Slow Cooker Mexican Dinner Mole Poblano

If you're looking for a delightful and flavorful meal that brings a taste of Mexico into your kitchen, look no further than a Slow Cooker Mexican Dinner featuring Mole Poblano. This rich and complex sauce is a staple in Mexican cuisine, and when prepared in a slow cooker, it effortlessly melds flavors for a delicious, hassle-free dinner.

Mole Poblano is known for its unique combination of ingredients, including various chiles, chocolate, nuts, and spices. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, creating a dish that is both savory and a bit sweet. Here's how to prepare this mouthwatering dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup mole poblano sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Warm tortillas (for serving)
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, or crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken. This addition will imbue the dish with aromatic flavors as it cooks.

Step 3: Pour in the Sauce

Pour the mole poblano sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated. Add chicken broth to keep the mixture moist during the cooking process.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Dish

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 4 hours. This will allow the chicken to become tender and fully absorb the bold flavors of the mole.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce, then let it sit on warm for a few minutes to absorb more flavors.

Step 6: Plate Up

Serve the chicken mole poblano on warm tortillas and garnish with fresh cilantro. You can add optional toppings like slices of avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or crumbled queso fresco for extra richness.

Tips for the Best Mole Poblano

  • For a homemade mole sauce, roast various dried chiles, grind them into powder, and mix with chocolate, nuts, and spices for a more authentic flavor.
  • Adjust the spice level by choosing different types of chiles or by adding a little heat with cayenne pepper.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.

This Slow Cooker Mexican Dinner with Mole Poblano is not just a dish; it's a celebration of flavors that everyone will love. Enjoy this traditional meal at home, and let the slow cooker do all the work for you!