Chicken Chili With Pumpkin – The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food

Every so often, a recipe emerges that captures the essence of a season, weaving together flavors that evoke warmth and comfort. For me, Chicken Chili with Pumpkin is one such dish. It brings back memories of autumn days spent in the kitchen, surrounded by the earthy scent of spices and the soft glow of a simmering pot.

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that begins with the rich, savory aroma of sautéed onion, garlic, and jalapeno in olive oil. The ground chicken, infused with pumpkin pie spice, chili powder, and a hint of cinnamon, draws you in, creating an inviting warmth that fills the home.

As the chicken browns, the anticipation grows. The combination of beef broth, pumpkin puree, and diced tomatoes adds depth and richness, while the sweetness of brown sugar or maple syrup balances the heat from the spices. This dish is a tapestry of flavors, each ingredient playing its part in creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

The result is a Chicken Chili with Pumpkin that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul. This recipe has become a staple in my home, a reminder of the joys of cooking and the beauty of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Chicken Chili With Pumpkin

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Aria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Discover a flavorful twist on classic chili with our Chicken Chili With Pumpkin recipe. Learn how to create a hearty and delicious meal perfect for any occasion!

---

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
• 1 pound (450 g) ground chicken
• 1/2 Tbsp (8 ml) pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) chili powder
• 1/4 tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
• 1 15 oz. (425 g) can pumpkin puree
• 1 14.5 oz. (411 g) can diced tomatoes
• 3 Tbsps (45 ml) brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 15 oz. (425 g) can kidney beans
• 1 15 oz. (425 g) can white kidney beans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium to large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno, and cook for a few minutes until they soften.
2. Introduce the ground chicken along with the spices—pumpkin pie spice, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt. Sauté over low to medium heat until the chicken is browned, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Once cooked, move the mixture to a slow cooker and incorporate the rest of the ingredients: beef broth, pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, kidney beans, and white kidney beans.
4. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Allow it to cook for roughly 2 ½ to 3 hours on the high setting or 5 to 7 hours on the low setting.

---

Notes

• Consider using homemade beef broth for a more flavorful outcome.
• Opt for maple syrup for a touch of sweetness instead of brown sugar.
• Thoroughly drain and rinse kidney beans before adding to the slow cooker for best results.

Creating the Perfect Chicken Chili with Pumpkin

Fundamentals

The foundation of a great Chicken Chili with Pumpkin lies in the quality of ingredients and the harmony of flavors. Start with fresh vegetables—chopped onion, minced garlic, and finely diced jalapeno—for a fragrant base. Ground chicken, when combined with spices like paprika, chili powder, and pumpkin pie spice, forms the heart of the dish.

The addition of pumpkin puree adds a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements. Canned diced tomatoes and beef broth bring depth to the chili, while the choice of kidney beans and white kidney beans offers a robust and hearty finish.

Preparation/setup

Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno, cooking until softened. This step releases the natural flavors of the vegetables, creating a base that enhances the overall taste of the chili.

Introduce the ground chicken and spices, allowing them to meld together as the chicken browns. This process should take about 5 to 10 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and incorporate the remaining ingredients. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Mastering Chicken Chili with Pumpkin

Technique

Cooking the Chicken Chili with Pumpkin in a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop and intensify over time. Set the slow cooker to high for 2 ½ to 3 hours or low for 5 to 7 hours. This slow cooking process ensures that the chicken remains tender and the beans absorb the rich flavors of the spices and pumpkin.

Stir the chili occasionally to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom. This also helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.

Tips/tricks

For an extra layer of flavor, consider lightly toasting the spices before adding the chicken. This can enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall taste of the chili. Additionally, if you prefer a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Balance the sweetness and heat by adjusting the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to your liking. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your own taste preferences.

Refining Your Chicken Chili with Pumpkin

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect Chicken Chili with Pumpkin is all about balance. Taste the chili as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the flavor is too intense, add a splash more beef broth or a touch more pumpkin puree to mellow it out.

Experiment with different bean varieties for a unique texture and flavor profile. While kidney beans and white kidney beans are traditional choices, black beans or pinto beans can also work well in this dish.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your chili is too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a while to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chicken with more beans or use a plant-based protein alternative. This adaptation maintains the hearty nature of the dish while catering to different dietary preferences.

Serving and Enjoying Chicken Chili with Pumpkin

Serving/presentation

Serve your Chicken Chili with Pumpkin hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a creamy contrast to the chili’s robust flavors.

This dish pairs well with warm, crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside these Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Potato Bombs or try the Crispy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bombs for a delightful combination of flavors.

Pairings/storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the chili thickens too much during storage.

For a unique pairing, consider serving the chili with a fresh side salad or alongside these Ranch Bacon Chicken Stuffed Crescent Roll Bombs. This combination offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that elevate the meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Chili with Pumpkin is a dish that embodies warmth, flavor, and comfort. Its blend of spices, pumpkin, and tender chicken creates a meal that is both nourishing and satisfying. The slow-cooked method ensures a depth of flavor that is hard to resist, making it a favorite in any household.

This recipe not only highlights the versatility of seasonal ingredients but also demonstrates how simple techniques can yield incredible results. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this chili is sure to impress and delight.

With its rich and robust flavors, Chicken Chili with Pumpkin stands as a testament to the joys of home cooking. It’s a dish that invites you to savor each bite, creating memories that linger long after the meal is over.

FAQs – Chicken Chili With Pumpkin