Chicken Mole with Brown Rice: A Flavorful Mexican Delight
Chicken Mole with Brown Rice is a savory and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, rich mole sauce, and wholesome brown rice. With the perfect balance of spices and textures, this dish makes for an excellent lunch or dinner option that can be paired with a refreshing glass of Red Wine Sangria. This recipe is a delicious tribute to traditional Mexican flavors and is easy enough to prepare for a cozy Sunday brunch or a weekday meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 300 grams |
| Homemade Mole Sauce | 1 cup |
| Brown Rice | 1 cup |
| Sweet Corn | 1/2 cup |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | ~35 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
| Fiber | ~5 g |
| Fat | ~12 g |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
| Cholesterol | ~75 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Servings: 4
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Course: Main Course, Lunch
- Diet Type: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
To begin making Chicken Mole with Brown Rice, we’ll start by preparing the mole sauce. You can use a pre-made mole sauce or make your own by following the recipe linked above. Once you have the mole ready, proceed with the following steps:
-
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Sauté the chicken pieces until they start to brown and become crispy on the outside. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once the chicken is browned, pour in the homemade mole sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Bring the mole sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Once done, set the chicken and sauce aside. -
Prepare the Brown Rice:
While the chicken is simmering, it’s time to cook the brown rice. In a pressure cooker, add 1 cup of brown rice and 2 cups of water. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 5 whistles (around 10-12 minutes). After the cooking time, allow the pressure to naturally release. Once the rice is ready, open the lid and fluff it gently with a fork. -
Flavor the Rice:
Add the dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and sweet corn to the cooked rice. Stir gently to combine, and then heat the rice for a couple of minutes over medium heat in the same pressure cooker, allowing the corn to warm through and the flavors to come together. -
Assemble and Serve:
To serve, scoop a generous portion of the brown rice onto each plate. Pour some of the warm mole sauce with chicken chunks over the rice, ensuring each bite gets a bit of the rich, flavorful sauce. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle the top with toasted sesame seeds. -
Pairing Suggestion:
This Chicken Mole with Brown Rice is a fantastic one-dish meal. Pair it with a chilled glass of Red Wine Sangria Cocktail for the perfect balance of savory and refreshing notes. It’s ideal for a Sunday brunch or a casual family lunch.
Tips for Success
- Homemade Mole Sauce: If you’re making your own mole sauce, take your time and balance the flavors. Mole sauce typically includes ingredients like chilies, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and spices, which together create a deep, complex flavor.
- Chicken Variations: While this recipe uses chicken, you can also substitute with turkey or even pork for a different twist.
- Rice Substitutes: If you’re looking for a quicker option, white rice can be substituted, but brown rice gives a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, which is a healthier choice.
- Extra Garnish: For added flavor, top with a dollop of sour cream or some freshly chopped cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Mole with Brown Rice as a complete meal on its own. You can also offer a light side dish such as a fresh Mexican salad with avocado or a side of warm corn tortillas to scoop up the extra sauce. If you prefer a more substantial spread, pair it with a refreshing cold Cucumber and Tomato Salad or a tangy Mexican Street Corn (Elote).
Chicken Mole with Brown Rice is a soul-satisfying dish that brings the vibrant and rich flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. With tender chicken, earthy mole sauce, and wholesome brown rice, it’s a comforting, balanced meal that’s sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy this flavorful dish as part of your family’s meal rotation or serve it up for a special occasion—it’s perfect for any time you crave a dish full of flavor and warmth.
