This article was updated on the 1st of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your chicken mole, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 13 of the most popular side dishes for chicken mole.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with chicken mole are arroz Mexicano, corn tortillas, papas con chile, avocado fries, nachos, or roasted Mexican potatoes. Try pineapple pico de gallo, Mexican chopped salad, or pickled onions for a more refreshing side. Fresas con crema is great if you want a dessert.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Mexican Classics
Stick to chicken mole’s Mexican roots and enjoy it alongside these traditional accompaniments. They’re guaranteed to make your chicken shine while keeping you satisfied!
Corn Tortillas
5.0 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 1 hr 30 mins
A Mexican meal isn’t complete without tortillas on the side, and it’s easy to understand why. You can stuff them with the chicken and make tacos, or you can use them to mop up any leftover sauce. Either way, it’ll be delicious.
You can easily find corn tortillas in grocery stores, but the flavor of the freshly made ones is unparalleled. I find that they’re more pliable too, making them more versatile.
The best part is you only need four ingredients to make corn tortillas from scratch: masa harina, lard, salt, and water!
What readers are saying…
“These were so delicious and super easy to make!! I’ll never buy store-bought again!!”
“I just tried it and it is really amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe!”
“This was the easiest recipe for making tortillas! Loved it!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🤩 Homemade Flour Tortillas
💚 Spinach Tortillas
😇 Low-carb Cauliflower Tortillas
Homemade Refried Beans
4.8 ⭐️ (160 ratings) | 1 hr 20 mins
Canned refried beans taste okay, but your chicken mole deserves the best side dish. And homemade refried beans are the best (they’re healthier than the canned version too).
They’re smooth and creamy, with a slightly spicy flavor which works well with the earthy undertones of chicken mole.
Lauren from Tastes Better from Scratch provides three ways to make these refried beans, and my go-to is the instant pot method. It’s quick and effortless, and you won’t need to soak the beans before cooking.
What readers are saying…
“I’ve made this recipe twice for big gatherings and it’s been a hit both times.”
“These are the best and easiest refried beans I’ve ever made. They taste so much better than store-bought. I don’t think I’ll ever buy store-bought again.”
“Made these came out great. Tasted so good I put them in a blender with some bean juice and made them totally smooth, everyone just loved them!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Arroz Mexicano (Mexican Rice)
4.9 ⭐️ (25 ratings) | 35 mins
Arroz Mexicano, aka Mexican rice, is a simple but satisfying side for chicken mole.
The fluffy rice gets coated with the mole sauce, ensuring no drop is wasted. And its mild tomato flavor brings a subtle sweetness to cut through the bold flavors of your mole.
This recipe also leaves room for customization. For example, I usually add frozen peas into my rice and chopped jalapenos for a bit of color and heat.
What readers are saying…
“Loved this rice!! As close to restaurant rice as we’ve ever had. Added a little more granules and a pinch of salt, it was perfect!”
“Thank you for posting, it’s one of the simplest dishes but only gets better the more you make it! I love adding a little cumin to my rice, along with cilantro.”
“I followed your recipe exactly as written and it is PERFECT! I’ve never been this excited about my rice and I’ll be sure to follow it every time!! Almost as good as my Mom’s.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fresh and Light Sides
Chicken mole can get pretty heavy with its bold flavor and rich sauce, so you can’t go wrong with serving something fresh and light on the side. These sides also add a vibrant pop of color to the plate.
Pineapple Pico de Gallo
4.8 ⭐️ (35 ratings) | 35 mins
If you’re not happy serving the same old pico de gallo, why not switch things up and add some pineapple for color and flavor?
The last time I served this pineapple pico de gallo at our dinner table, the bowl was emptied in a matter of minutes! The juicy pineapple pairs wonderfully with the spicy jalapenos, and the tangy-sweet flavor complements the richer chicken mole.
Tao of Spice recommends using fresh pineapple for best results. But if you’re planning to use canned pineapple, remember to thoroughly drain the fruit first.
What the chef says…
“This was so good! I love the addition of pineapple and it isn’t too spicy!”
“This really is insanely delicious! I love pineapple in salads and this is one of my favorite recipes.”
“This was so good! I love the addition of pineapple and it isn’t too spicy!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mexican Chopped Salad
4.3 ⭐️ (103 ratings) | 15 mins
Mexican chopped salad is a light and fresh side for your chicken mole.
The Mexican twist comes from the corn and cilantro, but otherwise, this is a pretty standard side salad. It’s super easy to make and the dressing adds a nice tartness that helps contrast the richness of your chicken mole.
Think this salad is too light? Slimming Eats recommends adding baked beans or even cooked pasta to make this more substantial. I prefer quinoa because it’s way healthier and more filling!
What readers are saying…
“If you don’t have sherry vinegar, it (the dressing) will also work with a mix of white wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sauteed Zucchini
4.9 ⭐️ (59 ratings) | 10 mins
If you have the chicken and the carbs sorted, the next thing you need is vegetables. And that’s where this sauteed zucchini comes in.
It looks simple, but it’s tasty. I mean, anything smothered in garlic butter is going to taste great! But its simplicity also allows you to customize it to your heart’s desire. I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and parmesan cheese for a bit of decadence.
Wholesome Yum also suggests adding other veggies like cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs for even more flavor.
What readers are saying…
“This is such a good recipe, simple and the garlic really sets off the zucchini. For my oil, I used avocado oil and added the butter and garlic at the end.”
“Perfect side dish! Followed the recipe exactly and it was awesome!”
“This recipe looked too simple to taste good but I tried it anyway and I really liked it. I made it with extra garlic since I like it so much. Will make again.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Pickled Onions
5.0 ⭐️ (23 ratings) | 25 mins
Chicken mole is a heavily spiced, deeply flavorful dish, so all you really need is a simple side. And nothing is as simple as a jar of pickled onions.
Their tart flavor will help cut through the richness of your sauce, and the vibrant pink hue will look very attractive next to the deep brown chicken.
You do need patience with these pickled onions. They’ll need an hour to soak up the tangy goodness from the brine. What I like doing is to make a big batch, which lasts for up to three weeks!
What readers are saying…
“Love these pickled onions!! Not only do I eat them on these tacos but basically are good one any meal.
Always have two jars in the fridge!! They are a must-make!”
” I can never get enough of these though – always in the fridge.”
“This was so easy to make and fabulous. Will make again. Only used 1/2 of the large onion.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇲🇽 Mexican Pickled Vegetables (Escabeche)
🤩 Homemade Onion Rings
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
4.7 ⭐️ (63 ratings) | 1hr 15 mins
Sure, tomato-based salsas are great. But my personal favorite is this Chipotle-inspired corn salsa. It’ll brighten up your plate and make the meal feel more summery.
Nicolette of Homecooked Roots roasts her own poblano peppers from scratch to add a layer of smokiness and a very light heat to this salsa. I’ve also used jarred pre-roasted poblano peppers in a pinch and they always work out great!
Pro-tip: This salsa is mildly spicy, so you can add another jalapeno pepper if you want more heat.
What readers are saying…
“So delicious!! The amount of spicy is perfect! So much more fresh and flavorful than Chipotle!”
“I love the Chipotle corn salsa and this one is just like it! I make huge batches for Mexican food and as a dip, and everyone always loves it.”
“This recipe is delicious and keeps you wanting more! The best thing is it uses frozen corn which means you can have it all year round.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fresas con Crema
4.6 ⭐️ (416 ratings) | 10 mins
Want something sweet to end your chicken mole meal? Give this gorgeous fresas con crema a shot!
It’s a traditional Mexican dessert featuring strawberries covered in a mixture of sour cream, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. There’s zero cooking involved with this dish. Simply mix all the dairy products and a splash of vanilla together and pour this luscious mixture over the berries.
Not a fan of strawberries?
You can also use apples, grapes, blueberries, or pretty much any fruit you want! I especially love using peaches during summer.
What readers are saying…
“This was so good!! Delicious with strawberries and bananas then I tried it with pineapple and it was even better!”
“I made this and loved it!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Hearty Sides
Pairing chicken mole with these hearty sides is the way to go if you’re looking for the perfect rainy day treat or simply to indulge yourself.
Roasted Mexican Potatoes
4.6 ⭐️ (92 ratings) | 50 mins
Want something starchy but not made with rice? These roasted potatoes are what you need.
They’re perfect for soaking up every drop of the thick mole sauce. And they’ve got enough flavor that they won’t be totally bland if you happen to eat one without any sauce.
But what I really love about these spuds is they’re so crispy, you’d think they’re fried! Just follow Isabel Eats’ instructions for roasting to achieve similar results.
What readers are saying…
“Excellent dish. Great flavor. A good alternative to rice as a side.”
“These ‘taters were a total hit with the family on Father’s Day. Even the kids liked them! Really enjoyed the spicy mix.”
“Delicious!!! And so crispy that you would think it was deep fried.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Avocado Fries
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 44 mins
I thought I’d tried it all when I had some avocado ice cream, but then I came across these avocado fries.
They have a creamy flavor that helps mellow out the boldness of the chicken mole. And Jean from What Great Grandma Ate coats them with crushed-up pork rinds, giving them a nice crunch to contrast your tender chicken.
Pro-tip: Can’t find pork rinds? You can use parmesan cheese instead.
What readers are saying…
“I love using the air fryer to make different kinds of fries. The crushed pork rinds make these extra yummy!”
“Amazing side for any dinner! delicious, the recipe follows for it to be perfect!”
“Thank you for the oven method! I’m finally going to get pork panko so I can try this!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 35 mins
Take famous comfort food mashed potatoes to new heights by adding in some peppers, jalapenos, and cheese. The chili peppers add a subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess of the spuds while the bell peppers bring pops of caramelized sweetness to every bite.
These mashed potatoes are anything but authentically Mexican, but you’re in for a whole new level of yumminess once you have them mixed with your chicken mole’s sauce.
What readers are saying…
“We really enjoyed this! It made a LOT as directed, so I think if I make it again, I’ll halve the recipe and use a food processor for all the veggies.”
“Oh, this is a keeper! I can’t believe I never thought of doing this.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Chicken Mole Nachos
5.0 ⭐️ (10 ratings) | 25 mins
I love nachos. Who doesn’t, right? So I go above and beyond to give nachos the respect they deserve.
And chicken mole is definitely a worthy topping. The crunchy nachos and gooey cheese elevate the chicken mole into something spectacular.
Serve these chicken mole nachos on your next game day and be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe!
What readers are saying…
“These nachos look really good and are a nice departure from the typical ground beef nachos.”
“These Chicken Mole Nachos look soooo appetizing!”
“This looks really delicious and this will be gone in a second once you serve this at home.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Chicken Mole – 13 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion arroz mexicano
- 1 portion pickled onions
- 1 portion pineapple pico de gallo
- 1 portion corn tortillas
- 1 portion chipotle corn salsa
- 1 portion sauteed zucchini … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your chicken mole according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: corn tortillas, pineapple pico de gallo, Mexican chopped salad, roasted Mexican potatoes, avocado fries, pickled onions, homemade refried beans, arroz mexicano (Mexican rice), papas con chile, sauteed zucchini, chicken mole nachos, chipotle corn salsa, and fresas con crema.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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