Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Tacos: A Flavorful Fiesta

Slow cooker chicken mole tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. Mole sauce, a complex and flavorful blend of spices, chiles, and chocolate, has been a staple in Mexican cooking for centuries.

The slow cooker makes preparing this dish a breeze, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. The result is a tender, flavorful chicken that is perfect for filling soft tortillas and topping with your favorite fixings.

From the savory notes of the chiles to the hint of sweetness from the chocolate, each bite of these tacos is an explosion of flavor. The slow cooker creates a tender and juicy chicken, making it an easy and delicious weeknight meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Recipe and Ingredients

This recipe for slow cooker chicken mole is a delicious and easy way to make a flavorful and comforting meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for a special occasion. The recipe uses a combination of spices and ingredients to create a rich and complex flavor.

The chicken is cooked slowly in the slow cooker, which helps to tenderize it and infuse it with the flavors of the mole sauce.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are fairly simple and can be found at most grocery stores. Here is a list of the ingredients and their roles in the recipe:

• Chicken: The main ingredient, the chicken will be cooked in the slow cooker until it is tender and juicy.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the mole sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor that complements the other spices.
• Tomato paste: Provides a rich, umami flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Chili powder: Adds a warm and spicy flavor.
• Cumin: Adds an earthy flavor that complements the chili powder.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm and sweet flavor.
• Chocolate: Adds a touch of sweetness and bitterness to the mole sauce.
• Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base for the sauce and helps to keep the chicken moist.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning to taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

While the recipe is already delicious as is, you can make substitutions to adjust the flavor to your preference. Here are some ideas for substitutions:

• Chicken: You can substitute the chicken with other types of meat, such as turkey, pork, or beef.
• Chili powder: You can use a different type of chili powder, such as ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder, to adjust the level of spice.
• Chocolate: You can substitute the chocolate with cocoa powder if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
• Chicken broth: You can use vegetable broth or beef broth instead of chicken broth if you prefer.

Cooking Process

The slow cooker is your trusty sidekick in this recipe, making the chicken incredibly tender and infusing it with the rich flavors of the mole sauce. The process is straightforward, allowing you to relax and let the slow cooker do its magic.

Preparing the Chicken and Mole Sauce

Start by browning the chicken in a skillet. This step adds a delightful depth of flavor to the final dish. Then, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker, along with the prepared mole sauce. The slow cooker will do the rest of the work, transforming the chicken into a succulent masterpiece.

Slow Cooker Settings and Cooking Time

The cooking time for slow cooker chicken mole tacos depends on the size of your slow cooker and the desired tenderness of the chicken. Generally, you can cook the chicken on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

For a more tender chicken, opt for the longer cooking time.

Adjusting for Different Slow Cooker Sizes

If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. For a 4-quart slow cooker, the cooking time will be similar to a 6-quart slow cooker. However, if you are using a 2-quart slow cooker, you may need to reduce the cooking time by about an hour.

Slow cooker chicken mole tacos are a comforting favorite, but sometimes I crave something lighter and plant-based. That’s when I turn to my go-to recipe for vegan super greens tomatillo posole , a vibrant and flavorful soup packed with nutrients.

The posole’s earthy flavors and hearty texture satisfy my cravings for something different, while still reminding me of the comforting warmth of a good mole sauce.

For smaller slow cookers, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 hours for low heat and 30-60 minutes for high heat.

Slow cooker chicken mole tacos are a real crowd-pleaser, and the rich, complex flavors of the mole sauce are something special. But sometimes, you’re in the mood for something lighter and brighter. That’s when I turn to a hearty bowl of mushrooms, brussels sprouts, tofu, and grains.

It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. But don’t worry, I always find myself craving those slow cooker chicken mole tacos again soon!

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker chicken mole is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From classic tacos to creative bowls, the rich flavors of the mole will shine through.

Slow cooker chicken mole tacos are a favorite in our house, especially on busy weeknights. The rich, complex flavors of the mole sauce are a perfect complement to the tender chicken, and the whole thing comes together in a snap thanks to the slow cooker.

For a hearty, healthy side dish, I love to pair these tacos with a big bowl of butternut squash black bean chili recipe. The sweet and savory flavors of the chili are a perfect match for the spicy mole sauce, and the whole meal is both satisfying and comforting.

Recommended Toppings

Toppings are key to elevating your tacos and adding layers of flavor. Here are some suggestions:

• Fresh Cilantro:Adds a bright, herbaceous touch that balances the richness of the mole.
• Chopped White Onion:Provides a crisp, pungent counterpoint to the sweetness of the mole.
• Sliced Radishes:Offer a refreshing crunch and a subtle peppery bite.
• Pickled Onions:Add a tangy and sweet element, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Avocado Slices:Creamy and buttery, avocado provides a luxurious touch and a healthy dose of fats.
• Cotija Cheese:Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty and slightly tangy flavor that complements the mole beautifully.
• Crema Mexicana:A dollop of crema mexicana adds a rich and creamy element that balances the spiciness of the mole.
• Salsa Verde:A vibrant and tangy salsa verde adds a fresh and acidic kick that complements the mole.
• Pico de Gallo:A classic salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a bright and refreshing element.

Serving Options

• Tacos:Serve the chicken mole in warm tortillas with your choice of toppings. Corn tortillas are a classic choice, but flour tortillas also work well.
• Bowls:Serve the chicken mole over a bed of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Top with your favorite toppings for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Enchiladas:Use the chicken mole as a filling for enchiladas. Top with your favorite cheese and sauce, and bake until golden brown.

Side Dish Ideas, Slow cooker chicken mole tacos

• Mexican Rice:A simple and flavorful rice dish that complements the richness of the mole.
• Black Beans:A hearty and protein-packed side dish that adds a smoky and earthy flavor.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob:A sweet and smoky side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
• Grilled Peppers and Onions:A flavorful and colorful side dish that adds a touch of char and sweetness.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a great starting point for exploring different flavors and dietary needs. You can customize the mole sauce, try alternative proteins, and adapt the recipe for various dietary restrictions.

Mole Sauce Variations

The mole sauce is the star of the show, and you can experiment with different types of chocolate and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

• Dark Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa solids.
• Milk Chocolate: If you prefer a milder chocolate flavor, use milk chocolate.
• Unsweetened Chocolate: For a truly authentic mole sauce, use unsweetened chocolate and adjust the sweetness with sugar or honey.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices to create your own signature blend. Common additions include cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and chili powder.

Alternative Proteins

While chicken is the traditional protein for mole tacos, you can easily substitute it with other options.

• Beef: Use beef chuck roast or short ribs for a rich and flavorful taco filling.
• Pork: Pork shoulder or loin is a great option for a tender and juicy taco filling.
• Vegetables: For a vegetarian option, try using roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or mushrooms.

Dietary Restrictions

This recipe can be adapted to accommodate various dietary restrictions.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free meal.
• Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the chicken. You can also use a vegan mole sauce, which is readily available at many grocery stores.

Last Recap: Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Tacos

Slow cooker chicken mole tacos offer a taste of Mexico right in your own kitchen. With a simple recipe and a touch of patience, you can create a meal that is both flavorful and satisfying. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta of flavors.