Introduction to Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Slow cooker chicken mole is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that combines rich, complex flavors with the convenience of minimal prep time. Why should you consider adding this gem to your dinner rotation? For starters, the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, turning simple ingredients into a comforting, aromatic masterpiece. Imagine coming home to a warm, savory scent that wraps around you like a favorite blanket after a long day!
Why Slow Cooker Chicken Mole?
The essence of mole lies in its depth of flavor, often enhanced by a balance of spices and nuts. Utilizing a slow cooker means less fuss, less time spent hovering over the stove, and scrumptiously tender chicken by the end of your cooking time. Not only is it perfect for busy professionals, but it also allows you to unleash your culinary creativity.
Serve this dish with sides like cauliflower rice or avocado, and you have a delightful, wholesome meal that aligns with various dietary preferences, including Whole30 and Paleo. Plus, this dish yields fantastic leftovers that can be frozen for those hectic weeks.
If you’re eager to dive into this flavor-packed journey, let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
When it comes to creating a slow cooker chicken mole that's packed with flavor and easy to prepare, you'll want to gather a mix of fresh and pantry staple ingredients. Here’s a quick breakdown to guide you through:
Fresh and Pantry Staple Ingredients
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Fresh Ingredients:
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2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts
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½ yellow onion, minced
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4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
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Optional: 1 jalapeño, minced for a little kick
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Pantry Staples:
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons of avocado oil (a great healthy fat)
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¼ cup chili powder*, which varies greatly in heat, so adjust to your taste
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1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and cumin for that warm spice flavor
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2 ½ cups chicken broth
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3 tablespoons of Organic SunButter or a substitute like peanut butter
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2 tablespoons of tomato paste for added richness
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1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken the sauce
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1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to deepen the flavor
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1 teaspoon of sea salt for overall seasoning
With these ingredients by your side, you’re well on your way to making a delicious slow cooker chicken mole. Remember to balance your spices based on your heat preference, making this dish customizable for everyone! If you’re looking for an alternative to chicken, consider using turkey or even beef for a unique twist. Happy cooking!
Step-by-step preparation for Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Are you ready to dive into a delicious, mouth-watering dish that will impress your friends and family? Let’s take this slow cooker chicken mole journey step-by-step so you can create a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Preparing the chicken
Start by rinsing 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts under cool water. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then season them generously with salt and pepper. This simple step helps to create a flavorful base for your mole and ensures the chicken is juicy and seasoned throughout.
Sautéing the aromatic base
Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if you’re feeling adventurous). Sauté this fragrant mixture for about 6 minutes, until the onion is translucent. The aroma is going to make your kitchen feel like a Mexican restaurant! For an in-depth guide on sautéing vegetables, check out this helpful resource.
Combining flavors with spices
Now it’s time to spice things up! Add ¼ cup of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of cumin to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine these magical spices with your sautéed vegetables. This step is where the slow cooker chicken mole truly starts to take shape. Feel free to adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, as it can vary greatly in intensity.
Creating the mole sauce
Pour in 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, followed by 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 3 tablespoons of Organic SunButter. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth, then bring the mixture to a light simmer. Mix 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken. Finally, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a delightful depth of flavor—a signature touch in mole sauce!
Cooking the chicken in the slow cooker
Now, pour half of the rich mole sauce over the chicken in your slow cooker, ensuring it’s well-coated. Set your slow cooker to low and let the magic happen for about 4 to 5 hours. This gentle cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all those amazing flavors.
Shredding the chicken
Once your chicken is tender and cooked through, it’s time for the final touch. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks or chop it into chunks. You can return this shredded glory to the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining mole sauce for a delightful dish that’s bursting with flavor.
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you'll create a slow cooker chicken mole that delights the senses and warms the heart. Enjoy it with some cauliflower rice, avocado, or even in a taco—the possibilities are endless!
Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Chicken Mole with Added Vegetables
Want to boost the nutrition in your slow cooker chicken mole? Consider adding a variety of vegetables! Bell peppers, diced zucchini, or even sweet potatoes can enhance the dish while providing extra fiber and flavor. Simply chop them up and toss them in the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Not only will you enjoy a heartier meal, but these veggies can also soak up the rich, chocolatey flavors of the mole.
Spicy Variations for the Bold
For those who crave a little heat, try ramping up the spiciness in your slow cooker chicken mole. Adding extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can give it that fiery kick you desire. Alternatively, add diced serrano or habanero peppers for a more intense experience. Just remember to taste as you go—the perfect balance of spice is key to an unforgettable mole!
For more information on spice levels and their flavor profiles, consider checking out this comprehensive spice guide.
Cooking tips and notes for Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Best practices for using a slow cooker
To get the most out of your slow cooker chicken mole, remember to layer ingredients properly. Start with the chicken at the bottom, which helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. If your slow cooker has a "high" setting, you might want to use it for the first hour to kick off the cooking process, then switch to low for the remaining time. For even tastier results, consider searing your chicken or vegetables before adding them for an extra depth of flavor.
Adjusting spice levels to your preference
Spice levels can make or break your dish! For a milder slow cooker chicken mole, you can begin with just 2 tablespoons of chili powder and no jalapeños. After cooking, taste the sauce and adjust as desired—snippets of flavor can improve with a little extra chili powder added at the end. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! If you're unsure about spice levels, a great rule of thumb is to start lower; you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it’s in!
Would you like to learn more about adjusting spice levels? Check out this helpful guide for expert tips!
Serving suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Pairing with rice or zoodles
When enjoying your slow cooker chicken mole, consider serving it over a steaming bed of rice or even spiralized zucchini (zoodles) for a healthy twist. The rich, complex flavors of the mole sauce beautifully complement the mildness of rice, soaking up all that delicious goodness. If you're cutting carbs, zoodles provide the perfect base, adding freshness while keeping the dish light.
Creative serving ideas for leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover chicken mole, get creative! Try using it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even in a hearty salad. The sweet and spicy notes are great for topping a baked potato or as a filling for savory hand pies. You could also mix it with a little extra chicken broth for a delightful soup—the options are endless! Explore more ideas on The Kitchn for additional ways to elevate your leftovers.
By thinking outside the box, you ensure your slow cooker chicken mole remains a star in your kitchen throughout the week!
Time Breakdown for Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Preparation Time
Getting your delicious slow cooker chicken mole ready takes about 15 minutes. This includes chopping the onions, mincing the garlic and jalapeño, and gathering all your ingredients.
Cooking Time
Once you set up your slow cooker, let it work its magic for 4 to 5 hours on low. This gives the flavors ample time to blend beautifully while the chicken becomes incredibly tender.
Total Time
So, in total, you're looking at approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes from prep to table. Perfect for a busy weekday or cozy weekend meal! Enjoy the aroma filling your home while you relax during the cooking process.
For more tips on cooking with a slow cooker, check out this helpful guide that covers everything from time management to choosing the right cuts of meat!
Nutritional Facts for Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Calories
This delectable slow cooker chicken mole packs in approximately 214 calories per serving, making it a flavorful yet wholesome meal option for your weeknight dinner. It’s perfect if you’re aiming for a satisfying dish that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.
Protein
With 26 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a fantastic choice for those needing a protein boost. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, making this dish ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
Sodium
While flavor-packed, the slow cooker chicken mole contains about 724 mg of sodium. If you're watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium chicken broth or adjusting the salt to fit your dietary needs. Balancing flavor and health is key!
For more tips on modifying recipes to your dietary preferences, check out this resources on sodium reduction strategies. Enjoy your tasty meal!
FAQs about Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Can I use frozen chicken for the recipe?
Absolutely! Using frozen chicken is a time-saver, especially on busy days. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly—aim for about 6-8 hours on low. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftovers from your slow cooker chicken mole make for versatile meals throughout the week. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy them within three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Perfect for meal prepping or a last-minute dinner!
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mole sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Simply pour it over the chicken when you're ready to cook, or you can even fully assemble it and refrigerate before cooking. This makes weeknight dinners even simpler and keeps the flavors intact.
For more handy cooking tips, check out resources like Food Network for additional recipes and slow cooker advice!
Conclusion on Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
In summary, slow cooker chicken mole offers a delightful blend of flavors that elevate any weeknight meal. Its simplicity, along with the ability to adjust spice levels, makes it versatile for everyone at the table. Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a nutritious twist. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Slow Cooker Chicken Mole
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- whisk
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 jalapeno, optional, minced
- ¼ cup chili powder *
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons Organic SunButter or peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Add chicken to the crockpot, and salt and pepper generously.
- In a large skillet, add avocado oil, minced onion, garlic and jalapeno (if using), and saute over medium high heat until translucent and fragrant, about 6 minutes.
- Add chili powder, cinnamon, cumin and salt, and stir to combine with vegetables.
- Pour in chicken broth, and add tomato paste and SunButter. Whisk until smooth. Heat until mixture is lightly simmering.
- Mix arrowroot with 2 tablespoons of water, and then stir it in to the sauce while whisking to prevent clumps.
- Add cocoa powder and salt, and adjust chili powder and salt to taste.
- At this point, you can use an immersion blender or a standard blender to make the sauce ultra smooth. I don't find this necessary.
- Pour half of sauce over the chicken, and set the crockpot to cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add the rest of the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Remove the chicken breasts. Shred them with two forks, or cut them into chunks.
- Reheat the remaining sauce to drizzle on the chicken. You can also just add it to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This shredded chicken mole is amazing frozen. Store in a freezer air-tight container for up to 3 months.
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