Mole Amarillo

Name: Mole Amarillo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Mole Amarillo

Cena • Mexico

180

KCAL

PROTEIN (G)

CARBS (G)

FAT (G)

Data source: MexicanCalorie

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About Mole Amarillo

Yellow mole with guajillo and herbs

How to Make Mole Amarillo (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

Medium

Mole Amarillo is a vibrant and aromatic dish from the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico, celebrated for its complex flavors and cultural richness. Unlike its darker mole cousins, Mole Amarillo features a bright, golden hue thanks to the blend of dried chilies, fresh vegetables, and spices. Traditionally served for dinner, this Oaxacan specialty brings together tender pieces of chicken simmered in a velvety, mildly spicy sauce thickened with masa harina and seasoned with native herbs like hoja santa. Its balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and moderate fat makes it a wholesome choice for those seeking a flavorful meal without excess calories. This version of Mole Amarillo is adapted to be health-conscious while preserving its authentic taste. The use of lean chicken breast, a generous amount of fresh vegetables, and a lighter hand with oil makes it suitable for calorie tracking and modern dietary needs. The taste is savory with a subtle heat and herbal notes, offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the diversity of Mexican cuisine. Mole Amarillo is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of Oaxacan tradition, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl with chicken and vegetables)

250g Chicken breast (skinless, boneless)
2 Guajillo chilies (deseeded and soaked)
1 Ancho chili (deseeded and soaked)
2 medium Tomatillos (husks removed, quartered)
1/2 medium White onion (roughly chopped)
2 Garlic cloves (peeled)
100g Green beans (trimmed, cut in half)
1 small Chayote squash (peeled, cubed)
1 large Hoja santa leaf (optional if unavailable) - optional
2 tbsp Masa harina (for thickening)
1 tbsp Olive oil (or avocado oil)
2 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish) - optional
to taste Salt
to taste Black pepper

Instructions

1
Soak the guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for 10 minutes until soft. Remove stems and seeds.
10 minutes
Wearing gloves makes handling chilies easier and prevents skin irritation.
2
In a blender, combine soaked chilies, tomatillos, onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
3 minutes
Blend until completely smooth for a silky sauce.
3
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Pour the chili-tomatillo sauce into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4 minutes
Sautéing the sauce deepens the flavors and reduces bitterness.
4
Add the chicken breast pieces and stir to coat with sauce. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
2 minutes
Cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This version of Mole Amarillo is health-friendly because it uses minimal oil, lean meat, and a generous mix of fresh, fiber-rich vegetables. The natural thickener (masa harina) is gluten-free and provides sustained energy. By skipping heavy lard and limiting salt, the dish supports heart health and weight management. The variety of vegetables ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients, making this an ideal dinner for calorie-conscious eaters.

Mole Amarillo is packed with lean protein from chicken breast, fiber, and antioxidants from tomatillos, green beans, and chayote. The traditional use of chili peppers brings vitamins A and C, while masa harina provides complex carbohydrates and some B vitamins. This meal is relatively low in saturated fat due to the small amount of oil and the use of skinless chicken. The inclusion of fresh vegetables boosts the dish's vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient content, making it a nourishing choice for a balanced diet.

Pro Tips

💡Tip 1: Always toast chilies lightly before soaking to intensify their flavor.
💡Tip 2: For vegetarian adaptation, substitute chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms.
💡Tip 3: Serve Mole Amarillo with warm corn tortillas for a more traditional experience.

Storage & Serving

Store leftover Mole Amarillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Best served: Dinner or Lunch