Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both rich in flavor and easy to prepare, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Chicken Mole recipe.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
The combination of spices creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist. Plus, the chocolate adds a unique depth that surprises and delights your taste buds.
It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. You’ll find it pairs wonderfully with rice or tortillas, making it a versatile meal.
Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
When it comes to whipping up a comforting meal with minimal fuss, this Slow Cooker Chicken Mole recipe is a total game-changer. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like a culinary wizard, even if your cooking skills are just above boiling water.
The ingredients come together beautifully to create a rich, savory sauce that clings to tender chicken, and every bite is like a warm hug from the inside. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to grab from your pantry and fridge to make this deliciousness happen.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 3 chicken breasts (cooked or uncooked)
- 3 baking chocolate squares
- 1 (7 ounce) can green chilies
- 2 jalapenos
- 14 ounces stewed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
Now, while the ingredient list seems straightforward, there are a few things worth mentioning. First off, don’t stress if you can’t find baking chocolate—unsweetened cocoa powder can be a good substitute if you’re in a pinch.
Just remember to adjust the quantity because cocoa is more concentrated. Also, if you’re not a fan of heat, you can scale back on the jalapenos or even omit them altogether. This dish is all about your taste, so feel free to play around.
Whether you’re a spice lover or more on the mild side, you can easily customize this chicken mole to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, so why not toss in a bell pepper or two if you have them lying around?
The slow cooker will work its magic, and you’ll end up with a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Alright, let’s plunge into the magic of making Slow Cooker Chicken Mole. First things first, grab your trusty slow cooker.
You’ll want to start by placing 3 chicken breasts—yep, that’s either cooked or uncooked, depending on what you have on hand—right at the bottom of the pot. You might be wondering why I said “or uncooked.” Trust me, this dish is forgiving. It’ll turn out delicious either way.
And while you’re at it, toss in 3 baking chocolate squares. It sounds a bit odd at first, but chocolate is the secret weapon here. It adds depth and richness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Next, let’s talk onion. You’ll need 1 large onion. Cut it in half and slice those halves into large chunks. The onion will soften and sweeten as it cooks, blending beautifully into the sauce. Toss those slices into the slow cooker.
Now, here’s where it gets fun: in a blender (or food processor, if you’re feeling fancy), combine the remaining ingredients. This means the 1 (7-ounce) can of green chilies, 2 jalapenos (you can adjust these depending on your spice tolerance), 14 ounces of stewed tomatoes, and the fragrant spices—2 tablespoons of cumin, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of nutmeg.
Oh, and don’t forget to add salt to taste. Blend it all together until it’s nice and smooth, then pour that fragrant mixture over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker.
Now, cover that beauty up and set your slow cooker to high for about 4 hours. Yes, it’s that easy. Just stir everything once or twice if you can. I mean, let’s be honest, stirring is like the most exercise we get sometimes, right?
But seriously, as it cooks, the flavors meld together, and your kitchen will start smelling like a little corner of Mexico. When it’s done, you’ll have tender chicken enveloped in a luscious mole sauce that’s perfect over rice, tortillas, or even just by itself.
Enjoy the process, and remember, cooking is all about having fun—and maybe a little bit of trial and error. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic Slow Cooker Chicken Mole recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own.
For a different protein, consider using turkey or even pork; they both pair well with the rich flavors. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms.
You can also swap the chocolate for cocoa powder for a lighter touch. If you prefer spice, add more jalapeños or include a splash of hot sauce.
For a sweeter note, try incorporating some honey or brown sugar. Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment with spices like coriander or smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
Enjoy customizing!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Customizing your Slow Cooker Chicken Mole can lead to some delicious variations, and once you’ve perfected your recipe, you’ll want to think about what to serve alongside it.
I love pairing it with fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime quinoa to soak up that rich sauce. Fresh corn tortillas are a must for scooping up the mole and adding texture.
A simple side salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette balances the meal beautifully. If you want to spice things up, serve some black beans on the side for added protein.
And don’t forget to top it off with crumbled queso fresco or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To enhance your Slow Cooker Chicken Mole experience, consider a few helpful tips that can make a big difference.
First, if you have time, marinate the chicken in the spices overnight for deeper flavor. I also recommend using dark chocolate for a richer taste; it truly elevates the mole.
Don’t forget to adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can blend in some cooked beans or cornmeal towards the end of cooking.
Finally, don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crumbled queso add a delightful finish.
With these tips, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to impress!