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Chicken Pumpkin Stew

Chicken Pumpkin Stew

Chicken Pumpkin Stew is a hearty and comforting autumn dish that combines tender chicken with creamy pumpkin and a warming blend of spices. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew offers rich flavors, nourishing ingredients, and an easy-to-follow preparation that makes it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 3 cups fresh pumpkin, peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk or cream

Spices & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, peeling and cubing the pumpkin, then finely chopping your onion and garlic. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, sealing in the juices and building a flavor base.
  3. Add Pumpkin and Spices: Introduce the pumpkin cubes to the pot along with the cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the spices evenly coat the chicken and pumpkin, awakening a warming aroma.
  4. Pour in Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer, allowing the chicken to cook through and the pumpkin to become tender and creamy.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once the stew has thickened and flavors have melded, stir in fresh thyme and parsley. These herbs elevate the stew with vibrant, fresh notes that brighten the rich base.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender texture after simmering; breasts can dry out.
  • Simmer the stew low and slow to allow flavors to meld and pumpkin to soften perfectly.
  • Toast cumin and paprika spices briefly before adding liquids to intensify their flavor.
  • Peel pumpkin carefully using a sturdy vegetable peeler or sharp knife to avoid skin pieces in the stew.
  • Adjust thickness by simmering longer uncovered or adding a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken stew, pumpkin stew, autumn recipe, comfort food, gluten free, easy dinner