Cozy Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe for Fall Nights

Creamy pumpkin chicken chili reinvents ordinary weeknight dinners into cozy culinary adventures that spark instant excitement.

Hearty and rich, this unexpected fusion marries seasonal comfort with bold southwestern-inspired flavors.

Warm spices dance through each spoonful, creating a harmonious blend of creamy textures and deep, nuanced tastes.

Unexpected ingredients elevate this recipe from standard fare to something extraordinary and memorable.

Robust chicken mingles with velvety pumpkin, producing a soul-satisfying meal that defies traditional chili expectations.

Balanced nutrition meets incredible taste in this remarkably simple one-pot wonder.

Home cooks seeking a delightful twist on classic comfort food will adore this inventive combination.

Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili Brings Fall Comfort to the Bowl

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This chili delivers a velvety, warm hug with its rich coconut milk or cream cheese base, creating an irresistibly smooth texture that wraps around tender chicken chunks.
• Spice Up Your Meal: Poblano and jalapeño peppers dance with chili powder and cayenne, offering a perfectly balanced heat that tingles your taste buds without overwhelming them, making every spoonful an exciting flavor adventure.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that delicious comfort food can be lightning-fast to prepare.
• Nutrition Meets Deliciousness: Packed with protein from chicken and enriched by pumpkin purée, this chili brings a nutritious twist to traditional recipes, sneaking in extra vegetables while tasting absolutely incredible.

Ingredients That Go into Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides the main body of the chili, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Shredded Chicken: Alternative protein option, ideal for using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.

• Onion, Jalapeño Peppers, Poblano Peppers: Combination creates a robust flavor base with varying levels of heat and depth.
• Green Chili Peppers: Adds mild, bright pepper flavor and subtle heat to the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Sea Salt: Classic spice blend that brings warmth, earthiness, and depth to the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and fresh tomato flavor to the chili base.
• Pumpkin Purée: Adds creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and rich orange color.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid foundation for the chili.
• Coconut Milk, Cream Cheese: Optional ingredients that enhance creaminess and richness.

• Avocado Oil, Olive Oil: Neutral cooking oils for sautéing and building flavor.

• Cilantro, Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Fresh herbs and cheeses to add final layer of flavor and texture.

Instructions for a Cozy, Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Protein

• Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces
• Alternatively, use pre-cooked shredded chicken
• Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper

Step 2: Sauté Protein

• Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven
• Cook chicken until golden brown
• Remove chicken and set aside

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Chopped poblano peppers
• Minced jalapeño peppers

Sauté vegetables until softened and fragrant

Step 4: Develop Spice Profile

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder

Stir and toast spices for maximum flavor release

Step 5: Combine Liquid Components

• Diced tomatoes
• Pumpkin purée
• Green chilis
• Chicken broth

Stir and bring mixture to gentle simmer

Step 6: Create Creamy Texture

• Return chicken to pot
• Pour in coconut milk
• Stir until smooth and well-integrated

Step 7: Final Touches

• Simmer chili for 15-20 minutes
• Taste and adjust seasonings
• Garnish with fresh cilantro
• Top with shredded cheese

Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Rich Texture and Balanced Pumpkin Flavor

• Chop Chicken Consistently: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and better texture throughout the chili.
• Roast Peppers First: Briefly char poblano and jalapeño peppers over an open flame or under the broiler to enhance their smoky flavor before chopping.
• Layer Spices Carefully: Add spices directly to the meat and vegetables, toasting them briefly to release their maximum aromatic oils and depth.
• Control Creaminess Gradually: Incorporate coconut milk or cream cheese slowly, stirring continuously to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper and jalapeño amounts to match your personal spice tolerance without losing the rich, complex flavor profile.

Reheating and Storage Guide for Pumpkin Chicken Chili

• Refrigerate: Transfer chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and prevent separation.

What to Serve with a Bowl of Pumpkin Chicken Chili

• Craft a Cozy Beverage Companion: Pair this creamy pumpkin chicken chili with a crisp amber ale or a light wheat beer to complement its rich, spicy flavors and cut through the creamy texture.
• Embrace Fresh Garnish Delights: Top the chili with extra sharp cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro to enhance the dish's depth, adding a bright, zesty contrast to the warm, comforting base.
• Balance Spicy Warmth with Cool Sides: Serve alongside a refreshing jalapeño-lime slaw or a cool avocado crema to provide a cooling counterpoint to the chili's warming spices and creamy consistency.
• Create a Rustic Bread Accompaniment: Offer warm, crusty sourdough bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious, creamy broth and add a satisfying textural element to the meal.

New Twists on Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipes

• Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans, maintaining the rich, creamy texture and warming spices for a plant-based alternative.
• Slow Cooker Comfort: Transfer all ingredients to a crockpot after initial sautéing, letting flavors meld together over 4-6 hours on low heat for deeper, more intense taste.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Increase cayenne pepper, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick that elevates the chili's heat profile.
• Green Chile Pumpkin Fusion: Swap poblano peppers for roasted Hatch green chiles, creating a New Mexico-inspired variation with smoky undertones and vibrant flavor complexity.

Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty pumpkin chicken chili brings autumn comfort to your table with rich, warming spices. Mexican-inspired flavors meld creamy pumpkin, tender chicken, and smoky seasonings that dance across your palate, inviting you to savor each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast or 3 cups cooked shredded chicken

Vegetables and Peppers:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, chopped (remove seeds to make it less spicy)
• 2 poblano peppers, chopped
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can diced tomatoes or 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 small cans diced green chili peppers

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can pumpkin purée
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese (optional but makes for a thicker and creamier chili)

Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, preparing for a robust culinary experience.
2. Transform chicken breasts into bite-sized morsels, ensuring uniform cooking and easy consumption.
3. Drizzle the pot with oil, carefully sear chicken pieces until they transition from raw pink to golden white, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Extract chicken from the pot, maintaining the flavorful residual oil for subsequent ingredients.
5. Introduce finely diced onions into the heated environment, allowing them to become translucent and release aromatic essence.
6. Incorporate chopped poblano and jalapeño peppers, sautéing until they soften and develop a slight caramelization.
7. Reunite chicken with the vegetable medley, creating a harmonious base for the chili.
8. Generously dust the mixture with chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated with spices.
9. Pour in diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, green chilis, and chicken broth, stirring vigorously to marry the diverse flavors.
10. Reduce flame to minimal heat, gently blend coconut milk or cream cheese into the mixture until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency.
11. Ladle the finished chili into serving bowls, adorning with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Customize your chili’s heat level by adjusting the amount of poblano and jalapeño peppers.
• Leftover chicken works perfectly, reducing cooking time and simplifying meal preparation.
• Coconut milk provides a dairy-free creamy texture, while cream cheese offers a rich, tangy alternative for those preferring traditional dairy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg