Chocolate Mole Sauce with Grilled Chicken

Imagine yourself sitting in a cozy Mexican restaurant, surrounded by the warm aroma of spices and the sound of sizzling meats on the grill. The chef is busy in the kitchen, preparing a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations – Chocolate Mole Sauce with Grilled Chicken. This dish is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, with a rich and velvety sauce that complements the tender grilled chicken perfectly.

History and Origins

Chocolate Mole Sauce with Grilled Chicken is a classic Mexican dish that dates back to the 17th century. The word “mole” comes from the Nahuatl word “molli,” which means sauce or concoction. Mole sauce is a complex and flavorful sauce made with a variety of ingredients, including chocolate, chilies, nuts, and spices. It is often served over grilled chicken or turkey, making it a popular dish for special occasions and celebrations.

Reasons to Make Chocolate Mole Sauce with Grilled Chicken

1. It is a unique and delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.
2. The combination of savory and sweet flavors is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
3. Making your own mole sauce from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.

What Makes This Dish Different and Unique

What sets Chocolate Mole Sauce with Grilled Chicken apart from other dishes is the rich and complex flavor profile of the mole sauce. The addition of chocolate adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the heat from the chilies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is truly unique.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – for grilling
• 1 onion, chopped – for the mole sauce
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced – for the mole sauce
• 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded – for the mole sauce
• 1 dried pasilla chili, stemmed and seeded – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 cup almonds – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 cup raisins – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – for the mole sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth – for the mole sauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil – for cooking

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and seed the dried chilies. Toast the almonds, raisins, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant. Grind the toasted nuts and seeds in a food processor until finely ground.

Kitchen Tools Required

To make Chocolate Mole Sauce with Grilled Chicken, you will need a grill for cooking the chicken, a blender or food processor for making the mole sauce, a skillet for sautéing the onions and garlic, and a saucepan for simmering the sauce. You will also need a sharp knife for chopping and a cutting board for prep work.

Temperature and Timing Guide

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for cooking the chicken. The chicken breasts will need to cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The mole sauce will need to simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Common Issues and Solutions

• If your mole sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or water.
• If your chicken is cooking too quickly on the grill, you can move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
• If your mole sauce is too spicy, you can balance it out with a little extra cocoa powder or a touch of honey.

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Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill them over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Make the Mole Sauce: In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Add the dried chilies, ground nuts and seeds, cocoa powder, and spices. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
3. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids.
4. Serve: Pour the mole sauce over the grilled chicken and serve hot. Enjoy!

Nutritional Value

One serving of Chocolate Mole Sauce with Grilled Chicken contains approximately 400 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. This dish is a good source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

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Tips for Restaurant Quality Results

To achieve restaurant-quality results with Chocolate Mole Sauce with Grilled Chicken, be sure to season your chicken generously with salt and pepper before grilling. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked. Additionally, allowing the mole sauce to rest for a few minutes after blending will help deepen its flavors. Lastly, consider garnishing your dish with fresh cilantro or crumbled queso fresco for an extra touch of freshness and presentation.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Mole Sauce with Grilled Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. The layers of flavors—from the heat of the chilies to the sweetness of the chocolate—create a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Perfect for celebrating special occasions or elevating a casual dinner, this recipe invites you to enjoy a taste of heritage right in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients and prepare to impress your family and friends with this delightful culinary creation.