Effortless Elegance: Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Recipe
Chicken mole, a symphony of flavors from Mexico, can seem intimidating. The traditional method involves many steps and ingredients, requiring hours of dedicated work. But what if I told you that you could achieve a rich, complex, and utterly delicious mole without spending the entire day in the kitchen? Enter the slow cooker! This recipe brings the authentic taste of chicken mole to your table with minimal effort, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
This slow cooker chicken mole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without the fuss. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a mole that is truly unforgettable. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing you up to do other things.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Chicken Mole?
* **Ease of Preparation:** Dump the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. No need for constant stirring or monitoring.
* **Deep, Rich Flavor:** The low and slow cooking process intensifies the flavors of the chilies, spices, and chocolate, creating a complex and harmonious mole.
* **Tender, Juicy Chicken:** The chicken becomes incredibly tender and succulent as it simmers in the flavorful mole sauce.
* **Make-Ahead Convenience:** Prepare the mole sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Then, simply add the chicken when you’re ready to cook.
* **Impressive Yet Simple:** Serve this dish to guests, and they’ll think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect way to elevate your cooking game without the stress.
What is Mole? A Brief Overview
Mole (pronounced “moh-lay”) is a traditional sauce or marinade used in Mexican cuisine. It’s not just one thing; there are many different types of mole, each with its own unique flavor profile. The most famous is probably mole poblano, which is a dark, rich sauce made with chilies, spices, chocolate, and other ingredients. The word “mole” comes from the Nahuatl word “mōlli,” meaning “sauce” or “mixture.”
The beauty of mole lies in its complexity. It’s a balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and sometimes bitter flavors. It’s a dish that tells a story, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. While traditional mole recipes can be quite elaborate, this slow cooker version simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Before you start, gather your ingredients. This recipe uses a combination of dried chilies, spices, chocolate, and other pantry staples to create a flavorful mole sauce. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these ingredients are readily available in supermarkets or Latin American grocery stores.
* **Chicken:** 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay moist in the slow cooker)
* **Dried Chilies:**
* 3-4 Ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
* 2-3 Pasilla chilies, stemmed and seeded
* 1-2 Guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
* **Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup
* **Almonds:** 1/4 cup, blanched
* **Raisins:** 1/4 cup
* **Mexican Chocolate:** 2 ounces (such as Abuelita or Ibarra), roughly chopped
* **Spices:**
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 tablespoon (optional, for added sweetness)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Garnishes:** Sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced red onion
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
* **Chicken:** Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and ability to stay moist during slow cooking. However, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Reduce the cooking time if using chicken breasts to prevent them from drying out.
* **Dried Chilies:** The combination of ancho, pasilla, and guajillo chilies provides a complex flavor profile. If you can’t find all three, you can substitute with other dried chilies, such as New Mexico chilies or California chilies. Adjust the amount of chilies to your spice preference.
* **Mexican Chocolate:** Mexican chocolate adds a unique flavor and texture to the mole. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with unsweetened chocolate or dark chocolate, but you may need to add a little extra sugar to balance the bitterness.
* **Nuts and Seeds:** Almonds are traditionally used in mole, but you can also use other nuts, such as peanuts or pecans. Sesame seeds are often used as a garnish and add a nutty flavor.
* **Spice Level:** This recipe is moderately spicy. If you prefer a milder mole, remove the seeds and veins from the chilies before soaking them. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dried chili flakes.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Slow Cooker:** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Blender or Food Processor:** To blend the mole sauce.
* **Large Bowl:** For soaking the chilies.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**
* **Knife and Cutting Board**
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and authentic slow cooker chicken mole.
**Step 1: Prepare the Chilies**
* Stem and seed the dried chilies. To do this, snap off the stems and shake out the seeds. You can also cut the chilies open with scissors and scrape out the seeds and veins.
* Place the chilies in a large bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or until they are softened. This will help to rehydrate the chilies and make them easier to blend.
**Step 2: Blend the Mole Sauce**
* Once the chilies are softened, drain them and place them in a blender or food processor.
* Add the onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, almonds, raisins, Mexican chocolate, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar (if using) to the blender.
* Blend until smooth, adding more chicken broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick but pourable.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, or more spices to your liking.
**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**
* Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
* Pour the mole sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
* Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
**Step 4: Shred the Chicken (Optional)**
* Once the chicken is cooked, you can shred it using two forks. This is optional, but it can make the chicken easier to serve and eat.
**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**
* Serve the slow cooker chicken mole hot, garnished with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced red onion.
* Serve with rice, tortillas, or your favorite sides.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
* **Don’t skip the soaking step.** Soaking the chilies is essential for softening them and extracting their flavor.
* **Toast the spices.** Toasting the spices before adding them to the blender will enhance their flavor. To toast the spices, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until fragrant.
* **Adjust the spice level to your preference.** You can adjust the spice level of the mole by using different types of chilies or by adding more or less of the spices.
* **Use high-quality chocolate.** The quality of the chocolate will affect the flavor of the mole. Use Mexican chocolate or a good-quality dark chocolate.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken.** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through.
* **Let the mole sauce simmer.** If you have time, let the mole sauce simmer on the stovetop for 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to develop the flavors even further.
Serving Suggestions
Slow cooker chicken mole is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Tacos or Burritos:** Serve the shredded chicken mole in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
* **Enchiladas:** Roll the chicken mole in corn tortillas with cheese and bake in a casserole dish with more mole sauce.
* **Rice Bowls:** Serve the chicken mole over rice with black beans, corn, and other vegetables.
* **Tamales:** Use the chicken mole as a filling for homemade tamales.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve the chicken mole as a main course with rice, beans, and a side salad.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the mole sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the mole sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before using.
* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken mole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover chicken mole for up to 2 months. Reheat the chicken mole in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave.
Variations and Additions
* **Vegetarian Mole:** Substitute the chicken with vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms.
* **Turkey Mole:** Use turkey thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken.
* **Pork Mole:** Use pork shoulder or pork ribs instead of chicken.
* **Add Fruit:** Add diced apples, pears, or plantains to the mole for a touch of sweetness.
* **Add Nuts:** Add more nuts, such as peanuts, pecans, or walnuts, to the mole for added flavor and texture.
* **Add Seeds:** Add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to the mole for added nutrients and crunch.
Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Recipe Card
[Recipe Card to be inserted here with all the steps, ingredients, and notes]Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
*(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)*
Conclusion: A Flavorful Journey Awaits
This slow cooker chicken mole recipe is a testament to the fact that complex and delicious flavors don’t always require hours of hard work. It’s an approachable and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico to your home with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and embark on a flavorful journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Enjoy!
Remember to adjust the recipe to your own preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different chilies, spices, and toppings to create your own unique version of slow cooker chicken mole. The possibilities are endless!