Curried Chicken Mole
A vibrant and aromatic curry featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices and pastes for rich, complex flavors. Perfect for those who enjoy bold, savory dishes with a hint of heat, served over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3 to 6 garlic cloves, pressed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2-inch ginger root, grated ⓘ
- 4 to 6 Tbsp. olive or canola oil ⓘ
- 3 tsp. toasted sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. carrots, sliced
- 1 or 2 onions, diced ⓘ
- 1 fresh sweet pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. broccoli or asparagus ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. poppy seed ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. fenugreek ⓘ
- 2 to 3 lb. chicken, cut into 1-inch chunks ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups yogurt ⓘ
- 2 to 4 Tbsp. curry paste ⓘ
- 2 to 4 Tbsp. mole paste ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. ground cumin and/or paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute garlic, ginger, and fenugreek in 2 teaspoons sesame oil and 2 to 3 tablespoons olive or canola oil for 1 minute.
- Add carrots and onions, and saute until onions are golden.
- Remove and reserve.
- Add oil; stir-fry chicken quickly until very golden and crispy; remove and reserve.
- Add oil; stir-fry fenugreek, poppy seed, and broccoli or asparagus quickly as bhaji.
- Add the reserved onions, carrots, and chicken back to the pan.
- Cover with yogurt (or part coconut milk) and stir to combine.
- Dissolve curry paste and mole paste in a little liquid, then add to the mixture and stir well.
- Lay sliced sweet pepper over the mixture and allow it to steam.
- Optional: add ground cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
- Let simmer for 30 to 60 minutes until flavors meld and chicken is tender.
- Serve over cooked basmati or jasmine rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of coconut milk along with the yogurt. You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can also elevate the dish. Adjust the curry and mole paste to your preferred spice level, and don't hesitate to mix in vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with cooked basmati or jasmine rice, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added brightness. Consider serving with warm naan or pita for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring to ensure even heating. Freezing is an option; just make sure to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Chicken Mole contains roughly 1529 calories, with 48g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (135% of the Daily Value), and protein (96% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1165mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, beef, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may need longer to become tender.
What can I do if I don't have mole paste?
If mole paste isn't available, you can create a substitute by blending cocoa powder with some chili powder and spices like cumin and garlic. This will mimic the rich, complex flavors of mole without being an exact match.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can vary based on the curry and mole pastes you use. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste. If you prefer milder dishes, opt for a sweet curry paste and reduce the amount gradually until it suits your palate.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).