There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, thick bowl of chili bubbling with rich flavors and cozy textures, and that is exactly what you get with this Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe. It combines tender ground chicken, sweet and velvety pumpkin, and an exciting blend of spices that create a depth of flavor you’ll crave all season long. This dish is as nourishing as it is vibrant, making it perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings when you want something both satisfying and a little different from the usual chili routine.

Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully approachable, featuring straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table, from texture to bold flavor. None of these are complicated – just everyday pantry favorites that transform into something greater together.

Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps caramelize the pumpkin beautifully.
Hokkaido pumpkin: Provides natural sweetness and smooth texture, perfectly balancing the spices.
Onion: Offers a savory foundation for the chili’s flavor.
Garlic cloves: Adds an aromatic punch that brings everything alive.
Carrots: Bring gentle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Celery stalks: Contribute subtle earthiness and texture complexity.
Dried thyme: Imparts a delicate herbal note that complements the pumpkin.
Dried oregano: Works alongside thyme to deepen the herbal warmth.
Smoked paprika: Adds smoky richness and vibrant color.
Ground cumin: Essential chili spice for earthiness and warmth.
Salt and black pepper: Basic but vital, they season and sharpen the flavors.
Chipotle pepper flakes: For optional heat; adjust to your spice preference.
Ground chicken: The lean, tender protein base that keeps the chili hearty.
Chicken broth: Deepens flavor and keeps everything moist.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide acidity and body to the chili.
White beans: Add creaminess and protein, offering a lovely textural contrast.
Cream (20% fat): Introduces richness and smoothness in the final step.

How to Make Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by seeding and cutting your pumpkin into bite-sized cubes. Then finely chop the onion, celery, and carrots, and mince the garlic. Having all ingredients ready before cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Cook the Pumpkin

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the pumpkin cubes and cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the pumpkin to soften and begin caramelizing, infusing the chili with subtle sweetness and depth.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Next, stir in the minced garlic, onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 3 minutes until everything softens and the irresistible aromas hit your nose. This vegetable base plays a crucial role in building that layered flavor the Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe is known for.

Step 4: Season the Chili

Time to add your spices: salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, chipotle flakes, and cumin all go in now. Stir well to coat the veggies and pumpkin fully, letting the fragrant spices bloom in the warm pot.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and cooked through. This step is where the chili starts to gain its hearty, satisfying character.

Step 6: Simmer the Chili

Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and drained white beans. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer melds all the flavors, thickening the chili into a luscious, soul-warming dish.

Step 7: Add the Cream

Finally, stir in the cream to enrich the chili with a velvety texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Now your Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe is ready to serve.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance each bowl with vibrant garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips. These toppings add layers of flavor and texture, making each bite more delightful.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs beautifully with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or even a crisp green salad to balance the richness. These sides can turn your chili night into a full, satisfying feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chili in rustic bowls for an inviting farmhouse feel or in sturdy mugs for a cozy touch. Try layering it over baked sweet potatoes or stuffing inside bell peppers for fun presentation variations that wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your chili, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making a quick, delicious meal for busy days ahead.

Freezing

This Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Transfer cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 3 months—perfect for batch cooking enthusiasts.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to warm it thoroughly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pumpkin or squash?

Absolutely! While Hokkaido pumpkin or red kuri squash are ideal for their sweetness and texture, you can substitute with butternut squash or any other firm pumpkin. Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure it softens properly.

Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the ground chicken with plant-based protein crumbles or extra beans and lentils. To maintain richness, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and increase the cream or use a non-dairy cream alternative.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is adjustable. The chipotle pepper flakes provide a gentle smoky kick, but you can reduce or omit them completely if you prefer mild flavors or add more to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the ground chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, adding cream near the end for the best texture.

What is the best way to serve this chili for a crowd?

Keep the chili warm in a large slow cooker or insulated pot, and offer a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped herbs, and tortilla chips so guests can customize their bowls. Serve with plenty of cornbread or crusty bread on the side.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe is truly a champion in any chilly weather meal plan. Its rich flavors, exciting textures, and comforting warmth make it an instant favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with everyone you love.

Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4 from 43 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty chicken chili with pumpkin is a comforting and flavorful dish that marries the sweetness of pumpkin with the savory depth of ground chicken and spices. Perfect for chilly days, it combines a variety of vegetables, aromatic spices, and creamy finishing touches to create a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

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 and Dairy

1.5 pounds ground chicken
1 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup cream (20% fat)

Liquids

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes

Legumes

1 can (14 oz/390 g) white beans, drained

Spices and Seasonings

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 (for a spicy kick)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Cut the pumpkin into bite-sized cubes. Finely chop the onion, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic thoroughly to bring out its flavor.
Cook the Pumpkin: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the pumpkin cubes and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pumpkin begins to brown and soften.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook this mixture for about 3 minutes until it’s fragrant and the vegetables are starting to tenderize.
Season: Add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chipotle pepper flakes, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables and pumpkin with the spices.
Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it up into small pieces with your spoon or spatula. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.
Simmer the Chili: Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and drained white beans. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
Add Cream: Stir in the cream to create a rich, velvety texture. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices.
Serve: Serve the chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.