Mexican Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Need an easy, healthy, and flavor packed soup recipe that's ready in less than 30 minutes?  You'll love this chili then! 

This has been on my fall baking bucket list forever - and now I can cross it off! 

I'd never had pumpkin in something savory, and although there isn't the traditional dessert pumpkin flavor in the chili (obviously!) I'm hooked and am definitely putting this recipe in the keeper file. I saw this in the Taste of Home magazine and immediately wanted to try it. Once again, thank you Anna!  Your gift has made my day every time the magazine arrives. I have several more savory dishes I can't wait to try. This month's issue has a crab rangoon dip that looks incredible and then an entire section devoted to award winning pies.  Drool.

Oops. I digress:)

I'm loving soups right now. Many families have brought us meals and I get so excited when they bring soup (or casseroles!)  Soups are my favorite cold weather dishes and getting to have the leftovers has been amazing.  When soups were new cooking territory, I made sure to measure everything out just right, etc. Now I realize soups are super forgiving and easy to adjust. This chili got many of the leftovers from our fridge, which I just tossed in the pot and heated through. It's finished in less than 30 minutes!

It's spicy and warm and full of beans and tomatoes and chicken.  The pumpkin purée thickens up the broth and gives color without affecting the flavor.  This is savory all the way!  

If you know me, then you'll know this is right up my alley. Mexican Pumpkin Chicken Chili. What is not to love? 

If you also know me, I'm pretty game to trying new things.  You never know until you try it and you'll probably make some great memories along the way. However, sometimes, new things aren't all laughing and memories. You know that feeling you get when you are getting ready to do something totally outside your comfort zone?  Like, not the putting-pumpkin-in-soup new, but butterfly-in-your-stomach new.  The "I'm not sure what I got into" new. It's scary.  I had that feeling yesterday. 

But, isn't it always the things like that, that are most rewarding in the end?  The things we know will stretch and challenge us and maybe humble us - are also the things that will make us better and stronger.  Sometimes, we all need butterflies in our stomach. Sometimes, we all need a kick to our pride.  I have to let the fear of being stretched fall short of the thrill of being stretched.  I always get that feeling when I feel unprepared or unqualified. Should that stop me?  Or challenge me? It's incredibly important to be realistic about our gifts and limitations, but it's also important to not sell ourselves short. I have to remind myself, I will never achieve anything by playing it safe (ie protecting my vanity; ie "what will people think of me?") and saying no.  I can achieve many things by simply giving my best.  Not just trying new things, but giving them all I've got. It's okay if I don't qualify. Or if I mess up. Or if I say something dumb. What matters is that I didn't let irrational fear get in the way of enjoying life. 

Mexican Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Recipe Source: Adapted from Taste of Home
Yield: 6-8 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 cups chicken broth

scant 1 cup pumpkin purée 

1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (depends on how spicy you like your soup. I used 1/2 teaspoon, and it was spicy, but I like spicier foods.  For kids, I would start with 1/8 teaspoon and taste.)
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast

For garnish: sour cream and guacamole

In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender. Transfer to a large pot; whisk in the pumpkin puree. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, stirring frequently. 

Need some pumpkin for dessert?

Pumpkin Pie Fudge Cups

One Bowl Coffee Nut White Chocolate Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Dump Cake