Best Easy Mole para Boda Recipe

Rich, complex mole prepared for Mexican weddings is the ultimate celebration sauce. This protein-rich family tradition is a fresh, labor-of-love dish served over chicken or turkey.

Cook 240 min Difficulty HARD 367 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in skinless chicken pieces 4 lbs
  • white onion 1 large
  • garlic cloves 6 cloves
  • guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded 6 pieces
  • ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded 3 pieces
  • sesame seeds 0.25 cup
  • raw almonds 0.33 cup
  • raisins 0.25 cup
  • corn tortillas 2 pieces
  • bolillo bread 1 roll
  • tomatoes 2 medium
  • dark chocolate (70% cacao) 2 oz
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ground cinnamon 1 tsp
  • whole cloves 4 pieces
  • black peppercorns 1 tsp
  • salt 2 tsp
  • vegetable oil 0.25 cup
  • chicken broth 6 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 20 g 21%
Protein 31 g 34%
Fat 16 g 45%
Serving size 250g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Place chicken, half the onion (quartered), and 4 garlic cloves in a large pot with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, skim foam, reduce to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove chicken and reserve broth.

  2. 2

    Toast guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, turning until fragrant and pliable. Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot broth to soften for 20 minutes.

  3. 3

    In the same skillet, toast sesame seeds, almonds, and remaining garlic over medium-low heat until golden, then transfer to a blender. Lightly fry torn tortillas and bread in a little oil until crisp.

  4. 4

    Char tomatoes (whole) and remaining half onion (sliced) in the skillet over medium-high heat until blackened spots appear. Add to blender with the nuts, bread, tortillas, soaked chiles (with liquid), raisins, spices, and chocolate. Blend until completely smooth, adding broth as needed.

  5. 5

    Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a deep pot. Carefully pour blended sauce into the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 15 minutes until thickened and rich-smelling. Simmer uncovered, stirring often, for 30–40 minutes. Add cooked chicken, simmer 15 minutes more, adjusting salt to taste. Serve with extra toasted sesame seeds.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients that give Mole para Boda its unique flavor?
Mole para Boda’s distinct flavor is built on a foundation of dried guajillo and ancho chiles, toasted seeds and nuts (sesame seeds, almonds), chocolate, charred tomatoes and onions, and protein-rich chicken. These ingredients combine to create deep complexity, balance, and richness—defining the dish’s signature taste and velvety texture.
Q. How do you prevent burning or over-thickening the mole sauce during cooking?
To avoid burning, gently simmer the mole sauce on medium heat and stir it constantly, especially after adding the pureed mixture to hot oil. Maintain a close eye during the initial 15 minutes as the sauce thickens, then reduce the heat to avoid sticking or scorching. Gradually add more chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Q. What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist in this recipe?
Poaching chicken gently in broth prevents dryness and preserves tenderness. After simmering, let the chicken rest before returning it to the sauce for a final soak, allowing it to absorb mole flavors while remaining moist and juicy.
Q. How many calories and protein does each serving of Mole para Boda provide?
Each 250g serving of this Mole para Boda provides 367 kcal, with 31g protein (34% of calories), 20g carbohydrates (21%), and 16g fat (45%), making it a protein-rich celebratory dish that’s hearty and balanced in its macronutrients.
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