Authentic Pollo en Mole Poblano
Indulge in the rich flavors of Authentic Pollo en Mole Poblano, a classic Mexican dish that combines tender chicken with a savory and slightly sweet mole sauce. This culinary masterpiece blends the earthy tones of roasted tomatoes, aromatic spices, and the unique combination of cocoa and nuts, creating a deeply satisfying experience on your plate. Serve this enticing dish alongside a generous helping of fluffy rice, homemade pork tamales, or flavorful picadillo. Complement your meal with warm flour tortillas and a fresh salad of tossed greens and juicy tomatoes for a complete and delightful dining experience. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, this dish reflects the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine while paying homage to its rich traditions, as featured in Texas Highways.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frying chicken
4-5 lbs (cut into serving pieces)
Oil
As needed (for frying)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Tomatoes
2 cups (peeled and roughly chopped)
Green bell pepper
3/4 cup (seeded and chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled and minced)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (toasted if desired)
Chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (store bought or homemade)
Light corn syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons (Karo brand preferred)
Unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup (unsweetened)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Chopped almonds
1/4 cup (toasted if desired)
Raisins
1/4 cup (seedless)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Crushed red chili peppers
1/4 teaspoon (or ground cloves)
Instructions
1
In a very large skillet, heat a generous layer of oil over medium heat. You may also use two skillets if necessary.
2
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cut-up chicken pieces to the skillet. Brown them evenly on both sides, ensuring a crispy texture.
3
After browning, pour enough water into the skillet to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 30 minutes.
4
Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the peeled and roughly chopped tomatoes, green bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, sesame seeds, chili powder, light corn syrup, cocoa, brown sugar, chopped almonds, raisins, cinnamon, black pepper, and crushed red chili peppers (or ground cloves). Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
5
Once the chicken has finished cooking, carefully drain the broth and reserve it for later use.
6
Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the reserved broth to the mole sauce in the blender. Blend again to ensure it is fully mixed.
7
Pour the mole sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet, add the bay leaf, and gently stir to coat the chicken.
8
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the chicken cook in the mole sauce for an additional 35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9
Serve hot with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, tamales, or salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Pollo en Mole Poblano?
It is a classic Mexican dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet mole sauce made from roasted tomatoes, spices, cocoa, and nuts.
How would you describe the flavor of the mole sauce?
The sauce features earthy tones from roasted tomatoes and aromatic spices, blended with the unique combination of unsweetened cocoa and nuts for a deeply satisfying taste.
What type and size of chicken is required?
The recipe calls for one 4-5 lb frying chicken, cut into serving pieces.
How is the chicken initially prepared?
The chicken pieces are first browned in a generous layer of oil in a large skillet until they achieve a crispy texture.
How long do you simmer the chicken in water?
After browning, the chicken is covered with water, brought to a boil, and then simmered for 30 minutes.
What vegetables are used in the mole sauce base?
The sauce base uses 2 cups of peeled and roughly chopped tomatoes and 3/4 cup of seeded and chopped green bell pepper.
Does the recipe contain chocolate?
Yes, it uses 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa to provide the traditional deep flavor profile found in authentic mole.
What ingredients provide sweetness to the dish?
Sweetness is added through 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of light corn syrup, and 1/4 cup of seedless raisins.
Which nuts are used in this mole recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of chopped almonds, which can be toasted if desired for more depth of flavor.
Are sesame seeds used in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds are blended into the sauce; they may be toasted before blending.
What spices are included in the mole mixture?
The spice blend includes chili powder, cinnamon, black pepper, and either crushed red chili peppers or ground cloves.
How much garlic is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, which should be peeled and minced.
What do I do with the chicken broth after boiling the chicken?
The broth should be reserved; 1 to 1 1/2 cups of it are added back into the blender with the mole sauce.
How do you achieve a smooth sauce consistency?
Combine the tomatoes, peppers, garlic, nuts, seeds, and spices in a blender and process until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
When should I add the bay leaf?
Add the whole bay leaf to the skillet at the same time you pour the mole sauce over the browned chicken.
How long does the chicken cook in the mole sauce?
The chicken should simmer in the mole sauce for an additional 35 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the best side dishes for Pollo en Mole Poblano?
It is best served with fluffy rice, homemade pork tamales, or flavorful picadillo.
Are tortillas recommended for this meal?
Yes, warm flour tortillas are a perfect complement to scoop up the rich mole sauce.
Can I serve a salad with this dish?
A fresh salad of tossed greens and juicy tomatoes is recommended for a complete and delightful dining experience.
Is this dish suitable for special events?
Yes, this dish is perfect for gatherings or special occasions as it reflects the heart and soul of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Can I use more than one skillet for browning?
Yes, if necessary, you can use two skillets to ensure the chicken pieces have enough room to brown evenly.
What specific corn syrup is suggested?
The recipe recommends using Karo brand light corn syrup.
Can I use homemade chili powder?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 1/2 teaspoons of either store-bought or homemade chili powder.
What is a good substitute for crushed red chili peppers?
You can use 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves as an alternative to the crushed red chili peppers.
What kind of raisins should I buy?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of seedless raisins.
How much salt is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This specific version of the traditional recipe was featured in Texas Highways.
Should the chicken be served hot?
Yes, for the best experience, serve the chicken hot with your chosen side dishes.
Is the green bell pepper used for the sauce or the chicken?
The chopped green bell pepper is blended directly into the mole sauce mixture.
What is the primary oil used for?
The oil is used in the first step to fry and brown the chicken pieces to a crispy texture.