Pumpkin White Bean Chicken Chili

Why Make This Recipe

Pumpkin White Bean Chicken Chili is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices with tender chicken and creamy white beans. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a quick, hearty meal. This chili is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.

How to Make Pumpkin White Bean Chicken Chili

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast
• 4 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 jalapeno (chopped + extra for serving)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 can white beans
• 1 can green chiles
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
• 1 cup cilantro + more for serving
• Plain Greek yogurt to serve
• Sliced avocado to serve

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a pot. Add the chicken and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
2. In the pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Cook until softened.
3. Add cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, pumpkin puree, white beans, and green chiles.
5. In the bowl of a stand mixer or using two forks, shred the chicken into pieces.
6. Once shredded, add the chicken back into the pot, along with the corn and cilantro. Stir to combine.
7. Serve in bowls and top with sliced avocado, jalapeno, Greek yogurt, and extra cilantro. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin White Bean Chicken Chili

This chili can be served warm in bowls. It pairs well with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or over a bed of rice. Toppings such as sliced avocado, jalapeno for some heat, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and fresh cilantro add a nice touch to the dish.

How to Store Pumpkin White Bean Chicken Chili

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Pumpkin White Bean Chicken Chili

1. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use it instead of cooking raw chicken.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of jalapeno and cayenne pepper.
3. Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
4. Garnish: Don’t skip the toppings! They enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish.

Variation

You can substitute chicken breast with turkey or even make it vegetarian by leaving out the chicken and using vegetable broth instead. Add more beans or use different types of beans for variety.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Cook and puree the pumpkin first before adding it to the chili.

Is this chili spicy?
The chili has a bit of heat from the jalapeno and cayenne pepper, but you can adjust these to suit your taste.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! If you need to feed a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a bigger pot.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Pumpkin White Bean Chicken Chili with family and friends!