Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili : A Cozy and Healthy Fall Favorite

When crisp autumn air rolls in and you’re craving comfort food, nothing hits the spot like a warm bowl of Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili. This recipe is hearty, healthy, and packed with fall flavors — making it a must-try addition to your seasonal dinner rotation. It combines the best of both worlds: the richness of creamy chicken chili and the natural sweetness and depth of pumpkin.

Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or festive fall gatherings, this dish ticks all the boxes for amazing fall dinner recipes. Whether you’re serving it from a slow cooker, ladling it into a pumpkin, or making a big pot to share with friends, this cozy chili deserves a permanent place on your autumn menu.

Let’s dive into what makes this chili with pumpkin so irresistible — and how you can customize it to fit your taste, schedule, and pantry.

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Why You’ll Love This White Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Unlike classic chili, which often uses beef and tomatoes, this white pumpkin chili features shredded chicken, white beans, creamy broth, and pumpkin puree for a velvety texture and mellow flavor.

Here’s why it stands out:

• Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamin-rich pumpkin
• Flexible: Easily made in the slow cooker, stovetop, or even Instant Pot
• Comforting: Creamy and satisfying, without being heavy
• Kid-approved: Mild, comforting flavors perfect for the whole family
• Make-ahead friendly: Stores well and gets even better the next day

Just like this Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup, it brings deep comfort without the heaviness of cream-based stews.

Ingredients for Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

To make this cozy and nutritious chicken with pumpkin recipe, you’ll need just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and avocado for garnish (optional)

Like the base of a good Vegetarian Pasta Primavera, this chili balances freshness and comfort with nutrient-packed ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

This recipe is simple and customizable. Here’s how to prepare it on the stovetop:

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Add the chicken breasts and season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Brown the chicken on each side for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the pumpkin puree, white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream and half-and-half until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, cheese, or sliced avocado.

It’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, just like this Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowl.

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Tips for the Best Chicken With Pumpkin Recipe

• Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut — just skip the browning and stir in at the end.
• Add veggies like corn, diced bell pepper, or chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
• Don’t boil after adding dairy — this can cause curdling. Keep it on low heat.
• For extra flavor, sauté the spices with the onions to bloom their aromas.
• Adjust creaminess with more or less half-and-half depending on your texture preference.

Want another creamy, indulgent meal idea? Try Creamy Mushroom Pasta.

Fall Flavor Twist: What Pumpkin Adds to Chili

Pumpkin might not be a traditional chili ingredient, but it brings a velvety richness that balances spices beautifully. It’s:

• Subtle, not sweet, especially when combined with smoky spices
• Nutrient-dense, loaded with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants
• A natural thickener, which helps create that irresistible creamy texture

Just like the magic of pumpkin in Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, its versatility shines here in a savory context.

Healthy Autumn Dinner Benefits: What’s Inside This Chili

This chili makes the ideal healthy autumn dinner — comforting yet nourishing. Here’s why:

• Protein-rich from lean chicken and white beans
• Immune-boosting from pumpkin’s antioxidants
• Low in sugar and made without processed ingredients
• Gluten-free and adaptable for dairy-free diets

It’s satisfying like a stew, but lighter than most cream-based soups, much like this Ratatouille Soup.

Slow Cooker Method: Fall Stew Recipes Crock Pot Version

Short on time? Let your slow cooker do the work. Here’s how to make creamy pumpkin chicken chili in a crock pot:

1. Add everything except sour cream and cream to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken, stir in dairy, and serve.

This makes it an ideal pick for those searching for fall stew recipes crock pot style. For more cozy crock pot options, try Slow Cooker Baked Ziti or Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta.

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Complete Meal

This chili is a meal on its own, but these pairings take it up a notch:

• Serve in a bread bowl or with a side of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia
• Add a fall salad like Harvest Quinoa Salad
• Pair with sweet cornbread muffins or crackers
• Serve with roasted seasonal vegetables like Roasted Butternut Squash

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating
• Reheat gently: On stovetop over low heat or microwave in intervals, stirring frequently

Freezer-friendly recipes like this one make fall meal planning easier — just like Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches.

Creative Presentation Ideas: Soup in Pumpkin or Bread Bowl

Want to wow your guests? Serve your chili in a hollowed-out pumpkin or artisan bread bowl:

• Use a small sugar pumpkin, scoop out the seeds, and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until tender
• Pour hot chili into the pumpkin and garnish
• For a crunchy side, toast the pumpkin seeds with seasoning

This presentation rivals the wow factor of Pumpkin Cream Puffs at dessert time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

• Using pumpkin pie filling: Only use 100% pumpkin puree, not sweetened pie mix.
• Overcooking the dairy: Always stir in cream and sour cream at the end, off heat.
• Under-seasoning: Pumpkin is mild, so taste and adjust spices before serving.
• Not shredding chicken enough: Shredded chicken blends best into the creamy texture.

Variations: Make It Spicy, Vegan, or Dairy-Free

Here’s how to modify the recipe to fit different dietary preferences:

• Spicy version: Add jalapeños, chipotle in adobo, or extra cayenne
• Vegan version: Use chickpeas instead of chicken, coconut milk instead of cream
• Dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk and skip the sour cream
• Low-carb: Skip the beans and add chopped cauliflower or zucchini

For more adaptable meals, explore One-Pan Ground Chicken Casserole — another fall favorite.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment for this cozy fall recipe. Just grab:

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slow cooker (if using crockpot method)
• Ladle and airtight containers for storage

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FAQs About Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut. Add it after simmering and stir in with the dairy.

Is this chili spicy?
Only mildly. For more heat, add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Yes, roast and puree it yourself — about 1½ cups equals a 15 oz can.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts: Save and Share This Amazing Fall Dinner Recipe

This Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili is more than just a seasonal treat — it’s the cozy, crave-worthy comfort food you’ll want to enjoy all fall and winter long. Easy to make, full of flavor, and wonderfully healthy, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

If you loved this chili, don’t forget to share the recipe, pin it for later, and subscribe to our blog for more amazing fall dinner recipes like Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups and Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup.

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