Chicken and Olive Mole Casserole

My Southwestern chicken casserole makes the perfect party dish when you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary. The mole sauce lends an authentic flavor, and folks are always pleasantly surprised to taste a little sweetness from the chocolate.

Chicken and Olive Mole Casserole

Average Rating: 3.555555

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 50 min. Bake: 40 min. + standing
YIELD: 8 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 large onions, finely chopped, divided
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 5 tablespoons chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 ounce semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 6 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 12 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
  • 1 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
  • 4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  • 1. In a large saucepan, saute 1 cup onion in oil until tender. Reduce heat to low. Add the garlic, salt, oregano, cumin and cinnamon; cover and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in chili powder and flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth. Bring to a boil. Cook until mixture is reduced to 3 cups, about 35 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in chocolate.
  • 2. In a large bowl, combine chicken and 1/2 cup sauce. Spread 1/2 cup sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with half of the tortillas, chicken mixture, remaining onion and olives; top with 1 cup sauce and 2 cups cheese. Repeat layers.
  • 3. Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 640 calories, 36g fat (14g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1483mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 50g protein.