Velvet Pumpkin Chicken Chili

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PrepSealSave #CollectiveBias

As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades and the air gets a delightful crispness, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to celebrate the season. Our Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili is the quintessential fall comfort food, offering a rich, satisfying experience that perfectly embodies autumn. Imagine savoring a spoonful of this hearty, flavorful chili, its creamy texture a welcome embrace on a cool evening. Whether you pair it with a crisp side salad, warm, fluffy biscuits, or crunchy tortilla strips, it promises to be a meal that delights your senses.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its incredible efficiency. Thanks to the magic of a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can have a gourmet-ttasting, homemade chili on your table in under 30 minutes! This makes it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, for those mindful of their carb intake, simply skip the tortilla strips, and you have a fantastic low-carb meal. It’s a win-win in every aspect.

While some regions, like our home in sunny Florida, might still be experiencing lingering warmth in early fall, the promise of cooler temperatures is always on the horizon. And even when the mercury still hovers higher than ideal, the allure of comforting fall recipes is irresistible. This Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili is our go-to for ushering in the autumn spirit, no matter what the thermostat says. Its rich, earthy flavors transport you directly into the heart of fall, making it a beloved dish we look forward to year after year.

Fall isn’t just a season of beautiful foliage and delicious food; it’s also often one of the busiest times of the year for many households. Between school activities, holiday preparations, and general life demands, finding time for wholesome meal preparation can be a challenge. This is precisely why smart kitchen tools become invaluable. To effortlessly save both precious time and hard-earned money, we rely heavily on the FoodSaver® FM3941 Vacuum Sealing System. This isn’t just any kitchen gadget; it’s the number one vacuum sealing solution in the US, readily available at Costco! Its ability to transform how we store food, especially for make-ahead meals like this chili, is truly revolutionary.

The FoodSaver system allows us to efficiently freeze and store extra batches of our favorite chili, ensuring that a quick, delicious meal is always within reach. If you haven’t yet discovered the benefits of a Costco membership, now might be the perfect time to consider one, not just for the fantastic bulk deals but also for exclusive offers on game-changing appliances like the FoodSaver.

The savings become even more enticing with upcoming promotions! Look out for these fantastic deals in November:

• The FoodSaver® FM3941 Vacuum Sealing System will be $40 OFF.
• FoodSaver® Bags and Rolls Value Pack will be $10 OFF.

These offers make it an opportune moment to invest in a system that will revolutionize your meal prep and food preservation habits. The FoodSaver® and FoodSaver® Bags are incredibly versatile and practical, especially as we head into the bustling holiday season. Beyond simply extending freshness, they offer a multitude of benefits:

• Extended Freshness: FoodSaver technology keeps leftover food and pre-made batches fresh for up to 5 times longer than conventional storage methods. This means your chili will taste just as delicious weeks later as it did on day one, free from freezer burn.
• Prevent Food Waste: By significantly prolonging the shelf life of food, you can dramatically reduce waste, saving money and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Smart Bulk Buying: The system empowers you to buy ingredients in bulk when they’re on sale, then vacuum seal them to preserve their quality. This strategy can lead to substantial long-term savings.
• Quick Marinate Mode: A true time-saver for last-minute meal preparation. This feature marinates meats and vegetables in mere minutes instead of hours, perfect for unexpected dinner guests or when you need a quick flavor infusion.
• Enhanced Cooking: By removing all the air, vacuum sealing helps ensure that marinated meats cook more evenly, locking in juices and flavors for superior results every time. This is especially beneficial for tender cuts of chicken, like those used in our chili.

The comprehensive FoodSaver® system includes a variety of vacuum-sealed bags, convenient vacuum zipper bags, and durable containers, all expertly designed to work seamlessly with your vacuum sealer for optimal performance. This integrated approach ensures that no matter what you’re storing, from liquids to solids, you have the right tool for the job to maintain freshness and flavor.

Now, let’s dive into the star of the show: our Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili recipe. This recipe is not just easy; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular.

Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large rotisserie chicken (shredded, approximately 3-4 cups cooked chicken) – we love the convenience and flavor of a pre-cooked one from Costco!
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, chopped (seeds removed for less heat, or left in for a spicier kick)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 15 oz can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (for richness and dairy-free creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened (optional, for an extra thick and velvety texture)

Optional Garnish Ideas:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend
• Diced fresh jalapeño
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Crunchy tortilla strips
• Warm cornbread or biscuits

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken: Start by shredding your pre-made rotisserie chicken. This step is a huge time-saver and forms the hearty base of your chili.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeño peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and softened, and the jalapeños are fragrant. This builds the foundational flavor of your chili.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Add the shredded chicken to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well to ensure the chicken and vegetables are completely coated in the spices. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their full aroma.
4. Add Liquids & Pumpkin: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (including their juice), the pumpkin puree, and the chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together and deepen.
5. Achieve Creaminess: Remove the lid and stir in the coconut milk. If using, add the softened cream cheese at this stage. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a wonderfully creamy and smooth chili. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices if desired.
6. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the warm chili into bowls. Garnish generously with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This chili is a celebration of fall flavors, combining the subtly sweet and earthy notes of pumpkin with the savory goodness of chicken and a kick of warming spices. It’s a dish that truly satisfies and warms you from the inside out.

Preserving Your Delicious Pumpkin Chili with FoodSaver®

One of the best aspects of this Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili is how perfectly it lends itself to meal prepping and freezing, especially with the help of your FoodSaver® system. Having pre-made, healthy meals on hand is a true game-changer for busy households, and vacuum sealing ensures your chili tastes freshly made whenever you reheat it. Here’s how to preserve your pumpkin chili for future enjoyment:

1. Cool Completely: Before freezing, ensure your chili has cooled down completely to room temperature. This is crucial for food safety and to prevent condensation inside the freezer bag.
2. Portion into Containers: For individual servings or family-sized portions, transfer the cooled chili into rigid, freezer-safe containers. Leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
3. Freeze Solid: Place the containers of chili into the freezer and freeze until the chili is solid. This step is important because freezing the chili first prevents it from being crushed by the vacuum sealer and ensures a perfect, even seal. It also helps maintain the texture.
4. Vacuum Seal: Once the chili blocks are frozen solid, remove them from their containers. Insert each frozen block of chili into a FoodSaver® bag (you can use pre-cut bags or a roll to customize the size). Ensure there’s enough space at the top for sealing. Use your FoodSaver® machine to vacuum seal the bags. The machine will remove all the air, protecting your chili from freezer burn and preserving its flavor and texture for much longer.
5. Label and Store: Don’t forget to label your bags with the date and contents. Store the vacuum-sealed chili in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal, simply grab a vacuum-sealed bag of chili from the freezer. You can reheat it directly from frozen by simmering it gently in a pot on the stove, or by thawing it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheating. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have a piping hot, flavorful meal that tastes as if you just made it. This is truly a game-changer as we approach the busiest time of the year, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without the daily cooking stress!

Look for the FoodSaver® System in the appliance aisle at Costco, and prepare to transform your kitchen, your meal planning, and your approach to healthy eating. It’s an investment that pays dividends in convenience, savings, and delicious meals.

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