Mole Chicken Tacos: Your Go-To Recipe for a Flavorful Fiesta!

Friends, if you’re looking for a dish that truly excites the palate and brings a burst of rich, authentic flavor to your weeknight dinner, look no further than these incredible Mole Chicken Tacos! This recipe features my absolute favorite shortcut mole sauce, which comes together in just 20 minutes, making gourmet Mexican cuisine accessible to everyone. Each bite is a symphony of robust, zesty, and subtly sweet flavors, perfectly balanced to create a truly unforgettable taco experience.

One of the best things about this recipe is its incredible versatility. While the succulent chicken bathed in mole sauce is undeniably delicious, you can easily adapt these tacos to fit various dietary preferences. For our vegetarian and vegan friends, a simple swap of roasted cauliflower or sweet potatoes for the chicken creates a hearty and equally satisfying alternative, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy this amazing meal. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with these show-stopping tacos!

Why Mole Chicken Tacos Are a Must-Try

Have you had the pleasure of trying my quick mole sauce yet? If not, consider this your official invitation! And trust me, there’s no better way to experience its magic than by using it to create these utterly fabulous mole chicken tacos. They’re more than just a meal; they’re an experience that delivers on taste, convenience, and pure culinary joy.

These tacos are designed for ease without compromising on depth of flavor. They come together effortlessly with any type of cooked, diced, or shredded chicken you have on hand. Whether you’re utilizing leftover baked chicken from last night’s dinner or opting for the ultimate shortcut of a store-bought rotisserie chicken, the preparation is minimal. The chicken is then generously coated in our heavenly mole sauce – a rich blend that is nutty, chocolate-y, savory, and boasts just the right hint of sweetness. This sauce, the star of the show, can be whipped up in a mere 20 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a complex flavor profile that typically takes hours.

Beyond the core ingredients, these tacos offer endless possibilities for customization. Serve them on your preferred corn or flour tortillas for a classic taco experience, or get creative and layer them with rice to construct vibrant burrito bowls. The real fun, however, begins when you pile them high with all your favorite toppings. From fresh cilantro to crisp onions and creamy avocado, these additions elevate the dish, making each taco a personalized masterpiece. I promise you, once you try them, you’ll understand why these tacos are truly exceptional.

The entire recipe is remarkably quick, typically coming together in about 40 minutes from start to finish. But for those extra busy weeknights or when entertaining a crowd, feel free to prep the chicken and the mole sauce in advance. This forethought makes assembly a breeze, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends. And here’s a pro tip: I absolutely recommend making a double batch of the mole sauce. This versatile elixir is incredibly delicious on virtually everything, from eggs and vegetables to other meats, so you’ll be glad to have extra!

Alright, enough talk – let’s dive into making some spectacular mole chicken tacos!

Essential Ingredients for Mole Chicken Tacos:

To craft these mouthwatering chicken mole tacos, gather the following key ingredients:

• Quick Mole Sauce: The foundation of this recipe is one batch of my famous shortcut homemade mole sauce. This rich and complex sauce is surprisingly simple to prepare in just 20 minutes. The ingredients for the sauce include: a good quality oil, fresh onion, aromatic garlic, flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option) for thickening, vegetable stock for body, almond (or peanut) butter for a nutty richness, a touch of tomato paste for depth, unsweetened cocoa powder for that characteristic mole undertone, and a blend of salt and spices to perfect the flavor profile.
• Cooked Chicken: You will need approximately 4 cups (which translates to about 2 pounds) of cooked, shredded, or diced chicken. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – you can cook the chicken however you prefer! It’s an ideal way to utilize leftover chicken, giving it a vibrant new life. For the photos, I used my go-to baked chicken breasts recipe, which yields tender and flavorful results. Alternatively, you could whip up a batch of Instant Pot shredded chicken for a super-fast option. For ultimate convenience, simply shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Tortillas: The choice is yours – either corn or flour tortillas will work beautifully. Corn tortillas offer a traditional, slightly earthy flavor, while flour tortillas provide a softer, more pliable wrap. Consider warming them gently before serving for the best texture and pliability.
• Avocados: While I often suggest avocados as an optional topping, for these mole chicken tacos, I consider them absolutely essential! Their cool, creamy texture and mild flavor provide a perfect counterpoint to the deep, rich intensity of the mole sauce, creating a delightful balance with every bite.
• Lime Wedges: A generous squeeze of fresh lime juice is another indispensable component. The bright, acidic citrus cuts through the richness of the mole, adding a refreshing zest that truly elevates the overall flavor experience. Don’t skip this vibrant touch!
• Abundant Toppings: I firmly believe the more toppings, the merrier! These customizable additions allow you to personalize each taco to your liking. I’m particularly fond of adding plenty of chopped fresh cilantro for herbaceous freshness and finely diced red or white onions for a pungent, crisp bite. Other fantastic additions include thinly-sliced radishes for a peppery crunch, crumbled cotija cheese for a salty, creamy element, or sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) if you crave an extra kick of heat.

How to Assemble Your Irresistible Chicken Tacos:

Creating these mole chicken tacos is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:

1. Prepare the Mole Sauce: Begin by cooking your shortcut mole sauce on the stovetop. Follow the detailed recipe instructions to ensure it reaches that perfect rich consistency and flavor. Once your mole sauce is ready and piping hot, set aside approximately one cup of the finished sauce. This reserved portion will be used later to drizzle generously over your assembled tacos, adding an extra layer of moisture and flavor just before serving.
2. Toss the Chicken with Mole: Take the remaining mole sauce and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add your cooked, shredded, or diced chicken to the bowl. Using tongs or a spoon, gently toss the chicken until every piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the luxurious mole sauce. Ensure the chicken is fully enveloped in the rich, dark sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
3. Assemble the Tacos: Now for the fun part – layering everything up! Take your warmed tortillas (whether corn or flour) and fill each with a generous scoop of the mole-coated chicken. Next, take that reserved cup of mole sauce and drizzle an extra spoonful over the chicken in each taco. This adds an extra punch of flavor and keeps the tacos moist. Top each taco with a creamy serving of diced avocado, a refreshing squeeze of fresh lime juice, and then pile on any other toppings that tantalize your taste buds. (You know my philosophy – when it comes to toppings, the more, the merrier!)
4. Serve and Savor: Once assembled, these tacos are best enjoyed immediately while the flavors are fresh and the tortillas are warm. Serve them up and prepare to delight in the incredible combination of rich mole, tender chicken, and vibrant toppings. Enjoy!

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Tacos:

The beauty of these mole chicken tacos lies in their adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize them to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some delicious ways you can vary this recipe:

• Boost with Beans: For an added layer of texture, flavor, and protein, consider incorporating beans into your tacos. If you happen to have some black beans, pinto beans, or even creamy refried beans on hand, they would be a fantastic addition. Simply warm them through and add a spoonful to each taco before topping.
• Add a Crunchy Slaw: Introduce a bright, crisp element with a vibrant slaw. This easy cilantro lime slaw would be absolutely fantastic on these chicken mole tacos, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. The tanginess and crunch would cut through the mole beautifully.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Adapting this recipe for a gluten-free diet is simple. Ensure you use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. For the mole sauce, instead of flour, use a cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired thickness. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Delight: Easily transform these into a meat-free marvel. Simply swap the chicken for hearty roasted cauliflower or sweet potatoes. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a satisfying texture that pairs wonderfully with the mole sauce.
• Burrito Bowl Bonanza: Don’t limit yourself to tortillas! I frequently use the leftovers from this recipe to create delightful chicken burrito bowls. Instead of tortillas, simply layer your mole chicken, avocados, lime, and toppings over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Spice it Up: If you love a little heat, consider adding some chopped serrano or habanero peppers to your mole sauce while it simmers, or garnish your finished tacos with thinly sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Beyond the Plate: Meal Prep & Serving Suggestions

These Mole Chicken Tacos are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient for meal planning. To make your life even easier, you can prepare the mole sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store the mole sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and the cooked chicken separately. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce, toss it with the chicken, warm your tortillas, and assemble. This makes them a perfect option for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining. For a balanced meal, consider serving these tacos with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Pair them with a refreshing horchata or a classic margarita for the ultimate Mexican feast.

More Favorite Taco Recipes to Explore:

If these Mole Chicken Tacos have sparked your love for all things taco, you’re in luck! Here are a few more of my absolute favorite taco recipes that I highly recommend you try:

• Easy Breakfast Tacos
• Carnitas Tacos (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
• Barbacoa Tacos (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
• Roasted Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos
• Super-Simple Salmon Tacos
• Crispy Baked Fish Tacos

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Description

These Mole Chicken Tacos are made with my favorite shortcut 20-minute mole sauce, and they are full of the best rich and zesty flavors! Feel free to swap roasted cauliflower for the chicken to make them vegetarian/vegan if you prefer.

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Ingredients

• 1 batch quick mole sauce
• 4 cups (about 2 pounds) diced or shredded cooked chicken
• 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
• 2 avocados, diced
• 2 fresh limes, cut into wedges
• Toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, diced red or white onions, sliced radishes, and/or crumbled cotija cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the mole sauce. Prepare the mole sauce according to recipe instructions.
2. Toss the chicken. Once the mole sauce is ready to go, reserve 1 cup of the sauce to the side for later. Then add the remainder of the sauce to a large mixing bowl with the chicken, and toss the chicken until it is evenly coated.
3. Assemble the tacos. Fill the tortillas with a generous scoop of the chicken, drizzle with a spoonful of extra mole sauce, top with avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and whatever other toppings sound good to you.
4. Serve. Then serve and enjoy while the tacos are warm!

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