These Enmoladas de Pollo are the perfect comfort food, combining rich mole sauce with tender chicken and soft corn tortillas. The deep, chocolatey flavors of the mole, with its blend of spices and heat, create a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
The dish can be easily customized by adding your favorite garnishes, such as crumbled queso fresco or fresh cilantro. The mole sauce itself is versatile, and you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste. These enmoladas make a fantastic meal for family dinners or any gathering, offering a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 chicken breasts
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12 corn tortillas
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1 cup mole paste
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2 cups chicken broth
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
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Salt to taste
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Crumbled queso fresco (optional)
Directions:
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Begin by cooking the chicken breasts in a pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
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Add the mole paste to the skillet and stir it into the onions and garlic. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes on low heat to develop the flavors.
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Meanwhile, warm the tortillas on a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Once soft, dip each tortilla into the mole sauce and place them on a serving dish.
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Spoon the shredded chicken onto the center of each tortilla, fold them over like enchiladas, and cover them with the remaining mole sauce.
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Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco (optional). Serve warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes Mole Sauce So Special?
The key to the success of Enmoladas de Pollo lies in the mole sauce, a complex mixture of chilies, spices, and other ingredients that provide a deep, smoky flavor. Mole is known for its rich, dark color, often achieved by using dried chilies such as pasilla, ancho, or mulato, along with ingredients like cinnamon, almonds, peanuts, and even chocolate. The result is a sauce that is simultaneously spicy, sweet, and savory, making it the perfect complement to the neutral flavor of chicken and the soft texture of tortillas.
While mole sauce has many variations depending on the region, the common factor across all versions is the time and care that goes into its preparation. Some moles take hours to prepare, with ingredients being toasted, ground, and simmered to develop their full flavor profile. The sauce is often used not just for enmoladas, but also for a wide range of Mexican dishes, from chicken to pork, and even roasted vegetables.
How to Make the Perfect Mole for Enmoladas
Making the perfect mole for Enmoladas de Pollo requires patience and a careful selection of ingredients. It all starts with the chilies—whether you opt for dried ancho chilies for their sweet and smoky flavor or pasilla chilies for a more earthy heat, choosing the right chili will set the tone for the entire mole sauce. The chilies are typically toasted before being blended into a smooth paste.
Next, the mole is enriched with a variety of spices and flavorings such as cumin, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, and sesame seeds. A secret ingredient that elevates the flavor of the mole is the addition of dark chocolate. The chocolate enhances the depth and complexity of the sauce, adding a hint of sweetness that beautifully balances out the heat from the chilies.
To make mole at home, some cooks prefer grinding the ingredients by hand using a traditional stone grinder called a molcajete. However, modern blenders can also get the job done efficiently. After all the ingredients are blended, the sauce is simmered to marry the flavors together, with chicken broth added to achieve the desired consistency.
Why Chicken is the Best Protein for Enmoladas
Chicken is the most common protein used in Enmoladas de Pollo, and for good reason. Its neutral flavor and tender texture allow the mole sauce to shine without being overpowered. When preparing the chicken, many cooks prefer to boil it until it’s tender and easily shredded. The shredded chicken can then be used as a filling for the tortillas, creating the perfect balance between protein and sauce.
Another reason chicken works so well in this dish is that it pairs beautifully with the richness of mole. Chicken is a versatile protein that can be cooked in many ways, but its mild flavor and soft texture make it an ideal companion for bold, spicy sauces like mole. When served inside soft corn tortillas, the chicken absorbs some of the mole, making every bite a flavorful experience.
The Role of Corn Tortillas in Enmoladas
Corn tortillas are essential to creating the perfect Enmoladas de Pollo. These tortillas have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, and their use in Enmoladas helps ground the dish in tradition. Corn tortillas are typically used for their soft, slightly chewy texture, which complements the rich mole sauce and tender chicken. Additionally, the corn flavor of the tortillas contrasts nicely with the deep, dark mole sauce, creating a satisfying and well-rounded dish.
When making Enmoladas, the tortillas are often lightly heated or fried to make them more pliable and easier to fold. Some cooks prefer to briefly dip the tortillas into the mole sauce before stuffing them with chicken, which allows the tortillas to soak up some of the mole and intensify the overall flavor of the dish.
Garnishes That Take Enmoladas to the Next Level
To complete the dish and add layers of texture and flavor, several garnishes are often added to Enmoladas de Pollo. The most common garnishes include chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and crumbled queso fresco. These toppings not only add visual appeal but also provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the richness of the mole sauce.
Chopped cilantro is a must for its bright, herbal flavor, which cuts through the heaviness of the mole and adds a touch of freshness. Sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and complement the nutty flavors in the mole sauce. Queso fresco, a crumbly Mexican cheese, adds a mild, creamy element that balances the spiciness of the mole.
Some variations of Enmoladas may also include a drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of pickled onions for an added layer of tangy flavor. No matter how you choose to garnish your Enmoladas, these small touches can make a big difference in the overall experience of the dish.
Enmoladas as a Meal for Special Occasions
Enmoladas de Pollo is not just an everyday meal; it’s a dish that’s often saved for special occasions. Its rich and labor-intensive nature makes it perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or celebrations. In Mexico, mole is often served during festive events such as birthdays, weddings, and major holidays like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Cinco de Mayo.
The tradition of serving mole and chicken dishes during celebrations is rooted in Mexican culture, where food is an important part of bringing people together. Enmoladas de Pollo has become synonymous with festivity and is often associated with sharing good food with loved ones. The dish embodies the essence of communal dining, where everyone gathers around the table to enjoy the meal and celebrate together.
Health Benefits of Enmoladas de Pollo
While Enmoladas de Pollo is undeniably a rich and indulgent dish, it also offers some health benefits. Chicken is a lean source of protein that provides essential amino acids, which are necessary for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, mole sauce contains various spices, including chili peppers, which have been linked to health benefits such as improved digestion, increased metabolism, and even anti-inflammatory properties.
The addition of sesame seeds, cilantro, and other fresh garnishes also boosts the nutritional value of the dish. Sesame seeds are high in healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like calcium, while cilantro is packed with antioxidants. When enjoyed in moderation, Enmoladas de Pollo can be a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Enmoladas de Pollo is a dish that celebrates the depth and complexity of Mexican cuisine. From the rich, smoky mole sauce to the tender chicken and soft tortillas, every component of the dish comes together in perfect harmony. Whether served for a special occasion or enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal, Enmoladas de Pollo offers a taste of Mexico that’s hard to beat.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with just a few ingredients working together to create something truly extraordinary. If you’re looking for a way to experience the flavors of authentic Mexican cooking, Enmoladas de Pollo is a must-try recipe. With its rich history, vibrant flavors, and cultural significance, it’s a dish that brings people together and leaves a lasting impression.