Mole Chicken Breast Sandwich

Change up the typical chicken sandwich with this version inspired by the flavors of Mexican mole. Chilies, spices, and chocolate come together for a complex sauce unlike any other. This is both stuffed inside the chicken breasts and brushed on them as they cook, leading to a flavor explosion in every bight.

MOLE CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 buns

Mole Sauce

• ½ large onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, sliced into thirds
• ¼ cup large dried ancho chilies (63ml)
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (15ml)
• 2 tomatillos cut into halves
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (2ml)
• ½ teaspoon allspice (2ml)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (2ml)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (30ml)
• 1 cup water (500ml)
• 1 oz dark chocolate

Preheat pan over a high heat grill until it is smoking.

Add oil to the pan, then add the onions, garlic, chilies, and tomatillos. Cook over high heat until charred and darkened, about 10 minutes. Toss in the sesame seeds, cinnamon, allspice, and chili powder and cook for 1 minute more, stirring to toast the spices.

Add water to the pan and reduce heat to medium low. Allow chili sauce to simmer for 20 minutes, remove from the heat and cool slightly.

Puree ingredients in a blender until a smooth paste is achieved. Grate in chocolate and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to cool before proceeding.

Make a pocket in the chicken using a sharp knife. Stuff cooled mole in the chicken pocket, reserving 1 cup of the sauce for basting. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and wrap in plastic wrap. Place the chicken into the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Preheat the grill to 350°F/175°C or medium heat.

Unwrap the chicken and brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken and baste with reserved chili chocolate sauce. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C). Remove from grill and tent with foil.

Toast buns on the grill for 30 seconds.

Build sandwiches and serve.