You think you know slow cooker chicken, but this Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Rich Chocolate Chili Sauce has a secret ingredient that changes everything. I learned it from a home cook in Oaxaca, and it transformed my entire approach to this dish. Ready to find out what it is? If you’re looking for more comforting classics, you should definitely try Grandma’s classic potato soup with a family twist.
This isn’t just another crockpot chicken recipe. We’re building layers of flavor that will make this your new favorite comfort dish. I promise, your kitchen is about to smell incredible.
Recipe Overview
Let’s get the basics out of the way so we can dive into the good stuff. Here’s what you’re making today.
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Category: Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on High or 6 hours on Low
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
The Secret Ingredient That Makes All the Difference
I’ll never forget the first time I tasted this. The secret is a small amount of strong brewed coffee. It doesn’t make the sauce taste like coffee. Instead, it deepens the chocolate and chili flavors, creating an unbelievable richness. This one trick elevates it from a simple crockpot dish to a pro-level meal.
Why This Method is Better (My Pro-Tips)
Most recipes just tell you to dump everything in the pot. We’re going to be a bit more strategic. By briefly toasting the spices and sautéing the aromatics, we unlock their full potential before they even hit the slow cooker. This extra five minutes of effort is the difference between a good dinner and a great one.
I also swear by using chicken thighs for this. They stay incredibly moist and juicy during the long cook time. Trust me on this; it’s a game-changer for all your slow cooker chicken thigh recipes. For another fantastic skillet dinner, check out this bright and flavorful lemon Dijon chicken skillet.
The “Upgraded” Ingredient List
These are the ingredients that will build our incredible flavor base. Using high-quality versions makes a noticeable difference.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (the secret!)
- 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp almond butter (for richness and body)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
The Pro-Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps precisely for the most flavorful result. It’s easier than you think!
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Toast for just 60 seconds until fragrant. This wakes up the spices.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, letting it darken slightly.
- Transfer this flavorful base to your slow cooker. This is our foundation.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the spice mixture in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, coffee, chopped chocolate, almond butter, and salt.
- Pour this saucy mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s mostly covered.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours. The chicken should be fall-apart tender.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. Stir it all together to coat in the now-thickened sauce.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Even pros make mistakes. Here’s how to avoid the common pitfalls with this dish.
Mistake 1: A Bitter Chocolate Sauce. This happens if the chocolate scorches. The fix is to always use unsweetened chocolate and add it with the liquid ingredients, not directly onto the hot ceramic.
Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Rich Chocolate Chili Sauce Recipe
The “Upgraded” Ingredient List
The Pro-Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Rich Chocolate Chili Sauce Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Mistake 2: A Watery Sauce. If your sauce is too thin after shredding, simply remove the lid and let it cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes. This allows excess liquid to evaporate and gives you a perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
Variations for the Adventurous Cook
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, feel free to get creative. These are my favorite pro-level swaps.
For a smoky kick, add one or two chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced. For a Whole30 version, simply ensure your chocolate is 100% cacao and your almond butter has no added sugar. You can even swap the almond butter for tahini for a different nutty profile.
Nutrition Notes
This is a wonderfully balanced and healthy crockpot meal. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving.
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
Your Pro-Level Questions Answered
I get these questions all the time from my fellow food lovers. Here are the answers.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but I don’t recommend it for this particular recipe. Chicken breasts can easily become dry. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them succulent through the long cooking process.
My sauce is too spicy. How can I tone it down?
No problem! A teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of orange juice will beautifully balance the heat without overpowering the other flavors.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
This dish tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a tiny splash of water or broth if needed.
A Few Final Secrets
This dish is perfect for a lazy dinner, but it tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Serve it over cilantro-lime rice, with warm tortillas, or even with a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal. The complex, rich flavor is always a crowd-pleaser. And if you’re craving something sweet after this savory meal, you’ll love these decadent chocolate strawberry yogurt clusters.
Now that you’re armed with all my secrets, I want to hear from you! Did the coffee make the difference I promised? Share your results and your favorite way to serve it in the comments below—I read every single one!
