Sugar-Free Traditional Chicken Mole
Indulge in the rich and authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine with this Sugar-Free Traditional Chicken Mole recipe, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Crafted with tender bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a velvety mole sauce, this recipe is bursting with layers of flavor from dried ancho and guajillo chiles, unsweetened cocoa, natural peanut butter, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. Toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and unsweetened prunes add texture and a subtle sweetness without any added sugar, making this dish not only delicious but guilt-free. Perfectly paired with rice, warm tortillas, or roasted veggies, this nutrient-packed mole brings deep, mouthwatering complexity to your table. With just 25 minutes of prep, this hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying an elevated family dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 pieces Dried ancho chiles (seeded and stemmed)
- 3 pieces Dried guajillo chiles (seeded and stemmed)
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons Natural peanut butter (sugar-free)
- 1 quarter cup Blanched almonds (toasted)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds (toasted)
- 1 14-ounce can Tomatoes (canned, whole, unsalted)
- 3 cups Chicken stock (low-sodium)
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 2 pieces Cloves (whole)
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 3 pieces Pitted prunes (unsweetened)
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 handful Cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with a teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, then sear them on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Meanwhile, toast the dried ancho and guajillo chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to burn them. Transfer the toasted chiles to a heatproof bowl and cover with hot water to soak for 10 minutes.
After soaking, drain the chiles and add them to a blender. To the blender, add the sautéed onion and garlic, unsweetened cocoa powder, natural peanut butter, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, canned tomatoes (with juices), pitted prunes, and 1 cup of chicken stock. Blend on high until smooth.
Return the skillet to medium heat. Pour the mole sauce from the blender into the skillet and cook, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the remaining 2 cups of chicken stock, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, bay leaves, and the seared chicken thighs into the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the mole simmer gently for 1 hour, occasionally stirring to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom.
After 1 hour, check the chicken for tenderness—it should be cooked through and almost falling off the bone. Remove the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves from the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Serve the chicken mole over warm tortillas, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and traditional meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3610 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 263.3 g | 338% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.4 g | 272% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 729 mg | 243% | |
| Sodium | 5954 mg | 259% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 138.8 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.9 g | 160% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.5 g | ||
| Protein | 216.6 g | 433% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 805 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 25.1 mg | 139% | |
| Potassium | 5421 mg | 115% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
