Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico, with our tantalizing Braised Chicken with Oaxacan Mole recipe. This traditional dish showcases the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of Oaxaca. The succulent chicken is braised in a captivating sauce made from a complex blend of spices, chiles, nuts, and seeds. The resulting mole is a symphony of flavors, balancing heat, sweetness, and a hint of smokiness.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to creating this Oaxacan masterpiece. We provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring even novice cooks can recreate this authentic dish. Additionally, we have included a section dedicated to authentic Oaxacan recipes, allowing you to explore the diverse culinary offerings of this vibrant region. From traditional sides like Arroz Rojo (Red Rice) and Ensalada de Nopales (Cactus Salad) to delectable desserts like Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) and Champurrado (Hot Chocolate), you'll find a treasure trove of Oaxacan flavors to savor.
PAN-FRIED MOLE CHICKEN THIGHS
This recipe is adapted from Guelaguetza.
Provided by Megan Lloyd
Categories Main Course
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Season chicken thighs well with ½ teaspoon salt (add more to taste), pepper, and garlic granules. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed until nicely browned, about 5-6 minutes. Flip and brown the other side, about 4-5 minutes more. Transfer to plate and set aside.
- Pour the fat oil from the pot (but keep all the brown bits). Add tomato sauce and stir until pot has been deglazed. Add mole paste and stir until dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Add broth and season with remaining salt and sugar. Stir until the mole sauce has thickened, about 5-7 more minutes. Add back in the chicken and bring to a slow simmer. Cover and allow the chicken to finish cooking through, about 15 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with rice on the side, if desired.
- You will have some mole left over. Freeze leftover mole sauce for up to three months or seven days in your freezer.
OAXACAN CHICKEN MOLE
Make and share this Oaxacan Chicken Mole recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Lennie
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 20m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Using 1 tsp of the chili powder, season the breasts, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a heavy skillet that comfortably holds both breasts, heat the oil over mediium-high heat and cook the chicken until brown on both sides (about 2 minutes per side); transfer cooked chicken to a plate and add the remaining chili powder, along with the cumin and cinnamon, to the skillet and saute, stirring, for 15 seconds.
- Stir in the tomatoes and their juices along with the chocolate and simmer until the sauce thickens up, about 5 minutes.
- Add chicken, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate, back into the skillet and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes.
- Taste sauce; add salt and pepper if desired.
BRAISED WHOLE CHICKEN
Braising a whole chicken makes the whole bird emerge succulent from wing tip to drumstick beneath crispy skin - so very good!!!!
Provided by Chef mariajane
Categories Whole Chicken
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F Season chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. In a large ovensafe saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil on medium-high. Add chicken and brown, breast side down, 5-10 minutes. Turn over and brown second side. Transfer chicken to a platter. Add celery and onion and sauté 5 minutes. Add carrots and sauté another 5 minutes. Remove pot from heat.
- Place chicken, breast side down, overtop vegetables . Combine broth, water and vinegar and pour over chicken. Add potatoes to the pot, cover and braise 45 minutes. Turn chicken, breasts side up, cook another 10-15 minutes with lid off to brown.
- Remove chicken and vegetables from pan and keep warm. Skim fat from cooking liquid and discard. Carve chicken and place slices into shallow bowls, adding vegetables and broth. Garnish with fresh chives and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 856.6, Fat 37.2, SaturatedFat 10.5, Cholesterol 162.6, Sodium 781.4, Carbohydrate 79.8, Fiber 10.9, Sugar 6.3, Protein 49.8
Tips:
- Mise en place: Before starting, gather and measure all ingredients. This will ensure smooth and efficient cooking.
- Toast the chiles: Toasting the chiles in a skillet enhances their flavor and aroma. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Use a variety of chiles: The recipe calls for a combination of chiles, each contributing unique flavors and heat levels. Feel free to adjust the types and quantities to suit your spice preference.
- Soak the chiles: Soaking the chiles in hot water softens them and makes them easier to blend. Save some of the soaking liquid for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Roast the nuts and spices: Roasting the nuts and spices releases their oils and intensifies their flavors. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Blend the mole sauce: Use a blender or food processor to create a smooth and flavorful mole sauce. You may need to add some of the reserved soaking liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
- Brown the chicken: Browning the chicken in a large pot enhances its flavor and helps it withstand the long braising process.
- Simmer the chicken in the mole sauce: Bring the mole sauce and chicken to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently cook for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Serve with accompaniments: Traditionally, braised chicken with Oaxacan mole is served with rice, tortillas, and a garnish of sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
Conclusion:
Braised chicken with Oaxacan mole is a complex and flavorful dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. With its diverse blend of chiles, spices, nuts, and chocolate, this mole sauce is a true masterpiece. By following the tips and instructions provided in this recipe, you can create an authentic and delicious braised chicken dish that will impress your family and friends. Remember to take your time, as the slow cooking process allows the flavors to fully develop and meld. Enjoy this culinary journey into the heart of Oaxacan cuisine!
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