Home-Style Chicken Mole Negro
Mole negro carries a reputation that can feel intimidating, even for experienced home cooks. Traditional preparations often involve dozens of ingredients, multiple stages of toasting and grinding, and hours of focused attention. That depth is part of what makes mole special, but it can also push it out of reach for everyday cooking.
This version is rooted in respect for the dish while acknowledging how people actually cook at home. By starting with a prepared mole base, the sauce gains structure immediately, creating space to build flavor thoughtfully instead of chasing complexity. Guajillo chiles add warmth and dried fruit notes, spices bring balance, and Mexican hot chocolate rounds everything out with subtle bitterness and depth.
The result is a mole that feels familiar, comforting, and intentional. Braised chicken absorbs the sauce as it simmers, creating a dish that feels settled and cohesive rather than heavy or aggressive. Served family style, it is generous and grounding, the kind of meal meant to be shared without explanation.
