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Chicken Pumpkin Stew

Chicken Pumpkin Stew
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Chicken Pumpkin Stew is a hearty and nourishing dish combining tender chicken, creamy pumpkin, and a comforting blend of warm spices. Perfect as comfort food for chilly days or year-round enjoyment, this easy-to-make stew delivers balanced flavors, rich texture, and inviting aromas that soothe the senses and fill your home with warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 2 cups pumpkin puree or 2 cups fresh pumpkin chunks
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Spices & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery finely. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Peel and cube fresh pumpkin if using. Organizing ingredients helps the cooking process proceed smoothly and quickly.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add the chicken pieces, browning them on all sides to lock in juices and develop savory flavor.
  3. Add Vegetables and Spices: Add chopped carrots, celery, and pumpkin chunks to the pot. Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat ingredients evenly with spices, building a warm and complex flavor base.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour chicken broth over ingredients until just covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until pumpkin is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  5. Final Touches: If using pumpkin puree, stir it in now to add creaminess and richness. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Allow stew to cook another 5 minutes to fully blend flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for richer broth and flavor.
  • Take time to brown onions and chicken fully to deepen the stew’s aroma and taste.
  • Balance seasoning carefully: pumpkin’s natural sweetness pairs well with savory and smoky spices.
  • Let stew rest for 10 minutes off heat before serving to allow flavors to mingle.
  • Add fresh thyme or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken stew, pumpkin stew, comfort food, hearty stew, autumn recipes, gluten free stew

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/chicken-pumpkin-stew/