Incorporate these ingredients into your recipe for a delicious and nutritious chicken pumpkin chili beans and grains dish.
Steps
### Chicken Pumpkin Chili Beans and Grains Recipe
Looking for a hearty, nutritious meal that's both comforting and filling? Our Chicken Pumpkin Chili Beans and Grains recipe is perfect! This dish combines tender chicken with sweet pumpkin, vibrant beans, and a variety of grains to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Follow these detailed steps to prepare this wholesome dish.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 medium pumpkins (about 1 lb each), peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup quinoa or brown rice
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
#### Preparation Steps:
1. **Prep Ingredients:**
- Wash all produce.
- Dice the pumpkins, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Mince the garlic.
2. **Cook Quinoa or Rice:**
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove saponin (a natural coating that can make it taste soapy).
- In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
- Alternatively, rinse brown rice under cold water and cook as directed on the package.
3. **Cook Chicken:**
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. **Sauté Vegetables:**
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until slightly tender.
5. **Add Pumpkin and Seasonings:**
- Stir in the diced pumpkins, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. **Combine Ingredients:**
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with juice, kidney beans, and any accumulated juices from the chicken.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until flavors meld together.
7. **Serve:**
- Divide the chili into bowls.
- Spoon over a generous portion of the quinoa or rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
#### Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable sautéing step for a bit of heat.
- Use any leftover cooked chicken or turkey if you have it on hand. Simply dice and use in place of raw chicken.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the chili simmer longer, or blend a small portion of the mixture back into the pot before serving.
#### SEO-Friendly Meta Descriptions:
"Discover how to make Chicken Pumpkin Chili Beans and Grains with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for fall dinners, this dish combines tender chicken, sweet pumpkin, vibrant beans, and grains for a hearty, nutritious meal."
By following these detailed steps, you'll enjoy a delicious and wholesome Chicken Pumpkin Chili Beans and Grains that’s perfect for any season!