Chicken with Mole Negro Recipe

Name: Chicken with Mole Negro
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: One 4-pound whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces, backbone reserved; 1 small onion, halved; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lard, melted; 2 ounces guajillo chilesstemmed, seeded and chopped, seeds reserved; 2 ounces pasilla chilesstemmed, seeded and chopped, seeds reserved; 1/2 pound plum tomatoes, halved; 1/2 small onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, crushed; 2 tablespoons raisins; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/8 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 coriander seeds; 2 black peppercorns; 2 ounces tomatillos, husked and halved; 3 tablespoons chunky natural peanut butter; 3 tablespoons chunky roasted almond butter; 3 tablespoons tahini; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 2 1/2 tablespoon sugar; 2 ounces Mexican chocolate, chopped; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Try this homemade Chicken with Mole Negro recipe the whole family will love. Made with chicken, onion, garlic and kosher salt. Easy step-by-step instruc…

This Chicken with Mole Negro relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as small onion, halved, garlic cloves, crushed, kosher salt and plum tomatoes, halved. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 471 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Meat & Poultry

Servings: persons

One 4-pound whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces, backbone reserved
1 small onion, halved
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lard, melted
2 ounces guajillo chilesstemmed, seeded and chopped, seeds reserved
2 ounces pasilla chilesstemmed, seeded and chopped, seeds reserved
1/2 pound plum tomatoes, halved
1/2 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons raisins
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
2 coriander seeds
2 black peppercorns
2 ounces tomatillos, husked and halved
3 tablespoons chunky natural peanut butter
3 tablespoons chunky roasted almond butter
3 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 1/2 tablespoon sugar
2 ounces Mexican chocolate, chopped
Sesame seeds, for garnish

1
Make the chicken In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
2
Add the chicken pieces and backbone, onion, garlic and salt and return to a simmer.
3
Cover and cook over low heat until the chicken is white throughout, about 20 minutes.
4
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
5
Simmer the broth to concentrate the flavor, about 30 minutes.
6
Strain the broth; discard the solids, including the chicken backbone.
7
Make the mole In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the lard.
8
Add the chiles and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until toasted, about 2 minutes.
9
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chiles to a medium saucepan and cover with water.
10
Bring to a boil and simmer until softened, 10 minutes; drain the chiles and transfer to a blender.
11
Make the mole Add the tomatoes to the skillet cut side down and cook over moderate heat until lightly caramelized, 3 minutes per side.
12
Transfer to the blender.
13
Wipe out the skillet.
14
Make the mole Heat 1 tablespoon of the lard in the skillet.
15
Add the onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.
16
Add the chile seeds, raisins, oregano, cumin, thyme, coriander and peppercorns.
17
Cook, stirring, until very fragrant, about 3 minutes.
18
Scrape the mixture into the blender.
19
Add the tomatillos, peanut butter, almond butter, tahini, salt, 1 1/2 tablespoons of the sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water and puree until thick and smooth.
20
Strain the mole sauce into a large bowl.
21
Make the mole Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of lard.
22
Add 2 cups of the mole sauce and 2 cups of the chicken broth (reserve the remaining mole and broth for another use).
23
Bring to a simmer over low heat, whisking constantly.
24
Whisk in the chocolate and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar until melted.
25
Cover and cook, whisking, until the mole has thickened and the flavors have melded, about 15 minutes.
26
Add the chicken and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
27
Transfer the chicken and mole to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds.
28
Serve warm.

471

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 24 ingredients. The key ingredients include: One 4-pound whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces, backbone reserved, 1 small onion, halved, 2 garlic cloves, crushed, 2 teaspoon kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Chicken with Mole Negro falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Quick Info

Servings
4 servings
Calories
471 kcal
Category
Meat & Poultry

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