Easy, Flavorful Chicken Mole Tacos: Recipe, Tips & FAQs
A fusion of rich chocolate-infused sauce and crisp slaw in every handheld bite.
Easy, Flavorful Chicken Mole Tacos: The Ultimate Guide
If you are looking for a unique twist on traditional tacos, Chicken Mole Tacos offer the best of both worlds: rich flavor from classic Mexican mole sauce and the convenience of handheld street food. This guide will walk you through every step — from roasting key ingredients, creating a simple yet bold mole, all the way to assembling your tacos with vibrant, healthy toppings. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this modern interpretation of a beloved classic.
Why Chicken Mole Tacos?
Mole (pronounced MOH-leh) is a deeply flavored Mexican sauce, often made with savory ingredients like peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of chocolate. Traditionally considered a celebratory dish, mole delivers an irresistibly complex taste in every bite. Transforming this slow-cooked favorite into tacos bridges traditional flavor with modern convenience, resulting in a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping party centerpiece.
Ingredients for Chicken Mole Tacos
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs deliver more flavor and tenderness than breasts. Substitute with boneless pieces for speed.
- Mole Sauce Base: The rich sauce uses roasted tomatillos, tomatoes, and garlic for savory depth.
- Additions: Mushrooms give umami boost, harissa adds smoky spiciness (swap with sriracha or sambal for extra heat), and dark chocolate plus tahini gives authentic mole character.
- Broth: Chicken broth thins and flavors the sauce, while vinegar adds a gentle tang.
- Fresh Slaw: Cabbage, lime juice, and oil bring crunch and brightness.
- Avocado Smash: Creamy mashed avocado with lime and salt counters the robust mole.
- Toppings: Chopped cilantro, pickled onions, and fresh tortillas complete the build.
Step-By-Step: How to Make Chicken Mole Tacos
1. Roast the Vegetables
Roasting unlocks the natural sweetness in tomatillos, tomatoes, and garlic. Toss them in oil, season, and bake until browned and very tender (about 25–35 minutes at 325°F). This step is essential for a deep, smoky sauce foundation.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Use an electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot) for fast, juicy results.
- Brown chicken thighs in oil, season, and add chopped onion.
- Add broth, seal, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Quick-release the pressure. Shred the meat, discarding bones and skin. Save the cooking liquid and onion for the next step.
3. Make the Mole Sauce
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté mushrooms with salt until browned and reduced.
- Stir in harissa (or a similar chili paste), cooking for extra aroma and heat.
- Add the roasted tomatillo-tomato-garlic mixture, 1/4 cup of reserved chicken liquid, chopped dark chocolate, tahini, and a splash of vinegar. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes), stirring as the flavors meld.
- Stir in shredded chicken and cook until all is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Prepare the Fixin’s
- Cabbage Slaw: Toss sliced cabbage with lime juice, oil, a drizzle of soy sauce, salt, and chopped cilantro for color and bite.
- Avocado Smash: Mash ripe avocado with lime juice and salt until creamy.
5. Assemble Your Tacos
Spread warm tortillas on a board. Add a generous spoonful of chicken mole, then pile on the cabbage slaw and avocado smash. Top with pickled onions and sprinkle with more cilantro. Serve immediately, and prepare to wow your guests (or yourself!).
What others are reading
Customizing Your Chicken Mole Tacos
- Make It Spicier: Swap harissa for sriracha or sambal for punchier heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with roasted mushrooms, jackfruit, or cooked beans.
- Gluten-Free: Use 100% corn tortillas or certified gluten-free wraps.
- Toppings Galore:
- Pickled jalapeños
- Quick-pickled red onions
- Homemade salsa or fresh radishes
- Crumbled cheese (cotija, feta, or queso fresco)
- Classic Mexican crema drizzle
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrition per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 364 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Total Sugars | 8.5g (1.5g added) |
| Total Fat | 28g (5.5g saturated) |
| Cholesterol | 33mg |
| Sodium | 642mg |
These tacos pack a nutritious punch, with plenty of vegetables, lean protein, fiber, and a moderate calorie count—making them perfect for wellness-conscious cooks.
Tips for Success
- Batch Cooking: Double the mole sauce and freeze extra for future meals. It works wonderfully with pork, beef, or roasted vegetables.
- Mellow the Mole: If you find the sauce too strong, stir in a splash of cream or more broth to soften the flavor.
- Char the Tortillas: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame to add toasty richness and prevent tearing during assembly.
- Freshness Counts: Use the best avocados and fresh limes for the slaw and avocado smash. The freshness contrasts beautifully with the deep mole.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Sides: Serve with refried black beans, grilled corn, or a simple green salad.
- Drinks: Pair with iced hibiscus tea, a crisp lager, or a zesty margarita.
- For a Party: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings and let guests build their own creations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the secret to great mole flavor?
A: Layer the flavors by roasting vegetables, blooming spices, and simmering the sauce with chocolate and vinegar. Each component builds complexity.
Q: Can I make chicken mole tacos ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prep the chicken and mole sauce up to 2 days ahead. Rewarm gently on the stovetop, stirring in extra broth if it thickens.
Q: What if I don’t have an electric pressure cooker?
A: Cook the chicken on the stovetop. Simmer thighs in broth with aromatics for 45–60 minutes until tender, then shred.
Q: Are chicken mole tacos spicy?
A: The sauce has warmth and richness, not intense heat. For more spice, add extra harissa, hot sauce, or use pickled jalapeños as a topping.
Q: Can I freeze leftover mole sauce?
A: Yes, mole freezes well! Store extra in portions for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat for tacos, enchiladas, or as a simmer sauce for other proteins.
Pro Tips for Modern Tacos
- Time Saver: Use a slow cooker for the chicken and mole base if preferred, starting in the morning for effortless tacos by dinner.
- Weeknight Friendly: Pre-cooked shredded chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken can be substituted when in a hurry—just toss in your homemade mole.
- Family Friendly: Let kids add their favorite toppings—the interactive nature makes it fun for everyone at the table.
- Leftovers: Mole chicken is excellent served over rice, tossed into a grain bowl, or folded into quesadillas.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Chicken Mole Tacos lies in their fusion of bold tradition and modern simplicity. This recipe is adaptable, healthy, and sure to bring the spirit of Mexican cooking to your next meal. From the sweet-savory sauce to the fresh, crunchy toppings, each taco is an experience unto itself—one you’ll want to revisit again and again.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a33996453/chicken-mole-tacos-recipe/
- https://ruthstable.blog/2020/05/06/chicken-mole-tacos/
- https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/red-mole-chicken-tacos/
- https://www.quericavida.com/recipes/chicken-mole-tacos/3ab33a35-8cdd-4a7f-a4f2-9eff9f25553c
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20509848/easy-chicken-mole/
- https://www.karen-tripson.com/blog/chicken-mole-for-the-block-party-2018
- https://www.canadianliving.com/food/lunch-and-dinner/recipe/pulled-chicken-mole-tacos
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dPW6H8D1Oo
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