Spice Up Your Life: 7 Easy Steps to Make Chicken Mole Sauce Like a Pro!

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Mole?
• Why Chicken Mole?
• Step-by-Step Easy Chicken Mole Sauce Recipe
• Buying Guide: Essential Ingredients for Mole
• Pro Tips & Tricks
• Conclusion

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Mole

If you’ve ever tasted authentic Mexican mole and thought, "How can so many flavors come together in one dish?", then you’re not alone. Mole is a magical, multi-layered sauce that combines sweet, savory, spicy, nutty, and smoky elements into one glorious flavor bomb. And while traditional recipes might seem intimidating with their dozens of ingredients, we’re here to show you how to make an easy chicken mole sauce recipe at home — without sacrificing any of that rich, complex flavor.

What Exactly Is Mole Anyway?

Mole (pronounced MO-lay) is a traditional Mexican sauce known for its depth of flavor and cultural significance. It’s typically made from a blend of dried chiles, spices, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and other aromatics. The most famous version comes from Oaxaca, but each region of Mexico has its own variation — red, green, yellow, almond-based, or even pumpkin seed-infused!

Types of Mole Compared

Type	Main Ingredients	Flavor Profile	Best For
Mole Poblano	Dried chiles, chocolate, nuts	Rich, earthy, slightly sweet	Special occasions like weddings or Día de los Muertos
Mole Verde	Tomatillos, green chiles, herbs	Fresh, tangy, herbaceous	Poultry dishes or tacos
Mole Amarillo	Yellow chiles, tomatoes, garlic	Fruity, smoky, slightly spicy	Tamales, enchiladas
Mole Negro	Charred vegetables, dried fruit, spices	Deeply smoky, almost licorice-like	Cold weather dishes, holiday meals

Why You’ll Love Chicken Mole

Chicken mole (or pollo en mole) is the perfect gateway dish into the world of mole. Using chicken — a familiar protein — helps balance out the intensity of the sauce, making it approachable yet flavorful. Plus, once you make a batch of mole sauce, you’ll find yourself using it on everything from tacos to grilled veggies.

• Perfect for meal prep
• Great way to impress guests
• Makes your kitchen smell amazing
• A versatile base for many dishes

Easy Chicken Mole Sauce Recipe

Here's a simplified, yet incredibly delicious version of chicken mole sauce that you can make in under 90 minutes. No need for 20+ ingredients — just a few key components and some love in the process!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 dried ancho chilies, seeded and stemmed
• 1 dried pasilla chili, seeded and stemmed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon natural cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon slivered almonds (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chilies and sauté for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. In a blender, combine the chili mixture, chicken broth, tomato paste, spices, cocoa powder, and optional nuts/seeds. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour the blended sauce back into the pot. Simmer over low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and add shredded chicken. Cook for another 10 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavors.
6. Serve warm over rice, tortillas, or alongside avocado slices and lime wedges.

Buying Guide: Must-Have Ingredients for Making Mole

Whether you're new to mole or looking to upgrade your pantry, here are some top picks for the essential ingredients needed in your easy chicken mole sauce recipe.

Top Products to Stock Your Mole Pantry

Product	Description	Features	Use Case	Best For
La Costeña Ancho Chili Powder	Mild chili with rich, fruity notes	Smooth texture, consistent quality	Mole sauces, marinades	Beginners looking for balanced spice
San Rafael Cocoa Powder	Unsweetened, high-quality Mexican cocoa	Deep flavor, no added sugar	Mole sauces, baking	Mole lovers who want authenticity
McCormick Ground Cinnamon	True cinnamon bark ground finely	Versatile, affordable	Spice blends, desserts	Cooks needing everyday use spice
Nuts 'N' More Almond Butter	Chunky almond butter with real almonds	Extra crunch, creamy base	Mole sauce, stir-fries	Anyone looking to add nuttiness without grinding
Organic Sesame Seeds	Lightly roasted for extra aroma	Non-GMO, vegan	Garnish, sauces, snacks	Flavor purists and health-conscious cooks

Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mole Every Time

You’ve got the basic recipe down. Now, let’s level up your mole game with some clever tricks used by chefs and home cooks alike.

• Toast Your Spices: Toasting cumin, cinnamon, and cloves before adding them intensifies their flavor.
• Blend Twice: First blend dry ingredients separately, then again after simmering for smoother texture.
• Brighten With Citrus: A splash of lime juice at the end adds brightness to the rich sauce.
• Make Ahead Magic: Mole tastes even better the next day. Make it in advance and reheat gently.
• Store Smart: Freeze in portions for quick access later. Lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts: Spice Is the Soul of Mole

Making your own mole doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this easy chicken mole sauce recipe, you’re already on your way to mastering one of Mexico’s most beloved culinary treasures. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or just craving something soulfully rich, mole is your secret weapon.

Remember, mole is more than just a sauce — it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and bold flavors. So grab those spices, roast those chilies, and get ready to fall in love with mole all over again.