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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Liquid Integration: Pour in diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, green chilis, and chicken broth. Stir vigorously to blend flavors and create a rich, cohesive mixture.
- Creamy Finalization: Reduce heat to low, gently incorporate coconut milk or cream cheese, stirring until the chili reaches a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- 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