Warm & Cozy Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe for Fall

Chilly autumn evenings call for a hearty pumpkin chicken chili that warms you from the inside out.

This soul-satisfying recipe blends rich, comforting flavors with a surprising twist of pumpkin.

Tender chicken mingles with robust spices, creating a symphony of taste in every spoonful.

Packed with nutrition and depth, this chili breaks free from traditional recipes.

Chunks of perfectly seasoned chicken swim in a velvety sauce that whispers of autumn’s bounty.

Each bite delivers a complex layering of warmth and comfort that feels like a culinary hug.

Dive into this delectable dish that promises to become your new cold-weather favorite.

Storing Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili Properly

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a double batch and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. This chili stays delicious for up to 3 months when stored properly in the freezer.
• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store leftover chili in sealed containers for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making next-day lunches extra tasty and more intense.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chili slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds to prevent uneven heating.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide chili into individual meal-prep containers for grab-and-go lunches. Top with fresh cheese or cilantro just before serving to maintain maximum flavor and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breast: Lean, tender protein that adds substance and heartiness to the chili, choose fresh or organic for best flavor.
• Shredded Chicken: Versatile alternative for quick preparation, ideal for using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.

• Onion: Provides foundational savory depth and sweetness, select firm and fragrant yellow or white varieties.
• Jalapeño Peppers: Introduces vibrant heat and zesty kick, remove seeds for milder intensity.
• Poblano Peppers: Contributes rich, smoky undertones with moderate spiciness, look for glossy, dark green peppers.
• Green Chili Peppers: Adds subtle tang and mild warmth, enhances overall complexity of the dish.

• Chili Powder: Delivers robust, warming flavor profile, blend of ground chilis and complementary spices.
• Cumin: Earthy, smoky spice that deepens the chili's flavor complexity, freshly ground provides most intense taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces sharp, intense heat, use sparingly for controlled spiciness.
• Sea Salt: Balances and amplifies other ingredients' flavors, enhances overall taste experience.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy acidity and juicy texture, canned or fresh work equally well.
• Pumpkin Purée: Adds creamy, silky consistency and subtle sweetness, use 100% pure pumpkin.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base and adds depth, low-sodium options allow better flavor control.

Tools That Simplify Pumpkin Chicken Chili Prep

• Large pot: Essential for cooking and mixing all ingredients, perfect for one-pot meals.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping chicken, onions, and peppers safely.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precisely cutting chicken breasts and vegetables into small pieces.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Can opener: Useful for opening canned tomatoes and green chilis.

Directions for Cooking Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook in a large pot until golden and fully done. Remove chicken and set aside while keeping the cooking oils.

• Vegetable Foundation

Sauté onions and peppers until they become soft and release their aromatic flavors, creating a rich base for the chili.

• Spice and Flavor Blend

Return chicken to the pot and coat with a robust blend of warm spices. Pour in tomatoes, pumpkin, green chilis, and broth, allowing all ingredients to mingle and develop deep, complex flavors.

• Creamy Transformation

Lower the heat and stir in coconut milk or cream cheese, creating a luxurious and velvety texture that binds all the components together.

• Finishing Touch

Ladle the chili into bowls and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and shredded cheese for a vibrant and satisfying meal that warms from the inside out.

Tasty Additions for Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Chicken Swap: Replace chicken breasts with rotisserie, ground turkey, or shredded chicken for quick meal prep and different protein options.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne and jalapeño quantities to make the chili mild, medium, or extra hot according to personal heat preferences.
• Creamy Alternatives: Swap coconut milk with Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or sour cream for varied texture and flavor profiles while maintaining rich consistency.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with black beans, kidney beans, or diced firm tofu to create a hearty plant-based version of this comforting chili.
• Toppings Extravaganza: Enhance serving with additional garnishes like crispy tortilla strips, sliced avocado, green onions, lime wedges, or roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and freshness.

Serving Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili for Cozy Nights

• Cozy Comfort Plating: Ladle this rich, creamy chili into deep ceramic bowls that showcase its vibrant orange-brown color and inviting texture. The depth of the bowl helps retain warmth and allows easy scooping.
• Hearty Side Companions: Pair with warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious, spicy broth. These sides add extra substance and complement the chili's robust flavors.
• Topping Treasure Trove: Sprinkle additional toppings like diced avocado, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, or green onions to add layers of freshness, crunch, and tangy notes. Each topping brings a unique dimension to the already complex dish.
• Weekend Gathering Delight: Perfect for game day, autumn gatherings, or casual family dinners. The warming spices and creamy consistency make this chili an instant crowd-pleaser that everyone will want to savor.

Hearty Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty pumpkin chicken chili delivers rich, comforting flavors perfect for autumn gatherings. Quick and satisfying, you can savor this nourishing meal that blends seasonal ingredients with classic southwestern warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast or 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 tbsps avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, chopped (remove seeds to make it less spicy)
• 2 poblano peppers, chopped
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can diced tomatoes or 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 small cans diced green chili peppers
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can pumpkin purée
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or 1 (8 oz/226 g) package cream cheese (optional but makes for a thicker and creamier chili)
• Chopped cilantro
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

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Instructions

1. Searing Protein: Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame, coat with oil, and transform chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Cook until golden white, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
2. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté finely diced onions until translucent. Add chopped poblano and jalapeño peppers, cooking until they soften and develop a slight caramelization.
3. Spice Infusion: Return chicken to the vegetable base, then generously coat with chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Ensure even distribution of spices across all ingredients.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour in diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, green chilis, and chicken broth. Stir vigorously to blend flavors and create a rich, cohesive mixture.
5. Creamy Finalization: Reduce heat to low, gently incorporate coconut milk or cream cheese, stirring until the chili reaches a smooth, luxurious consistency.
6. Presentation: Transfer the finished chili into serving bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a vibrant and appetizing final touch.

Notes

• Prepare Chicken Precisely: Cut breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better texture.
• Sear for Flavor Depth: Golden-white chicken develops rich, caramelized notes that enhance overall dish complexity.
• Spice Balance Matters: Adjust cayenne and chili powder carefully to control heat intensity without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Creamy Finish Technique: Slowly incorporate coconut milk or cream cheese at low heat to prevent separation and achieve silky smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg