Mole (pronounced MOH-lay) is a Mexican chile sauce with a hint of chocolate; traditionally served with rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked dark chicken meat. This combo of sweet and spicy pairs perfectly with tender, dark chicken meat. I've found that dark chocolate and the combination of chili powder and cayenne spices add another layer of richness to the sauce that exceeds the traditional chipotle pepper. This basic recipe is Gluten-Free. Vegans, Keto, and Low Cal diets: be sure to note the ingredient alternatives that are recommended.

• 12 chicken thighs (Vegans can replace with jackfruit or eggplant)

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• 2 (10 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with added green chilis

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chips or chopped (For Keto and low cal/carb diets, use a sugar free dark chocolate alternative)

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 2 TBSN Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 TBSN brown sugar (For Keto and low cal/carb diets, use a brown sugar substitute)

• (optional) 2 TBSN sesame seeds, for garnish

• (optional) 2 TBSN fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Blender, 5-6 quart crock pot, ladle, mixing spoon, sharp knife. 

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 8 hours Ready: 8 hours, 20 minutes

Serves: 4  

Before you handle any food, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Clean your kitchen work area and pull back your hair or wear a cap. You want to avoid contaminating your meal with harmful bacteria that could cause food illness.  

To make Slow-Cooker Chocolate Chicken Mole:

1. In a blender, puree tomatoes, broth, onion, raisins, dark chocolate, garlic, Olive Oil, ​chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and brown sugar until smooth.

2. Add chicken thighs to slow cooker, while coating them generously with pureed mole mixture.

3. Pour any remaining mixture on top of the stack of chicken thighs. 

4. Cook on LOW for 8 hours.

5. Serve chicken and generously spoon sauce on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, if desired.

1 serving: 600 calories, 35 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 140 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate (18 g sugars, 3 g fiber), 50 g protein. 

Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Studies show that dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease. Flavonoids help protect plants from environmental toxins and help repair damage.  When we eat foods rich in flavonoids, it appears that we also benefit from this "antioxidant" power.Antioxidants are believed to help the body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals that are formed by normal bodily processes, such as breathing, and from environmental contaminants, like cigarette smoke. If your body does not have enough antioxidants to combat the amount of oxidation that occurs, it can become damaged by free radicals. Flavanols are the main type of flavonoid found in cocoa and chocolate. In addition to having antioxidant qualities, research shows that flavanols have other potential influences on vascular health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart, and making blood platelets less sticky and able to clot.

Zinfandel or amarone.

Side Dish pairing: Chocolate pasta, Spanish rice and beans, sweet potatoes, sliced avocado

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Chocolate Veggie Mole- Replace chicken with either jackfruit, eggplant, or potatoes.

Sugar-free Chicken Mole- Use sugar free chocolate or cocoa powder, and preferred substitute for brown sugar.