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    Home » Recipes » Soups and Stews

    Pumpkin Chicken Chili

    Published: Sep 16, 2022 · Modified: Oct 7, 2022 by Ang Paris · 10 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links·

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    This Pumpkin Chicken Chili recipe is Fall in a bowl. The slow cooker makes this especially easy, and the low and slow cooking brings out the delicious, warm flavors.
    Total Time 6 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections Print Recipe
    This hearty pumpkin chicken chili is the most delicious savory pumpkin dish you'll ever eat! Make it with ground chicken, chicken thighs, or leftover shredded chicken - whatever you have on hand! via @jugglingactmamaThis hearty pumpkin chicken chili is the most delicious savory pumpkin dish you'll ever eat! Make it with ground chicken, chicken thighs, or leftover shredded chicken - whatever you have on hand! via @jugglingactmamaThis hearty pumpkin chicken chili is the most delicious savory pumpkin dish you'll ever eat! Make it with ground chicken, chicken thighs, or leftover shredded chicken - whatever you have on hand! via @jugglingactmama

    This hearty pumpkin chicken chili can be made with ground chicken or leftover shredded chicken in your slow cooker. It's the most delicious savory dish made with Pumpkin Puree you'll ever eat!

    Close up of a bowl of Pumpkin Chicken Chili topped with shredded cheese.
    Jump to:
    • 🧂 Ingredients
    • 🔪Instructions
    • Equipment
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
    • ⏲️ Storage
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Variations
    • Using Leftovers
    • 😋 Similar Recipes
    • 📋 Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe
    • Pumpkin Chicken Chili
    • 💬 Comments

    I love everything about Fall, the cooling temperatures, changing leaves, and especially the flavors of Fall. Chili has become a go to easy meal in our house after a long day at work. It's also a great recipe and so easy to throw together before the game.

    I love adding purees into my dishes to up the nutrition, and in this Crockpot Pumpkin Chicken Chili, I used some pumpkin puree which gives the chili a fantastic texture. But my secret ingredient for this chili is an amber lager. It's totally optional, but it really helps develop the flavor.

    Chopped jalapenos in a small glass bowl with jalapeno slices on a wooden cutting board.

    If you love all things pumpkin, be sure to check out this collection of Delicious Pumpkin Recipes!

    🧂 Ingredients

    • olive oil
    • Sweet onion
    • Green bell pepper
    • Jalapeno peppers
    • Minced garlic
    • Ground chicken (or shredded chicken)
    • Amber lager beer (optional)
    • Red kidney beans or white kidney beans
    • Crushed tomatoes
    • Tomato puree
    • Store-bought can of pumpkin puree or Homemade Pumpkin Puree
    • chicken or vegetable stock
    • Coriander
    • Cumin
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Chili powder
    • Onion powder
    • Garlic powder
    • Honey

    This is meant to be a brief overview of the pumpkin chicken chili recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

    🔪Instructions

    Prepare this chili in the morning and let it simmer in the slow cooker all day for the best flavor. 

    1. Heat the olive oil over low heat in a very large skillet and add the onion.  Cook until they are clear and soft.
    2. Increase to medium heat and add in the green and jalapeño peppers and cooking a few minutes. 
    3. Add the garlic and cook a minute more.
    4. Turn the heat up to high and add the ground chicken. 
    5. Add seasonings and cook until the chicken is browned. (If you are using shredded chicken, skip this step and put the chicken right into the slow cooker.)
    6. Now pour in your amber lager. Turn the heat down a touch and let simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the honey. Cook 1 minute more.
    7. Meanwhile, add all your canned ingredients into your slow cooker and mix to combine.
    8. Then, stir in the chicken and amber lager mixture slowly.
    9. Cook on low for 4-6 hours stirring about once an hour if possible.
    Pumpkin puree in a glass measuring cup.

    Equipment

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Dry Measuring Cups
    • Santoku Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Crockpot or Slow Cooker
    • Skillet

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier!  Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

    🍴 Serving Suggestions

    There are so many yummy toppings that can be added to this slow cooker chili recipe! Here are some of my favorite chili toppings:

    • finely diced red onion
    • jalapeno slices
    • shredded cheese
    • sour cream
    • corn chips or tortilla chips
    • diced green onion
    • Bacon Puff Pastry Twists - might sound crazy but try dipping one of these into your chili - YUM!

    And serve my Cheesy Cornbread as a side - my favorite recipe for cornbread. You won't regret it! Have extra time on your hands? Try these delicious bacon and cheddar scones.

    ⏲️ Storage

    This pumpkin chicken chili will last about 4 days in the refrigerator if you keep it in an airtight container. You can reheat this on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    Now you know I love my make-ahead freezer meals, so you can brown the chicken and throw everything together in a giant freezer bag - it will keep in the freezer for 4-6 months easily. When you want to serve it, just dump the whole frozen block into the crockpot and cook on low all day.

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about our pumpkin chili recipe.

    What goes into pumpkin chicken chili?

    To make this great recipe, you'll need chicken, pumpkin puree, crushed tomato, beans, spices and herbs as well as onion, garlic and peppers. This recipe also uses beer, but it can be substituted for chicken or vegetable stock.

    Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree.

    No, because pumpkin pie filling is seasoned with spices. Use pumpkin puree which is just pure pumpkin.

    Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?

    Since I know someone is going to ask, yes, you can substitute the pumpkin - but then it would be pumpkin chicken chili. 😂 However, if you insist, can use a variety of savory purees instead of pumpkin such as butternut squash, carrot, or even sweet potato.

    How long can I keep homemade chili in the fridge?

    This delicious chili will last around 4 days in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.

    Should chili be thick or soupy?

    Usually, chili is thicker than a soup. This chili is nice and thick!

    Why do people put honey in chili?

    Honey complements spices well giving this chili (and many chili recipes!) a sweet and spicy flavor.

    📖 Variations

    One of the things I love about chili is how easy it is to throw together to suit your taste. 

    • Swap out the ground chicken for leftover shredded chicken. It also works great with ground beef or ground turkey.
    • If you prefer not to use the amber lager, just use additional chicken stock instead.
    • Black beans, pinto beans or white beans can be used instead of red kidney beans.
    • If you don't have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute with sweet potatoes, but then it wouldn't be pumpkin chili, of course!
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or an extra teaspoon of chili powder for a spicier chili.
    • The beer can be replaced with chicken or vegetable broth.

    Using Leftovers

    If you want to mix it up, try turning your leftover pumpkin chicken chili into a new dish! Chili Stuffed Peppers with rice makes a great weeknight meal. Corn Muffin Chili Cups and Chili Potato Skins are both fabulous appetizers or game-day snacks!

    Close up of a bowl of Pumpkin Chicken Chili topped with shredded cheese.
    My whole family loves this healthy pumpkin chicken chili recipe!

    😋 Similar Recipes

    We really like chili around here (can you tell??) and have a bunch of other recipes you should check out. Next time, try one of these delicious recipes:

    • Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe - a delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving turkey.
    • Use leftover chili to make these Chili Stuffed Peppers or Chili Potato Skins.
    • Sweet and Spicy Chili Recipe with beef, beans, and lots of seasonings, this is one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners.
    • Sweet and Spicy Chili in a wide bowl topped with yellow shredded cheese.
      Sweet and Spicy Chili Recipe
    • Close up of Instant Pot Beef Chili topped with sour cream and chives.
      Instant Pot Beef Chili Recipe
    • Close up of Slow Cooker Chicken Chili in a bowl with sour cream, cheese, and chips.
      Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe
    • Top down view of Leftover Turkey Chili in bowls with spoons.
      Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe

    Next time, try one of these other slow cooker recipes:

    • Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup
    • Chuck Wagon Chili - Slow Cooker Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Meat Lasagna
    Pin for Later

    📋 Pumpkin Chicken Chili Recipe

    Not ready to make this hearty meal yet? Don’t forget to pin the recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Pumpkin Chicken Chili

    This Pumpkin Chicken Chili recipe is Fall in a bowl. The slow cooker makes this especially easy, and the low and slow cooking brings out the delicious, warm flavors.
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Pumpkin Chicken Chili
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 6 hours hours
    Total Time: 6 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 417kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Dry Measuring Cups
    • Santoku Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Crockpot or Slow Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoons olive oil
    • 1 large sweet onion
    • 1 large green pepper
    • 1-2 jalapeno peppers
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 lb ground chicken or 3 cups shredded chicken
    • 12 oz amber lager beer optional
    • 1 40 oz can of red kidney beans
    • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
    • 1 28 oz can tomato puree
    • ½ cup store-bought or Homemade Pumpkin Puree
    • 16 oz chicken or vegetable stock
    • ½ teaspoons coriander
    • 1 teaspoons cumin
    • ½ teaspoons salt
    • ½ teaspoons black pepper
    • 1-½ teaspoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
    • 2 teaspoons honey

    Instructions

    • Heat the olive oil over low heat in a very large skillet and add the onion. Cook until they are clear and soft.
      2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 large sweet onion
    • Increase to medium heat and add in the green and jalapeño peppers and cooking a few minutes.
      1 large green pepper, 1-2 jalapeno peppers
    • Add the garlic and cook a minute more.
      1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • Turn the heat up to high and add the chicken.
      1 lb ground chicken
    • Add seasonings and cook until the chicken is browned. (If you are using shredded chicken, skip this step and put the chicken right into the slow cooker.)
      ½ teaspoons coriander, 1 teaspoons cumin, ½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoons black pepper, 1-½ teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
    • Now pour in your amber lager. Turn the heat down a touch and let simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the honey. Cook 1 minute more.
      12 oz amber lager beer
    • Meanwhile, add all your canned ingredients, stock, and honey into your slow cooker and mix to combine.
      1 40 oz can of red kidney beans, 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 28 oz can tomato puree, ½ cup store-bought or Homemade Pumpkin Puree, 16 oz chicken or vegetable stock, 2 teaspoons honey
    • Then, stir in the chicken and amber lager mixture slowly.
    • Cook on low for 4-6 hours stirring about once an hour if possible.

    Notes

    • Prepare this chili in the morning and let it simmer in the slow cooker all day for the best flavor.
    • Swap out the ground chicken for leftover shredded chicken. It also works great with ground beef or ground turkey.
    • If you prefer not to use the amber lager, just use additional chicken stock instead.
    • Black beans, pinto beans or can be used instead of red kidney beans.
    • This pumpkin chicken chili will last about 4 days in the refrigerator if you keep it in an airtight container. You can reheat this on the stovetop or in the microwave.
    • You can brown the chicken and throw everything together in a giant freezer bag - it will keep in the freezer for 4-6 months easily. When you want to serve it, just dump the whole frozen block into the crockpot and cook on low all day.

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 441mg | Potassium: 1839mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 3320IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 9mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chrystal Mahan says

      October 07, 2013 at 9:23 pm

      Pumpkin in my chili - who knew?? I make my own puree so this is right up my alley of something new to try. ~ Chrystal

      Reply
    2. Anonymous says

      October 09, 2013 at 12:04 am

      This sounds amazing! For meal planning purposes, how many servings should this yield?

      Reply
    3. Jules says

      October 27, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      Made your chili for a party I had last night. It was a huge hit! Many requests for recipe.

      Reply
    4. Laura says

      October 05, 2018 at 10:03 am

      This look delicious! Have you ever tried it with ground turkey?

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        October 07, 2014 at 10:03 am

        Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey, beef or chicken. 🙂

        Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        September 16, 2021 at 11:37 am

        Hi Laura! I have not tried it with ground turkey but you could absolutely substitute that.
        Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    5. jeryn says

      October 22, 2018 at 3:35 pm

      how much honey?

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        October 24, 2018 at 9:15 am

        Hi!
        Use 2 teaspoons of honey, but you may want to check the flavor. If the chili is too acidic, you can add another teaspoon or two to your preference.

        Reply
    6. Julie says

      October 13, 2021 at 10:55 am

      Have you ever substituted the meat with a German sausage or bratwurst?

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        October 13, 2021 at 11:38 am

        Hi Julie! I have not tried using those types of sausage before. If you try it, I'd like to know what you think. 🙂

        Reply

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