Best Easy Pollo en Mole Poblano Recipe

Chicken draped in the legendary mole poblano sauce made from over 20 ingredients including chiles, chocolate, and spices. This iconic family celebration dish delivers rich, complex flavors and satisfying protein.

Cook 120 min Difficulty HARD 500 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in chicken pieces 3 lbs
  • dried pasilla chiles 4 pieces
  • dried mulato chiles 2 pieces
  • dried ancho chiles 2 pieces
  • corn tortillas 2 pieces
  • ripe plantain 0.5 pieces
  • blanched almonds 0.33 cup
  • raisins 0.25 cup
  • sesame seeds 0.25 cup
  • onion 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • white bread (torn) 1 slice
  • chicken stock 4 cups
  • ripe tomato 1 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • bittersweet chocolate 2 oz
  • ground cinnamon 1 tsp
  • whole cloves 4 pieces
  • black peppercorns 1 tsp
  • dried thyme 0.5 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • coarse salt 2 tsp
  • lard or vegetable oil 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 30 g 24%
Protein 32 g 26%
Fat 25 g 45%
Serving size 270g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Toast the pasilla, mulato, and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes per side; carefully remove seeds and soak in warm water until pliable.

  2. 2

    Heat lard or oil in a large pot over medium-high. Sauté onion and garlic until golden, about 6 minutes. Add torn bread and tortillas; fry until crisp and slightly browned.

  3. 3

    Separately, fry almonds, plantain, raisins, and sesame seeds in batches until toasted, being careful not to burn; set aside.

  4. 4

    Blend soaked chiles, sautéed vegetables, nuts, fruit, tomato, all spices, and 2 cups of chicken stock until smooth. Work in batches if needed for a fine puree.

  5. 5

    Heat the puree in the pot over medium-low, stirring constantly for 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Slowly add remaining chicken stock. Simmer gently for 40 minutes, then stir in chocolate until melted. Adjust salt to taste.

  6. 6

    Meanwhile, season chicken with salt and gently poach in simmering water until just cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C), about 25–30 minutes. Drain chicken.

  7. 7

    Add poached chicken pieces into warm mole sauce. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld, then serve immediately with additional sesame seeds sprinkled over top.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient in Pollo en Mole Poblano is the trio of dried chiles—pasilla, mulato, and ancho—which build the dish’s characteristic deep flavor and complex aroma. Mexican bittersweet chocolate also lends unique richness and balances the spices.
Q. What’s the most important part of cooking mole poblano sauce?
Carefully toasting and blending the chiles with the aromatics and nuts is crucial: use medium heat to avoid burning and stir the pureed chile mixture constantly as it cooks. This step prevents bitterness and develops the signature mole texture and depth.
Q. How do I prevent the sauce from catching or burning during simmering?
Keep the heat at medium-low and stir the mole sauce regularly as it simmers. Mole is thick and can scorch easily, so gentle stirring and gradual addition of stock ensures a silky, smooth result without sticking.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each serving of Best Easy Pollo en Mole Poblano Recipe delivers about 500 kcal and 32 grams of protein. This means roughly 26% of calories are from protein, making it a great option for those seeking higher-protein meals.
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