Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs is a unique dish that perfectly marries the richness of dark chocolate with the savory notes of spices. This recipe delivers a deliciously complex flavor profile that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting family meal, these chicken thighs are sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering Mexican dish!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs
This recipe for Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Here are a few reasons you’ll love it:
- It combines rich, cocoa-infused chicken thighs with a variety of spices.
- The mole sauce adds a depth of flavor that is both unique and comforting.
- This is an easy chocolate mole chicken recipe that anyone can master.
- It’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your dinner routine.
- The dish is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep, it tastes even better the next day!
Get ready to impress your guests with this mole-style chicken thighs that will make any occasion special.
Ingredients for Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs
Gather these items:
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 6: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, ensuring they are covered with the sauce.
- Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow to simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional sugar if needed.
- Step 9: Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Step 10: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, spooning extra mole sauce over the top.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs
Keep these in mind:
- Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- This dish pairs well with rice or tortillas.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in mole sauce overnight.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more chili powder according to your preference.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs
This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving ideas:
- Pair with fluffy rice to soak up the rich mole sauce.
- Serve alongside warm tortillas for a delightful meal.
- Top with fresh avocado slices for added creaminess.
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs
To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best to consume within 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. This way, the flavors remain vibrant and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs
What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs?
The secret lies in the cooking time and ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the rich mole sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I make Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen. Just reheat when ready to serve, and it’ll taste even better!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs?
Be careful not to rush the cooking process. Letting the chicken simmer in the mole sauce ensures it becomes tender and infused with rich flavor.
Variations of Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs You Can Try
There are many delicious variations you can explore:
- Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Add more spices like smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate for varying depths of flavor.
These variations highlight the versatility and richness of this Mexican cuisine favorite.
Print
Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs: 5 Steps to Ultimate Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chocolate Mole Chicken Thighs: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, ensuring they are covered with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow to simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional sugar if needed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, spooning extra mole sauce over the top.
Notes
- Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- This dish pairs well with rice or tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg