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Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

This creamy pumpkin chicken chili is a cozy fall-inspired dinner made in under 40 minutes. With tender chicken, pumpkin purée, warm spices, and a creamy finish from coconut milk or cream cheese, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 335

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast, or 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 jalapeño peppers, chopped (seeds removed for less spice)
  • 2 poblano peppers, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (or 4 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped)
  • 1 15 oz can pumpkin purée
  • 2 small cans diced green chili peppers
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk OR 8 oz cream cheese
  • Chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add oil and chicken breast chunks (or pre-cooked shredded chicken). Cook 3–4 minutes per side until no longer pink. Remove and set aside, leaving oil in pot.
  2. Add chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Add poblano and jalapeño peppers, cooking 2–3 more minutes until softened.
  3. Return chicken to the pot. Stir in chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and sea salt, coating chicken and vegetables evenly with spices.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, green chilis, and broth. Stir well and bring to medium-high heat, letting flavors meld.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in coconut milk or cream cheese until well incorporated and creamy.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

*If using coconut milk, you can add 3 tbsp nutritional yeast for a 'cheesy' flavor.
• For less spice, remove seeds from the jalapeños.
• Use pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time.
• Top with fresh cilantro, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Can also be made in the Instant Pot for a hands-off method.
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