This Chicken Chili with Pumpkin is a bowl of pure autumn comfort — hearty, colorful, and bursting with warming spices. The combination of tender chicken, naturally sweet pumpkin, and creamy white beans takes familiar chili flavors for a cozy spin that’s perfect for brisk evenings. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome family dinner or an impressive game day meal, this easy one-pot wonder will easily become your cold-weather go-to. Give this chicken chili with pumpkin a try and watch bowls disappear!

Chicken Chili with Pumpkin Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in Chicken Chili with Pumpkin comes from a few staple ingredients, each one pulling double duty for flavor and texture. You’ll find it’s a breeze to prep, and every component brings something special to this vibrant chili pot.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Diced for quicker cooking and ultimate tenderness—choose thighs for a richer bite, breasts for a lighter touch.
Onion: Provides an aromatic base and natural sweetness as it softens and melds into the chili.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, lend depth and classic chili aroma as soon as they hit the heat.
Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling—this adds creaminess and a subtle hint of sweetness.
Diced Tomatoes: Choose fire-roasted for extra richness, but any will infuse tang and balance.
White Beans: Great northern or cannellini beans give extra body and velvety texture to every bite.
Chicken Broth: Helps the chili simmer into a soul-warming stew; low-sodium keeps the salt in check.
Olive Oil: For sautéing without overpowering the gentle flavors of the vegetables and chicken.
Chili Powder: The heart of your spice blend—don’t be shy with a full tablespoon for full flavor.
Ground Cumin: Adds earthiness and that classic chili undertone everyone loves.
Smoked Paprika (optional): A pinch lifts the whole dish with smoky depth—try it for extra character.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who like a little kick, add a quarter teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential finishing touches, added to taste for perfect seasoning.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (Garnish): Dolloped on top, these cool each spicy spoonful and add creaminess.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Garnish): Melts beautifully into the hot chili, adding depth and richness.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley, Chopped (Garnish): A sprinkle brings color and fresh flavor at serving time.
Crumbled Tortilla Chips or Pumpkin Seeds (Garnish): For extra crunch with every bite—so fun and festive!

How to Make

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, just until it gets a golden edge and is cooked through. This step builds succulent flavor right from the start. Once the chicken is ready, scoop it out and set it aside for now—you’ll bring it back in to soak up all those beautifully melded flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot (no need to clean—that’s pure flavor at the bottom!), toss in the chopped onion. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic next and warm it for about 30 seconds, just until your kitchen smells amazing. The onion and garlic lay down an aromatic foundation that makes this Chicken Chili with Pumpkin extra inviting.

Step 3: Add the Pumpkin and Tomatoes

It’s time to add the stars of the show: stir in the pumpkin puree and the can of diced tomatoes (juices included). Pour in the chicken broth, mixing everything together until smooth and well combined. At this point, you’ll see gorgeous color and the makings of a thick, velvety chili base that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

Step 4: Season the Chili

Now for the heart of any good chili: the seasonings. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and a touch of cayenne for that background heat. Taste as you go, blending to your preferred level of spiciness, then add extra salt and pepper if needed. The spices truly wake up the pumpkin and chicken, tying all the elements together in a crave-worthy way.

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with the drained and rinsed white beans. Give everything a gentle stir and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally as the kitchen fills with the smell of cozy, fall-inspired goodness. This is when the flavors intermingle and the chili thickens—patience pays off!

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Ladle up a taste and see if you’d like a little more salt, spice, or an extra pinch of chili powder. The best Chicken Chili with Pumpkin is tailored to your crew’s likes, so don’t be shy about making it your own with an extra sprinkle here or there.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon that gorgeous chili into big, welcoming bowls. Pile on your favorite garnishes—think creamy sour cream, melty cheese, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and some crunchy chips or pumpkin seeds. Every bowl looks and tastes like a celebration!

How to Serve

Garnishes

This is where the fun starts: add a generous spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tangy smoothness, a handful of cheddar cheese to melt into your hot chili, and some chopped cilantro or parsley for color and fresh flavor. Crumble tortilla chips or toss a few pumpkin seeds on top for an irresistible crunch that makes your Chicken Chili with Pumpkin totally next-level.

Side Dishes

While this chili is plenty satisfying on its own, it’s also fantastic with a side of warm cornbread, crusty bread, or baked sweet potatoes. For lighter fare, serve with a crisp green salad or a simple avocado lime slaw to balance all those rich chili flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Pump up the coziness by serving Chicken Chili with Pumpkin in mini bread bowls, or ladle it over rice or quinoa for even more heartiness. Feeding a crowd? Set up a chili bar with all the garnishes and let everyone top their custom bowl—kids and adults always love this choose-your-own-adventure approach!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, spoon leftover Chicken Chili with Pumpkin into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors develop even further overnight, making this dish even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

Chicken Chili with Pumpkin freezes beautifully! Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Flatten bags for quick storage and thawing later—just remember to label and date them. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the chili has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water as you warm it. You can also microwave single portions—just cover and heat, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in this chili?

Absolutely! Shred about 2 cups of cooked chicken and add it after the broth, letting it simmer just long enough to heat through. You’ll shave off some prep time and still enjoy all the comfort of classic Chicken Chili with Pumpkin.

Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Chili with Pumpkin?

Yes! Replace the chicken with more beans (try a mix of white and kidney beans) or stir in roasted vegetables like butternut squash or zucchini. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

You sure can. Sauté the onion, garlic, and spices as directed, then combine everything (except garnishes) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will be perfectly tender, and the pumpkin will blend smoothly with the spices.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s as mild or as fiery as you like! With just chili powder and a little optional cayenne, you can keep it family-friendly or dial up the heat. Taste-then-tweak is the way to go—try adding extra cayenne in small amounts if you love a spicy kick.

What can I do if my chili is too thick?

Easy fix! Simply stir in a bit of extra chicken broth or water, a little at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency. A squeeze of lime also brightens flavors if you want a touch of extra zing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, nourishing meal with layers of fall flavor, Chicken Chili with Pumpkin won’t let you down. It’s a dish I reach for all season long, and I hope it brings just as much warmth and cheer to your table. Grab your favorite toppings and get ready to fall in love bite after bite!