Before you cook
Background Recipe story & origin
Mole poblano's origins blend fact and legend, traditionally attributed to the Dominican nuns of the Convent of Santa Rosa in Puebla, who supposedly created it in the late 17th century to honor a visiting archbishop or viceroy. They combined indigenous ingredients (chiles, chocolate, tomatoes) with Spanish imports (almonds, sesame, spices), creating a synthesis of cultures. Historical evidence suggests mole predates this legend, evolving from pre-Columbian 'mulli' (Nahuatl for sauce). The dish requires 20-30 ingredients, including multiple dried chiles (ancho, mulato, pasilla, chipotle), Mexican chocolate, nuts, seeds, spices, and sometimes plantain or bread for body. Traditional preparation takes two days: toasting, grinding, frying, and long simmering. Mole poblano is served at gatherings - weddings, quinceañeras, Day of the Dead - representing Mexico's baroque culinary heritage. Each Oaxacan and Pueblan family guards their recipe.
Before you start Equipment you'll need
- blender — Blends ingredients into smooth sauce for mole and other dishes
- Dutch oven — Provides even heat retention for cooking mole sauce until thickened
Safety Safety & allergen notes
- Use caution with hot surfaces and oils.
- Ensure proteins are cooked to safe internal temperatures.
Non-negotiables Rules for success
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Brown the chicken
Season chicken with salt. Brown in oil over medium-high heat (400-450°F surface), 4 minutes per side...
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Make the sauce
Dissolve mole paste in warm broth, whisking until smooth. Pour into pot, bring to simmer. Add chocol...
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Braise until tender
Nestle chicken into sauce. Cover and simmer 45-60 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender...
Prep Get set first
About 10 min of prep
- Prepare blender
- Prepare Dutch oven
This recipe takes about 120 minutes total.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Brown the chicken
Season chicken with salt. Brown in oil over medium-high heat (400-450°F surface), 4 minutes per side. Remove.
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Make the sauce
Dissolve mole paste in warm broth, whisking until smooth. Pour into pot, bring to simmer. Add chocolate, stir until melted.
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Braise until tender
Nestle chicken into sauce. Cover and simmer 45-60 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Sauce should coat a spoon.
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Ladle into bowls
Toast sesame seeds in dry pan. Serve chicken with sauce ladled over. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve with rice.