There is something incredibly comforting and soul-warming about a bowl of chili, and this Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe takes that cozy feeling to a whole new level. Combining tender ground chicken with sweet, velvety pumpkin, and a rich blend of spices, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy when you crave a meal that’s both nourishing and bursting with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic chili that’s sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe is straightforward but essential to achieving its lush taste and hearty texture. Each component brings something special to the pot—from the sweetness of pumpkin to the warmth of spices, making every spoonful a flavor-packed experience.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps to sauté the vegetables gently.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and depth, enhancing the caramelization of pumpkin.
- Hokkaido pumpkin (or red kuri squash): Provides a naturally sweet and creamy base texture.
- Onion: Imparts sweetness and forms the aromatic foundation of the chili.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the chili with pungent and savory notes.
- Carrots: Add a subtle sweetness and nice bite.
- Celery stalks: Offer freshness and a slight crunch to balance the softness.
- Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal aroma.
- Dried oregano: Complements with a peppery undertone.
- Smoked paprika: Brings smokiness and vibrant color.
- Ground cumin: Delivers warm, slightly nutty spice.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Chipotle pepper flakes: Introduce a smoky heat that wakes up the flavor.
- Ground chicken: A lean, tender protein that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base to simmer the chili.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provide acidity and body to the sauce.
- White beans: Add creaminess and heartiness without overpowering the dish.
- Cream (20% fat): Finishes with luscious richness and smooth texture.
How to Make Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by cutting your pumpkin into bite-sized cubes so that it cooks evenly and tenderizes nicely in the chili. Finely chop the onion, celery, and carrots, and mince the garlic cloves to release their full aroma during cooking. This prep sets you up for an easy, flavorful base that will infuse the whole dish.
Step 2: Sauté Pumpkin, Olive Oil, and Butter
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, combine olive oil and unsalted butter. Add the pumpkin cubes and cook them for about 5 minutes. You’ll want the pumpkin to start browning and softening — this step builds a lovely depth of flavor and texture that will carry through the chili.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, toss in the garlic, onion, celery, and carrots. Stir frequently and cook for roughly 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the aroma starts to fill the kitchen. This step layers in vibrant freshness and balances the pumpkin’s sweetness perfectly.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Now it’s time to add your seasoning: salt, black pepper, dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, chipotle pepper flakes, and ground cumin. Stir well to coat every morsel in the pot with fragrant spices. This is where the chili starts to gain its signature character and bold flavor profile.
Step 5: Brown the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it up with your spoon as you cook. Allow it to brown thoroughly and cook through, absorbing all the spices and mingling with the softened veggies. The ground chicken keeps this chili light but satisfying.
Step 6: Simmer with Broth, Tomatoes, and Beans
Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and drained white beans. Give everything a good stir and bring it up to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, the flavors meld beautifully, and the chili thickens to the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Finish with Cream and Adjust Seasoning
Finally, stir in the cream for a rich, velvety finish. Taste the chili and add any extra seasoning needed to suit your palate—sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash more chipotle flakes is just right.
Step 8: Ready to Serve!
The chili is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed hot. At this point, you can start thinking about your toppings and side dishes to complement this comforting meal.
How to Serve Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Garnishes
A bowl of Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe practically begs for toppings that add fresh, creamy, or crunchy textures. Try shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melting on top, a dollop of sour cream for tangy smoothness, freshly chopped cilantro brightening every bite, or crunchy tortilla chips adding delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes that soak up the sauce or provide balance. Think warm cornbread with a hint of sweetness, a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, or classic steamed rice to make it even more filling. These sides round out the meal perfectly without overwhelming the flavors of the chili.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili in small bread bowls for an edible container that adds extra comfort vibes. Alternatively, layer it over baked sweet potatoes for a festive fall presentation, or use it as a topping for loaded nachos on game day. The Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe is versatile and gorgeous enough to shine in many creative serving styles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight!
Freezing
This chili also freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a fast, hearty meal, just thaw and reheat — it’s like having homemade comfort on demand.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, microwave portions until hot, stirring halfway through. Reheat with care to enjoy that same homemade goodness every time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pumpkins or squash?
Absolutely! Varieties like butternut squash or sugar pumpkin work well too. They’ll offer similar sweetness and texture, so feel free to choose what’s freshest or most available.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili has a gentle smoke and warmth from chipotle flakes, but the heat level is adjustable. Add more chipotle pepper flakes for extra kick or omit them for a milder, family-friendly version.
Can I substitute ground chicken with another protein?
Definitely! Ground turkey or lean ground beef can be substituted if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked and browned.
What can I use instead of cream?
If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, coconut milk or cashew cream make excellent substitutes. They add creaminess without overpowering the dish.
How do I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Swap the ground chicken for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace cream with a dairy-free alternative. The pumpkin and beans provide plenty of body for a satisfying plant-powered chili.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe is a cozy, flavorful meal that quickly becomes a comforting staple in any kitchen. Its balance of sweet pumpkin, tender chicken, and smoky spices adds a unique twist to classic chili that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy it as much as I do—happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Hearty Chicken Chili with Pumpkin is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for chilly days. Combining tender ground chicken with sweet pumpkin, aromatic spices, and creamy white beans, this chili offers a flavorful twist on the classic chili recipe. Simmered to perfection with a touch of cream, it’s both rich and satisfying, making it an ideal meal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Produce
- ½ small pumpkin (like Hokkaido pumpkin/red kuri squash), seeded and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Meat
- 1.5 pounds ground chicken
Pantry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chipotle pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz/390 g) white beans, drained
Dairy
- ½ cup cream (20% fat)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Cut the pumpkin into bite-sized cubes. Finely chop the onion, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic to keep all ingredients ready for cooking.
- Cook Pumpkin: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the pumpkin cubes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and soften.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic, chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, chipotle pepper flakes, and ground cumin. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables and release the spices’ aromas.
- Brown Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to break it into small pieces. Cook thoroughly until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
- Simmer Chili: Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and drained white beans. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld together.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the cream to add richness to the chili. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chipotle flakes if desired.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute pumpkin with butternut squash for a similar flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cream with coconut milk or omit entirely.
- This chili pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
