Weeknight Pumpkin & Black Bean Chicken Chili

By Amanda Paa – Updated April 22, 2022

Not only did I realize this week that I’m getting older, but I did some reflecting on how my life differs from many of my peers because I’m not a parent. After lunch with a college girlfriend who has an infant son (he’s cuter than cute by the way), I got to thinking about how amazing she is for all the moving parts she juggles. She’s amazing at her job and is consistently recognized as one of the top performers within her company. Her role as a loving wife and mother is admirable, as she always puts those two special men first in her life. She takes care of their family, despite how hectic it gets or tired she may be. The time she gets to herself is limited, yet she never complains.

ChiliIngredients2

And then there’s me. I can play in the kitchen for five hours, cooking a grandiose meal if I want. My alarm clock is simply my phone, not a hungry little one. I can take long baths while reading a new novel without being disturbed. A spur of the moment cross country trip is possible, no planning necessary.

It got me to thinking….. Am I selfish? Unmotivated? Should I be doing more in my spare time because I don’t have a family? Am I rude for saying that my less gets a little stressful at times? Comparatively speaking, my schedule has nothing on that of mother.

Weeknight Pumpkin & Black Bean Chicken Chili {slow-cooker option}

But I had to remind myself, we all have a lot going on in our lives. And there’s no reason I should be ashamed that my life is different than others.

There’s no right or wrong, good or bad, just differences. We should stand tall and be proud of the decisions we’ve made that ultimately make us happy, no matter what that’s comprised of.

I have a wonderful full time job that I love dearly and work hard. Brian, he means more to me than I can explain and I try to be the very best partner to him every day. My cat, well, I’d snuggle her all day long if I could. On the side I’m the social media manager for a lovely winery, owned by an amazing couple who treats me very well. I volunteer for groups like Slow Food Minnesota to share my passion for local food, farmers, and community. I spend numerous hours recipe testing and writing for the cookbook. And then I write here, in this space, because it’s my outlet.

Weeknight Pumpkin & Black Bean Chicken Chili {slow-cooker option}

All of our lives are filled with beautiful, yet sometimes tiring days. That’s where this spicy Pumpkin & Black Bean Chicken Chili comes in. It’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight in 40 minutes and hearty enough to fend of the hunger pains from a day of running around. Extra hot salsa and a good dose of chili powder give it some zip that’s sure to warm you up on a frigid night. And don’t be scared of the pumpkin flavor being overpowering. You actually can’t really taste it all, but I added it for the thick, creamy texture it gives. Stovetop or slow cooker – it’s your choice.

And don’t forget, we’re all amazing in our own way.

Pumpkin & Black Bean Chicken Chili

Serves 7-8 people

2 cans black beans, drained but not rinsed – lightly mash the beans from one can and keep the others whole.
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with garlic & onion
1 15 oz can pure pumpkin puree
3/4 c hot salsa (I used Archer Farms Spicy Salsa Roja)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into dice sized pieces
1 4 oz can mild diced green chiles
2 to 2 1/2 c water
1/2 c diced green pepper
1 ½ T olive oil
2 t chili powder
1 t cumin
3/4 t salt
1/2 t garlic powder
Juice of one lime
Fresh cilantro, avocado, & grated cheese for serving

In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Stir in pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add in chicken, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and cook on medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring, until chicken is no longer pink. Pour in beans, tomatoes, salsa, chiles, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce hit to a simmer. Stir in pumpkin puree and cover the pot, letting cook on a light simmer for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. When ready to serve, stir in juice of the lime and taste to adjust salt level is needed. Place in bowls and top with fresh cilantro, avocado, and cheese for serving.

Slow Cooker directions:
In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Stir in pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add in chicken, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and cook on medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring, until chicken is no longer pink. Transfer to slow cooker and turn to low heat setting. Stir in beans, tomatoes, salsa, chiles, 1 cup of water (note that this is different than if you are making it on the stovetop), and pumpkin puree. Attach cover and let cook on low for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. When ready to serve, stir in juice of the lime and taste to adjust salt level is needed. (You can keep it on warm if you plan to make it ahead of time.) Place in bowls and top with fresh cilantro, avocado, and cheese for serving.

Did you make this?

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October 27, 2013

COMMENT & RATE

I look forward to your comments, reviews and questions! If you love this recipe, please rate it when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes. Your support means a lot; thank you for being a part of the Heartbeet Kitchen community.

Amanda

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16 comments

  1. Mondo | I bake he shoots

    As soon as I break out my crockpot, I going to give this recipe a whirl. Pinned!

    • Amanda Paa

      so excited for cooler weather & crockpot meals too Mondo! thanks for stopping by :)

  2. Lacey

    I am making this now, it has been in the slow cooker an hour and a half on low and an hour on high, still not done. I have a Hamilton Beach 6 qt. and the time not and issue before so maybe you might want to adjust and plan ahead. I would’ve started earlier if I had known.

    • amandapaa

      Hi Lacey! When you say it wasn’t done do you mean it wasn’t warm enough? I find that slow cookers vary quite a bit in terms of the heat of their settings. I have made this twice in a 5 qt slow cooker and it has been finished in an hour and a half, but I can see where this would vary and will make note of that. Thank you and hope you enjoyed!

      • Lacey

        Yes, not warm enough and the beans not softened a little. I think mine must take a while to get going. On low it would have beens everal hours I think . On high maybe three.

  3. Kate

    I love this, and the reflection that there is no shame in our individual choices. I revel in my almost empty nest life, with so much freedom and ability to go out and be with my spouse, while still having a child at home, who can take care of himself. I love this stage, and have zero guilt over what we do.

    We can kill ourselves with comparisons, and it’s so fruitless. It takes the joy out of our days, endeavors and past times. Focusing on us feels selfish and egotistical, but it’s that focus that brings us our truest joy. We need to indulge in the things that make us whole, from whatever place in our lives we are.

    • Lacey

      Beautifully written Kate.

    • amandapaa

      Kate, thanks so much for your comment and reading. It’s nice to hear someone who is in a different stage of their life, yet still feels the same way. Zero guilt, I love it. It’s those comparisons we do to to ourselves that can bring us down, yet being selfish is actually just being self nurturing in many ways.

      xo
      Amanda

  4. Randall

    Sorry my email address was wrong-this one is correct though. :)

    • amandapaa

      :) This may not be as good as your “Pioneer Woman” beans though!

  5. Randall

    This looks so yummy! Can’t wait to make it. You are the best!!!

  6. Doris

    What size cans are used in this recipe???

    • amandapaa

      Hi Doris, thanks for catching that! I updated the recipe to reflect the size of cans. 15 oz pumpkin puree and 14.5 oz tomatoes. Enjoy!

      • Doris

        Thanks so much for fixing that! I can’t wait to fix this :)

  7. Laurie

    I’ll take authenticity over perfection every time. Someone who NEVER complains….well, makes me wonder. Good post – chili looks tasty too.

    • amandapaa

      Hi Laurie! Thanks for the comment. I’m dabbling with getting more personal in this space in regards to my writing. I’m glad this discussion resonates with you. Have a great week!