Mole Chicken Fonio Bowls (Recipe of the Week)
Weeknights don’t leave a lot of room for slow-simmered sauces or complicated prep—but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for another bland dinner. This bowl is proof that you can serve up something bold, hearty, and deeply satisfying… without spending hours in the kitchen.
Inspired by classic Mexican mole, this shortcut version layers rich, smoky flavor over juicy skillet chicken and a fluffy base of quick-cooking fonio—a naturally gluten-free ancient grain from West Africa that's light, nutty, and ready in under 5 minutes. If you’re new to fonio, think of it like a softer, faster quinoa… with better flavor absorption and zero bitterness.
Finished with summer veggies and a drizzle of lime yogurt or hot sauce—this is a bowl you’ll want on repeat.
Mole Chicken Fonio Bowls
Serves: 4
Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 2 cups zucchini, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup Shipetaukin Quick Fonio, cooked according to package
- 1/3 cup Shawhan Farms Dry Mole Sauce Mix
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional toppings: lime yogurt, avocado, cilantro, hot sauce
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- Make the Mole: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add 1/3 cup Shawhan Farms Dry Mole Sauce Mix and 1/2 cup water. Stir until a smooth sauce forms. Return sliced chicken to the pan and coat with sauce.
- Cook the Veggies: In a separate pan, sauté zucchini, bell peppers, and corn in 1 tbsp oil until tender and lightly browned.
- Build the Bowls: Spoon fonio into bowls, top with mole chicken, veggies, and any toppings you like. Serve warm.
Why It Works
Fonio cooks in under 5 minutes and delivers a fluffy, mild base that soaks up the rich, complex mole perfectly. Shawhan Farms’ dry mix keeps prep fast while delivering all the depth of a homemade mole sauce—no extra ingredients required.
👉 Curious about building balanced grain bowls? Check out this guide for building nutrient-packed, customizable grain bowls—from Cooking to Dressing and Garnishes.
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