Chicken Chocolate Sauce (Mole)

photo, chicken mole, courtesy Creative Commmons

Chicken Chocolate Sauce?
You've Gotta Check this out!
Chocolate is a favorite all over the world, from popular chocolate gourmet gifts to the favorite chocolate covered strawberries. But have you ever heard of chocolate sauce over chicken? The cacao bean originally comes from Central and South American, as you may know, and began as a sacred, bitter drink.

Since olden times, it has been used in many traditional recipes. Including chicken mole (sauce), a.k.a., chicken with chocolate sauce (no, not the traditional dessert chocolate sauce!)

I first tried a chicken chocolate sauce in, of all places...Kuwait...back in the 1980's at an elegant dinner party. It was made by some newly-made American friends there, and followed a family recipe. At first I thought I was going to be disgusted -- I'm a really picky eater. But it was one of the most unusual and flavorful dishes I'd had in a long time.

Here is a somewhat simplified version of chicken chocolate sauce. If you want to serve a unique dinner, try this. Recipes and parties are always favorite senior activity ideas. Use it at a sit-down dinner, as part of a buffet, themed party, or a pot-luck item. If you're cooking for a large group, just modify the recipe. It can be used with small chicken pieces as well. I guarantee you'll have your guests raving!

Chicken Mole (Chicken with Chocolate Sauce)

4 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 Onion, chopped
Pieces of chicken - for 6 people
1 Red pepper, chopped
2 Cups of canned chopped tomatoes
2 Tbsp Chili powder (or to taste)
2 1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Grated orange rind (1 orange)
1 tsp honey
4 squares of bitter chocolate – chopped
1/4 c Light rum (optional)

In a pan, the heat oil and cook garlic, then add chicken and brown.
Remove the chicken when brown.
In the remaining oil and fat, cook the onion, green pepper, and tomato on Low for about 10 minutes until tender.
Add chili powder, blending well.
Add chicken broth, almonds, and raisins. Stir in well.
Add in the seasonings and orange rind. Cover, and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
Add in the chocolate pieces, and stir constantly until melted.
Put the mixture into a casserole dish.
Now put the chicken into the casserole on top of the mixture. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
Cover, and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees (chicken should be tender).
Warm the rum in a separate pan, then pour it over the casserole.
Let it stand for about 15 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro, as desired.Makes 6 servings.

Also serve with sliced avocados and Spanish rice on the side.

Be sure to see the fun pages:
Fiesta Party Ideas! -- See our fiesta party ideas and easy recipes, including for some delicious Sangrias. Fun projects for party decorations and centerpieces too.
Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries! -- Learn how to make chocolate covered strawberries - the easy way! And fun decorating projects too! For all ages; also makes great senior activity ideas.

Go back to Elderly Fiesta Activities.

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