Name: Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 315 min
Ingredients: 1.5-2 lbs Chicken Breast; 0.5 cup Chicken Broth (may substitute water, but will need to add more salt); 14.5 ounce Diced Tomatoes; 1.5 Tablespoons Chili Powder; 0.25 teaspoon Cumin; 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic (or 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Pepper; 2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder; 2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter; 0.33 cup Raisins; 0.33 cup Cilantro Leaves (chopped); Peanuts (chopped); 1 Avocado (diced); 0.25 cup White Onion (diced); 0.75 cup Queso Fresco; Fresh Orange Juice (optional); Corn Tortillas

Introduction to Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

What is Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole?

Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of traditional Mexican cooking with the simplicity of slow cooking. Mole sauce, a unique blend of spices, chiles, and even a hint of chocolate, perfectly complements chicken, resulting in a tender, juicy meal that warms the soul. The slow cooker allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully over time, making it an easy weeknight dinner option or a standout dish for gatherings.

Why Choose Homemade Over Fast Food?

When it comes to choosing a meal, homemade always wins. Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole not only offers robust flavors but also gives you complete control over what goes into your dish. Store-bought options can be high in sodium and preservatives, while a homemade version allows you to use fresh, wholesome ingredients. Plus, crafting a meal from scratch can be incredibly satisfying and even therapeutic. Imagine walking in after a long day to the mouthwatering scent of your mole wafting through the house!

For more insights on crockpot meals and the benefits of slow cooking, check out Slow Cooking: Everything You Need to Know and discover how preparing homemade meals can enhance your culinary experience.

Ingredients for Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

Creating your own Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole is a breeze! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful meal that will impress anyone at your dinner table. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ - 2 lbs. Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy chicken is the star of this dish.
½ cup Chicken Broth: To keep the chicken moist; feel free to substitute water, but adjust the salt as needed.
1 - 14.5 ounce can Diced Tomatoes: This adds a nice base and freshness to the mole sauce.
1 ½ Tablespoons Chili Powder: For that distinctive Mexican flavor; more if you like it spicier!
¼ teaspoon Cumin: This herb brings warmth and depth to the dish.
1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic or 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Nothing beats the aroma of garlic in a slow-cooked meal.
1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder: Yes, chocolate in your mole! It adds richness.
2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness.
⅓ cup Raisins: These provide an unexpected touch of sweetness.

Toppings:

⅓ cup Cilantro Leaves: Freshness in every bite!
Chopped Peanuts: For crunch.
1 Avocado: Creamy coolness to balance flavors.
¼ cup White Onion: Adds a nice bite.
¾ cup Queso Fresco: The perfect cheesy finish.
Fresh Orange Juice (optional): A zesty splash at the end.
Corn Tortillas: The ideal accompaniment to scoop up that luscious mole.

Now that you've gathered all your ingredients, you’re poised to make a delicious Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole! Can’t wait for you to savor every bite!

Step-by-step Preparation of Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

Cooking can often feel overwhelming, but with this step-by-step guide for Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole, you’ll quickly see just how simple and rewarding it can be. Let’s dive into this delicious experience together!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start whipping up that amazing mole sauce, it’s crucial to gather all your ingredients. Having everything on hand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. For this Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole, here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ - 2 lbs. Chicken Breast
½ cup Chicken Broth (you can substitute with water, but remember to add more salt)
1 - 14.5 ounce can Diced Tomatoes
1 ½ Tablespoons Chili Powder
¼ teaspoon Cumin
1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
⅓ cup Raisins

For topping, don’t forget:

⅓ cup Cilantro Leaves (chopped)
Peanuts (chopped)
1 Avocado (diced)
¼ cup White Onion (diced)
¾ cup Queso Fresco
Fresh Orange Juice (optional)
Corn Tortillas

Blend the Mole Sauce

Now it’s time to bring some magic into your kitchen! In a blender, combine the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and raisins. Blend until you have a creamy and rich mole sauce. You’ll find that the blend of flavors fuses beautifully together to create a special sauce perfect for the chicken.

For extra tips on making sauces, you might want to check out Serious Eats, which has fantastic tips about blending spices.

Prepare the Chicken

With your sauce ready, take your chicken breasts and place them in the crockpot. Sprinkle with a bit of salt to enhance the flavor, then pour about three-quarters of your mole sauce over the chicken. This will infuse your chicken with that delicious mole flavor.

Cook in the Crockpot

Set your crockpot to cook on LOW for about 4-5 hours. The low, slow cooking will make the chicken tender and easy to shred. As you wait, your kitchen will fill with warm, inviting aromas that will surely make your mouth water!

Shred and Finish Cooking

Once the time is up and the chicken is tender, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Pour the remaining mole sauce over it and cook for another 30 minutes. Taste and season if needed to get everything just right.

Finally, serve your mouthwatering Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole on a platter, topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, peanuts, diced onion, and some queso fresco. If you like a pop of citrus, squeeze fresh orange juice over the top. It’s a meal that not only feeds your body but warms your soul!

So gather your ingredients, get blending, and enjoy the delightful journey of creating this sumptuous dish!

Variations on Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

Vegetarian Mole Sauce Option

Looking to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this deliciousness? Swap out chicken for hearty chickpeas or tempeh, and simply double the mole sauce ingredients. The robust flavors from ingredients like peanut butter and cocoa powder will still deliver that deep, rich taste you love. Serve this over quinoa or with corn tortillas for a filling meal.

Mole-Inspired Tacos

Turn your Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole into a fun taco night! Shred the cooked chicken and pile it high on soft corn tortillas. Top with chopped cilantro, avocado, and a sprinkle of queso fresco. Drizzle some fresh lime juice for an extra zesty kick. Your guests will love this interactive dining experience! For more taco ideas, check out Taco Recipes.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

Cooking Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole can be a delightful culinary adventure! Here are some tips to ensure your meal is a hit:

Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or go for thighs if you prefer a juicier outcome.
Customize Your Mole Sauce: Feel free to experiment with the spice levels! Adding more chili powder will increase the heat, while a dash of cinnamon can enhance the depth.
Serve It Right: Complement the dish with fresh corn tortillas, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of queso fresco to achieve that authentic Mexican flavor.

For a deeper dive into mole sauce variations, check out The Mexican Mule, which explores various styles and ingredients for mole. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

When it comes to enjoying your Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole, creativity goes a long way. Here are some tasty serving suggestions that will elevate your meal!

Corn Tortillas: Warm up some corn tortillas to scoop up the delicious mole. They're perfect for making little tacos!
Toppings: Enhance your dish with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco. Don’t forget the diced white onion for that fresh crunch!
Citrusy Twist: A squeeze of fresh orange juice over the top adds a delightful brightness that complements the rich mole flavors.
Side Dishes: Pair your mole with a simple side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

Get creative, and enjoy your flavorful journey with this dish!

Time Breakdown for Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

Preparation time
Getting started on this delicious Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole doesn’t take long at all! You’ll need about 15 minutes to gather your ingredients, blend the sauce, and prepare the chicken.

Cooking time
Once prepped, let your slow cooker work its magic for 4 to 5 hours on LOW. Perfect for that busy day when you want a flavorful meal waiting for you.

Total time
All in all, you’re looking at a total of 4 hours and 15 minutes to indulge in this incredible dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to impress at dinner!

For more delicious crockpot recipes, check out The Kitchn. Enjoy your cooking!

Nutritional Facts for Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

When preparing Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole, it's essential to consider its nutritional profile. This hearty dish is not only delicious but offers a good balance of nutrients.

Calories: Approximately 330 per serving, making it a satisfying option without feeling heavy.
Protein: Each serving delivers about 35 grams of protein, perfect for muscle repair and growth.
Sodium: With about 600 mg of sodium per serving, it's advisable to adjust salt levels based on dietary needs.

For more insights on healthy eating, explore the USDA's guidelines on nutrition. Enjoy your meal while considering the nutrition it provides!

FAQs about Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! Using frozen chicken in your Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole is a time-saving option. Just make sure to add an extra hour or so to the cooking time to ensure it's thoroughly cooked and tender. If you’re short on time, you might want to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight for better results!

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be a lifesaver! Your Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. To freeze leftovers, simply place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date!

What can I substitute for peanut butter?

If you're looking for a peanut butter alternative due to allergies or preference, you can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Both options will add that creamy richness to the mole without sacrificing flavor. If nut-free, consider omitting it entirely and adding a touch more cocoa for depth!

For more cooking tips, check out this guide on ingredient substitutions.

Conclusion on Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole

In summary, Crockpot Mexican Chicken Mole is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Its simplicity makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. With tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a rich sauce, this dish pairs beautifully with corn tortillas and fresh toppings. Enjoy the taste of Mexico without the fuss!