Welcome to the world of slow cooking with a rich, flavorful twist! The Crockpot Mole Sauce Chicken is a dish that brings together the aromatic spices, the subtle sweetness of fruits, and the comforting warmth of chocolate into one delightful recipe. This meal not only promises to be a feast for your taste buds but also simplifies your cooking process, allowing you to enjoy more of your day while the Crockpot does all the work. Here's how you can make this sumptuous dish.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cut into serving pieces
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1⁄4 cup raisins
- 1⁄4 cup almonds, chopped
- 1⁄4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Preparation Steps:
Let’s break down the steps to making this rich and savory Crockpot Mole Chicken:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by prepping your ingredients. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, and season with salt.
- Create the Base: In your Crockpot, whisk together the tomato sauce, unsweetened cocoa powder, chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cloves to form the mole base.
- Add Sweetness and Texture: Stir in the raisins, chopped almonds, chocolate chips, and chicken broth. This mixture will add layers of flavor and a delightful texture to your sauce.
- Chicken in the Pot: Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the Crockpot, ensuring they are well covered with the mole sauce.
- Slow Cooking Magic: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
- Add Tang: Just before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar for an extra touch of zesty flavor.
- Serve: Serve your Crockpot Mole Chicken over rice, with warm tortillas, or alongside a fresh salad.
🌟 Note: This recipe can be adjusted for spiciness. If you prefer a milder mole, reduce the chili powder, or for more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Tips for the Perfect Mole:
- Toasted spices enhance the flavor. Consider toasting spices before grinding or adding to the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thin, you can thicken it with a little cornstarch or masa harina mixed with water.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Mexican chocolate, which is often flavored with cinnamon and almonds.
- Do not lift the lid of your Crockpot too often during cooking to preserve the cooking environment.
Why Choose Crockpot Cooking?
Crockpot, or slow cooking, has several benefits:
- Time-Saving: Set it and forget it. Your dinner will cook slowly and evenly with minimal intervention.
- Flavor: Low and slow cooking allows flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich, complex taste.
- Economical: It uses less energy than an oven or stovetop and can help make tougher cuts of meat tender.
In conclusion, this Crockpot Mole Sauce Chicken Recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add depth to their meal repertoire with minimal effort. The slow-cooked chicken absorbs all the rich, dark flavors of the mole sauce, making each bite a delightful journey through layers of taste. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply want to treat yourself to a comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy with its unique blend of spices and sweet undertones.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
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Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, they might cook faster than a whole chicken, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What can I serve with Mole Chicken?
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Traditional sides include Mexican rice, warm tortillas, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. Avocado or guacamole also pairs well with the rich flavors of mole.
How long can I store leftovers?
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the flavors and texture.
Can I make this recipe without a Crockpot?
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Yes, you can. Cook the chicken with the sauce on low heat in a Dutch oven or heavy pot on the stove for about 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
Is this dish spicy?
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The spiciness can be adjusted. The base recipe provides a mild to medium heat; you can make it milder or hotter by adjusting the chili powder or adding other spices like cayenne pepper.
