Chicken simmered in a brothy mole de olla with vegetables, chiles, and fresh herbs. This healthy, protein-rich soup-stew hybrid makes a nourishing family dinner full of fresh flavors.
Add chicken thighs, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt to a large stockpot. Cover with 12 cups of water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Skim off any foam and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Simmer the chicken for 30 minutes, then remove and discard onion and bay leaves. Add carrots and potatoes to the pot; cook for 15 minutes at a gentle simmer.
While vegetables cook, toast guajillo and pasilla chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes per side), taking care not to burn them. Then soak chiles in hot water for 10 minutes.
Blend soaked chiles with epazote (or cilantro), a ladle of broth from the pot, and black pepper until smooth. Strain mixture and add it back into the simmering soup base.
Add corn pieces, green beans, and zucchini. Simmer everything together for about 20 minutes, until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked but not mushy. Serve hot with extra fresh herbs.