This comforting white chicken chili brings fall flavors right into your bowl. With creamy pumpkin puree, wholesome white beans, tender rotisserie chicken, and cozy autumn spices, it’s everything you crave on a chilly evening. One pot, simple prep, and a clear path to seasonal satisfaction.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Fall deserves warmth, and this chili delivers. Pumpkin puree gives it a golden hue and velvety texture, while spices like cumin and paprika add depth. I first tried this when crisp nights made me crave something hearty yet seasonal. It felt like a hug—rooted in tradition and yet unexpected in its creamy, savory profile. Now, it’s my go-to for all the comforts of fall in a single pot.
Print
Ultimate White Chicken Chili for Fall
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
A creamy white chicken chili infused with pumpkin puree and warm fall spices. Perfect for cozy evenings, one-pot simplicity, and seasonal comfort.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
2 (15 oz) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Roasted pumpkin seeds and chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add chicken, beans, chiles, pumpkin, spices, and broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in heavy cream if using and heat through gently.
5. Serve hot with roasted pumpkin seeds and cilantro.
Notes
Pumpkin adds creamy body and fall flavor.
To lighten it up, omit the cream or replace with Greek yogurt.
Reheats beautifully for up to 4 days or freezes for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: white chicken chili fall, pumpkin chili, creamy white chili
All the Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional—but luxurious!)
- Roasted pumpkin seeds and cilantro, for garnish
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent—about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken, white beans, diced green chiles, pumpkin puree, spices, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Lower the heat and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- If using, stir in the heavy cream for added richness and heat through gently.
- Serve piping hot, topped with roasted pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Twists
This chili plays well with a range of toppings—add a dollop of sour cream, a handful of shredded cheese, or a sprinkling of bread crumbs for that cozy crunch. Want a richer take? Try a version with added cream cheese like in the Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese. Prefer a quicker stovetop option? Flip over to Quick Hearty White Chicken Chili for speed without sacrificing flavor.
Why Pumpkin Makes It Fall-Worthy
Pumpkin isn’t just symbolic—it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and potassium, making it a favorite fall ingredient :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. In this chili, it adds both depth and nourishment, pairing beautifully with savory flavors and a creamy finish.
Make‑Ahead & Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool before storing in an airtight container. It stays delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore silky consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the cream?
Yes—omit it for a lighter, naturally creamy version, or replace with Greek yogurt for tang.
Want more fall flair?
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, sweet-spicy aroma—pumpkin spice-style!
Can I slow-cook this?
Definitely. After sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in cream at the end.
Related Recipes to Explore
- Quick Hearty White Chicken Chili – fast stovetop comfort.
- Fall Favorite Hearty Chili Recipes to Warm You Up – seasonal inspiration.
- Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese – luxurious and indulgent.
- 3-Ingredient Emergency Chili – Ready in 20 Minutes – simple and fast fallback.
Conclusion
This Ultimate White Chicken Chili for Fall is all about embracing the season’s cozy vibes—two textures, comforting flavor, and seasonal ingredients like pumpkin all in a rich, heartwarming pot. When you want that autumn glow in a bowl, this chili is your easy, nourishing, fall dinner hero.