentation and taste!

What to Serve with Chicken Mole Poblano?

A comforting meal deserves thoughtful sides that enhance its rich depth and flavor, bringing balance to your dining experience.

Cilantro-Lime Rice: This vibrant, zesty rice collates beautifully with the deep, bold flavors of mole, refreshing your palate after each bite.
Warm Corn Tortillas: Soft tortillas are perfect for wrapping tender chicken mole, adding a delightful texture that complements the sauce’s richness in every bite.
Grilled Street Corn: The smoky, sweet flavors of elote drizzled with lime and cheese elevate your meal, pairing well with the savory notes of mole.
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing combination of black beans, tomatoes, and cilantro adds a lightness that contrasts the sauce, making each forkful enjoyable.
Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado tossed with lime juice and chopped onions brings a cool balance to the spicy and sweet complexity of the mole.
Chilled Mexican Sodas: For a pairing that lifts the flavors of your meal, try a cold, fizzy soda like Jarritos; its sweetness complements the spice beautifully.
Chocolate Flan: End your meal with this velvety dessert that echoes chocolate flavors from the mole sauce, making for a perfect sweet touch to finish.
Fruit Salsa: A fresh and fruity salsa made with pineapple and mango adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the richness of the chicken mole and uplifting your dinner experience.

Chicken Mole Poblano Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best dried ancho chiles for my mole sauce?
Look for dried ancho chiles that are pliable and have a deep, dark color—avoid any that feel brittle or have dark spots all over. These can indicate they are past their prime and won’t yield the best flavor for your Chicken Mole Poblano.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Absolutely! To store leftover Chicken Mole Poblano, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It’s best to let it cool to room temperature first to minimize moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage.

Can I freeze leftover mole sauce? How?
Yes! You can freeze the mole sauce separately for future meals. First, let it cool completely, then pour it into portioned airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some headspace for expansion. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months! When ready to use, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What should I do if my mole sauce is too thin?
If your mole sauce is too thin, don’t worry! You can simply let it simmer uncovered on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes. This evaporation process will thicken the sauce. Just keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also add a little cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with a small amount of water) and stir it in while the sauce is simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is Chicken Mole Poblano safe for my pets?
It’s essential to be cautious with this dish around pets. Ingredients like garlic and chocolate can be harmful to dogs and cats, so ensure that they don’t have access to your cooking. Always check with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about any ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Very! To create a vegetarian version of Chicken Mole Poblano, substitute the chicken with roasted cauliflower or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain that rich flavor. Simply follow the same steps, ensuring to coat your plant-based proteins with the delicious mole sauce!