Slow Cooker Chicken Mole

If you’re craving a meal that combines deep, complex flavors with the ease of slow cooking, then Slow Cooker Chicken Mole is your go-to recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken simmered in a luscious, slightly smoky, and rich mole sauce that layers spices, chocolate, and chili peppers in perfect harmony. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, Slow Cooker Chicken Mole delivers a hearty, comforting dinner that’s as satisfying as it is impressive. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic while you handle other tasks.
• Rich, Layered Flavors: The mole sauce combines spice, sweetness, and earthiness in a way that’s truly unforgettable.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking keeps the chicken juicy, tender, and falling apart with every bite.
• Family Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that impresses adults and kids alike without complicated prep.
• Versatility: Great as a main dish, in tacos, or even over rice for different meal options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, building a molecule of flavors that balance heat, sweetness, and depth. Each component plays a key role in creating the authentic taste and vibrant color of Slow Cooker Chicken Mole.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking without drying out.
• Mole paste or sauce: The heart of the dish, bringing together cocoa, chili, and spices.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory base of the sauce.
• Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that infuse the sauce with warmth and depth.
• Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and brightness to balance richness.
• Cumin and cinnamon: Adds subtle earthiness and sweet spice notes.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo: For smoky heat that elevates the mole flavor.
• Dark chocolate or cocoa powder: Offers rich bitterness and smooth texture foundational to mole.
• Olive oil or butter: For sautéing aromatics and enriching the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To adjust seasoning to taste.

Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken Mole

One of the best parts about Slow Cooker Chicken Mole is how easy it is to tweak and personalize. Feel free to experiment with spices, add veggies, or swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or cravings.

• Vegetarian twist: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or jackfruit for a meatless version.
• Spice level: Increase chipotle peppers or add fresh jalapeños if you like it hot, or omit them for a milder flavor.
• Nut additions: Blend in toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds into the mole sauce for added texture and nutty notes.
• Sweetener adjustments: Try adding a touch of honey or brown sugar to balance the heat according to your taste.
• Different protein options: Swap chicken thighs with pork shoulder or turkey breast for variety in texture and flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Mole

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. In a pan, sauté them in olive oil or butter until soft and fragrant, which builds the foundation of the sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Mole Sauce

Combine the mole paste or sauce with tomato sauce, cumin, cinnamon, chipotle peppers, and a bit of chicken broth. Stir in dark chocolate or cocoa powder until smooth and melted, creating that signature rich mole texture.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker, pour the mole sauce mixture evenly over the top, and add any extra chicken broth as needed for consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low heat for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully infused with the mole flavors.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker for easy serving, ensuring every bite is coated in the rich mole sauce.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Mole

• Use bone-in, skinless thighs: They stay juicy and add natural flavor to the dish.
• Toast spices: Briefly toast cumin and cinnamon before adding to enhance their aroma.
• Start with sautéed aromatics: Softening onions and garlic first deepens the mole’s flavor profile.
• Adjust liquid levels: Keep an eye on sauce thickness and add broth gradually to get your favorite consistency.
• Let it rest: Allow the mole chicken to rest for 15 minutes before shredding for better texture and flavor melding.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Mole

Garnishes

Brighten the dish with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a dollop of cool sour cream or Mexican crema to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

Serve with fluffy Mexican rice, warm corn tortillas, or creamy refried beans – all of which complement the bold flavors of the mole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try Slow Cooker Chicken Mole over a bed of quinoa or roasted vegetables for a wholesome twist, or stuff it inside crispy tortillas for delectable mole tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled Slow Cooker Chicken Mole to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to deepen even more overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs remain juicier and more flavorful when slow cooked, so breasts may dry out more easily.

Is mole sauce gluten-free?

Most traditional mole sauces are gluten-free, but always check labels or make your own mole paste to be certain.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Chicken Mole?

The heat level depends on the amount and type of chili peppers used, and you can adjust it to suit your preference.

Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of a slow cooker?

Definitely! Simmer the sauce and chicken gently on the stovetop, though slow cooking allows for better flavor melding and tenderness.

What if I don’t have mole paste?

You can create a homemade mole sauce blending dried chilies, cocoa, and spices, or use a high-quality mole sauce from specialty stores.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Mole is a culinary delight that brings warmth, comfort, and elegance to your table with minimal effort. Its rich flavors and tender chicken not only satisfy the palate but create lasting memories with every meal shared. If you’re ready for a cozy dish that impresses with every bite, this recipe is definitely worth making your own.

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