What to Serve With Mole: 12 Easy Ideas From Our Kitchen
By the Halietza family · Updated October 10, 2026 · 6 min read
Once a pouch of mole is in the pantry, the question becomes what to put under it. In Oaxaca the answer is almost anything. Here are the dishes our family actually makes, from the classic plate of chicken in mole to the Tuesday night eggs, and the sides that belong next to them.
The classics
1. Chicken in mole
The dish everyone pictures. Poach chicken thighs or legs in salted water with onion and garlic, then spoon warm mole over them. Use the poaching liquid as the broth for the mole and nothing goes to waste. Any mole works, and Mole Negro and Mole Rojo are the traditional picks.
2. Turkey in mole negro
Guajolote en mole negro is the Oaxacan wedding and Día de Muertos plate. It is also the best thing that can happen to Thanksgiving leftovers: warm sliced turkey in mole negro and serve with rice.
3. Enmoladas (mole enchiladas)
Warm corn tortillas, dip them in mole, fill with shredded chicken or crumbled queso fresco, roll, and spoon more mole on top. Finish with sesame seeds, onion and a little crema. Mole Coloradito is the classic for this, and rojo is a close second.
Breakfast and brunch
4. Eggs in mole
Fry or scramble eggs and spoon warm coloradito or rojo over them, with tortillas on the side. This is a real Oaxacan breakfast and a very good use of leftover sauce.
5. Mole chilaquiles
Swap the usual salsa for thinned mole. Toss fried tortilla chips in warm mole until just softened, then top with a fried egg, crumbled cheese and onion.
Beyond chicken
6. Pork in mole verde
Simmer pork shoulder until tender, then finish it in Mole Verde. The bright pepita and tomatillo flavor cuts through the richness of the pork.
7. Tamales
Oaxacan tamales are often filled with chicken and mole, wrapped in banana leaves. Mole Amarillo and mole negro are the two you will find most. Mole also makes a great sauce spooned over store bought tamales.
8. Empanadas de amarillo
A market favorite in Oaxaca: a large corn tortilla folded over chicken and mole amarillo, then griddled until the edges crisp. At home, use fresh masa or thick tortillas and a dry skillet.
9. Roasted vegetables
Roast cauliflower, sweet potato, squash or mushrooms until browned, then toss with warm mole. Verde and amarillo keep it light, negro makes it feel like a main course. Made with vegetable broth, this plate is vegan.
10. Steak or grilled meat
Tasajo, the thin grilled beef of Oaxaca, is often served next to mole. At home, a sliced grilled steak with a spoon of coloradito does the same job.
The sides that belong on the table
11. Rice, tortillas and beans
Plain white rice or rice cooked with a little onion is the standard partner, because it soaks up the sauce. Warm corn tortillas are not optional. A bowl of black beans rounds out the plate.
12. Something fresh
Mole is rich, so put something bright beside it: sliced white onion, radishes, a squeeze of lime, pickled red onion, or a simple salad. Toasted sesame seeds on top of the mole are traditional and worth the thirty seconds.
Which mole with which dish
| Dish | Best mole | Also good |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken, everyday | Coloradito | Rojo |
| Chicken or turkey, celebration | Negro | Rojo |
| Enchiladas | Coloradito | Rojo, Negro |
| Eggs | Coloradito | Rojo |
| Pork | Verde | Amarillo |
| Tamales and empanadas | Amarillo | Negro |
| Roasted vegetables | Verde | Amarillo, Negro |
| Grilled beef | Coloradito | Negro |
Not sure which to keep in the pantry? The 5-Flavor Bundle has one pouch of each. And if you are new to making the sauce, the ratios are in How to make mole from dehydrated mole.
Questions we hear a lot
- What meat goes best with mole?
- Chicken and turkey are the traditional choices and go with every mole. Pork is excellent with mole verde and amarillo. Beef pairs well with coloradito and the smoky chichilo.
- What do you eat mole with besides chicken?
- Enchiladas, eggs, tamales, roasted vegetables, pork, grilled steak and chilaquiles are all common. Rice and warm corn tortillas are the usual sides.
- Can mole be vegetarian or vegan?
- Yes. Make the sauce with vegetable broth and serve it over roasted vegetables, mushrooms, tofu or in cheese enchiladas. Halietza dehydrated moles contain no animal products on their own.
- What drinks go with mole?
- Agua fresca, Mexican hot chocolate or a light beer are classic. Mezcal, which is also from Oaxaca, is the traditional sip alongside mole negro.
From our kitchen
Moles mentioned in this guide
Cooked in small batches in Oaxaca and sun dried the old fashioned way. Stir into warm chicken broth and dinner is ready in minutes.