When the air turns crisp and sweaters come out of storage, it’s the perfect time to make a bowl of hearty, wholesome comfort. This Chicken and Pumpkin Chili combines tender chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and rich spices with the subtle sweetness of creamy pumpkin. The result? A cozy, flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out. In this guide, you’ll get a peek into the story behind this Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe, a complete ingredient list, step-by-step cooking instructions, and expert tips for storage and variations. Ready to master your new favorite Chicken Pumpkin Chili Recipe this season? Let’s get cooking.
A Cozy Fall Memory with Chicken and Pumpkin Chili
I still remember the first weekend it truly felt like fall—the kind where leaves start decorating the sidewalks and the air smells faintly of wood smoke. That was the day I first made Chicken and Pumpkin Chili. The pot simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with the inviting aroma of garlic, cumin, and smoky chili powder. The pumpkin added a velvety layer that made every spoonful rich and comforting. I served it with a sprinkle of cheddar and a side of warm cornbread, and within minutes, my family declared it a keeper. Since then, this Chicken Pumpkin Chili Recipe has become a fall staple—perfect for Sunday dinners after apple picking or game-day gatherings with friends. It’s the kind of dish that makes your home smell incredible and reminds you that simple ingredients can bring everyone to the table.
You might wonder what pumpkin is doing in a chili recipe, but once you try it, you’ll see why it works so beautifully. The pumpkin doesn’t overpower the bold, savory flavors—it enhances them. In a well-balanced Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe, the pumpkin puree creates a luxurious, creamy texture while adding subtle sweetness that tempers the heat from the spices. Beyond taste, pumpkin also delivers a nutritional boost, providing fiber, vitamin A, and beta-carotene without adding any heaviness. Its natural earthiness pairs seamlessly with lean chicken, hearty beans, and smoky undertones from chili powder and paprika. That’s what makes a Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe so satisfying—it’s rustic, wholesome, and offers depth of flavor that’s both unexpected and comforting. Whether you use homemade puree or canned, that bright orange ingredient is what transforms a good chili into something exceptional.
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Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe You’ll Love This Season
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
When the air turns crisp and sweaters come out, this Chicken and Pumpkin Chili offers warm, comforting flavor. Tender chicken melds with creamy pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes and smoky spices in a cozy bowl that feels like fall. With simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can have this hearty chili on the table in under an hour. Serve it with cornbread or rice, top with cheese, sour cream or avocado, and enjoy a versatile recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep or game-day gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Chop the onion and garlic, shred or cube the cooked chicken and measure spices and liquids before you begin.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
5. Add pumpkin puree and fire-roasted tomatoes and stir until smooth and well combined.
6. Pour in chicken, white beans, corn and chicken broth and bring the chili to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in lime juice, adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.
9. Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado or cilantro as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
Keywords: chicken and pumpkin chili, pumpkin chicken chili recipe, chicken pumpkin chili recipe, easy pumpkin chicken chili, pumpkin chili recipe chicken, fall chili, hearty chili, creamy pumpkin chili
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Pumpkin Chicken Chili
A great Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Chicken starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. The mix of pantry staples and fresh produce makes this meal easy to pull together even on busy nights. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with a few optional swaps and healthy alternatives.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Can use avocado or vegetable oil |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 medium | Red onion also works |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 | Use 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch |
| Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) | 3 cups | Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken |
| Pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) | 1 (15 oz) can | Substitute 1½ cups homemade pumpkin puree |
| Fire-roasted diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5 oz) can | Regular diced tomatoes work, too |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | Add more for thinner chili |
| White beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed | 1 (15 oz) can | Add extra beans for more fiber |
| Corn kernels (optional) | 1 cup | Frozen or canned, adds sweetness |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon | Adjust to taste |
| Ground cumin | 2 teaspoons | Adds warmth and earthiness |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon | Use regular paprika for a milder flavor |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | To taste |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | To taste |
| Cayenne pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Optional, for extra heat |
| Lime juice | 1 tablespoon | Balances flavors before serving |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | For garnish | Optional |
| Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado | For serving | Optional toppings |
Healthy variation ideas:
- Make it lighter: Use chicken breast instead of dark meat.
- Add fiber: Include an extra can of beans or quinoa for a hearty boost.
- Go dairy-free: Skip cheese or use plant-based toppings.
- Try a vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with lentils or extra beans and use vegetable broth instead.
Step-by-Step Method to Cook Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Perfectly
Cooking this Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe is all about building flavor in layers. Whether you prefer to make it on the stovetop, in a Dutch oven, or let it simmer in the slow cooker, these steps ensure rich, robust results.
Stovetop Method (Ready in about 40 minutes total)
- Prep ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic, shred or cube the cooked chicken, and measure out spices and pantry items.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Toast 1 minute to release their oils and deepen the base flavor of your Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients: Stir in pumpkin puree and fire-roasted tomatoes. Mix well so pumpkin blends smoothly into the tomato base, forming the creamy foundation that makes this Chicken Pumpkin Chili Recipe so satisfying.
- Add chicken, beans, and broth: Pour in the chicken, beans, corn (if using), and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer to perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally to allow all the flavors to meld.
- Finish with brightness: Add lime juice just before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle chili into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, or cilantro. Serve with cornbread or rice.
Slow Cooker Method (Perfect for hands-off cooking)
- Add all ingredients except lime juice to your slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours.
- Stir in lime juice before serving and adjust seasoning.
The slow cooker yields a rich and silky Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe with minimal effort.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave, adding broth if it thickens.
Smart Tips to Customize Your Chicken Pumpkin Chili Recipe
One of the best things about this Chicken Pumpkin Chili Recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste and ingredients on hand. Whether you enjoy it mild and creamy or bold and smoky, small adjustments make it your own.
- Choose your protein: Use shredded turkey, tofu, or mushrooms for variety.
- Adjust spice levels: Skip cayenne for mild flavor or add jalapeños and hot sauce for heat.
- Enhance texture: Stir in quinoa, corn, or spinach for extra substance and color.
- Meal prep friendly: Make ahead and freeze; it tastes even better the next day.
- Cooking flexibility: Works perfectly in an Instant Pot, Dutch oven, or slow cooker.
Delicious Ways to Serve and Garnish Chicken and Pumpkin Chili
Presentation and toppings can transform this Easy Pumpkin Chicken Chili from simple comfort to a showstopping dish.
- Classic toppings: Cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or tortilla chips.
- Healthy swaps: Use Greek yogurt, scallions, or nutritional yeast.
- Perfect sides: Serve with cornbread, brown rice, potatoes, or a crisp fall salad.
- Hosting tip: Create a self-serve chili bar with assorted toppings.
- Seasonal presentation: Serve in pumpkin-shaped bowls and dust with smoked paprika for color.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken and Pumpkin Chili
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast cubed sugar pumpkin until tender, mash, and use in place of canned. Avoid carving pumpkins—they’re too watery.
How long does Chicken Pumpkin Chili keep in the fridge?
Stored airtight, it keeps up to four days. The flavor deepens beautifully by day two.
Can this be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely. In a slow cooker, cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4. In an Instant Pot, sauté aromatics first, then cook on high pressure 10 minutes and release naturally.
What toppings work best?
Try cheese, sour cream, avocado, or pumpkin seeds. Add lime or hot sauce for zest and balance.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about how this Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe captures autumn’s essence—warm, hearty, and layered with flavor. Pumpkin lends creaminess that envelopes the savory chicken and spices, creating comfort in every bite. Flexible in preparation and easy to store, it fits perfectly into family dinners and cozy evenings alike.
As the weather cools, gather loved ones around steaming bowls of Chicken and Pumpkin Chili. Serve with cornbread and laughter, and don’t hesitate to tweak the flavor to your liking. Every version becomes your very own seasonal tradition.
For anyone seeking a nourishing meal that tastes like fall, this Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe is the one to bookmark—a timeless, wholesome classic you’ll reach for year after year.
