Creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl isn’t just a meal it’s a feeling, its fall meal plan. The kind of cozy, soul-soothing comfort food that welcomes you home on a chilly autumn evening. Chef Mouny first crafted this dish after a long day tending to the animals on her Texas ranch. With Rubby the horse fed and the dogs curled up by the fire, she turned to her kitchen craving something rich, warm, and deeply nourishing. What came together was a one-skillet masterpiece that’s become a seasonal staple.
The heart of this creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl is pure simplicity. Tender chicken, caramelized onions, and a swirl of pumpkin purée come together in one pan. Add a splash of cream, a sprinkle of thyme, and a hint of nutmeg, and you’ve got a dish that’s both rustic and refined. It’s everything a fall meal should be hearty, flavorful, and easy to pull off on a weeknight.
What makes this recipe so special is how it captures the essence of Chef Mouny’s culinary philosophy: real food, real flavor, and real love. Like her one-pan pumpkin chicken dinner, this dish brings comfort in every bite, using simple ingredients that shine. The pumpkin adds richness without overpowering, while the skillet method keeps cleanup to a minimum.
Every bite of this creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl tells a story from Mouny’s childhood memories of cooking with her mother to the crisp, quiet evenings that inspire her today. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or curling up with a warm bowl solo, this recipe delivers the kind of comfort that lingers.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Skillet Bowl: Cozy, Easy, and Full of Fall Flavor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl made with tender chicken thighs, garlic, and pumpkin purée in a one-pot fall comfort dish that’s rich, cozy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup canned pumpkin purée (100% pure)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: toasted pumpkin seeds, spinach, or kale
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and sauté until browned and cooked through.
Stir in pumpkin purée and chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Lower the heat and pour in the cream or coconut milk.
Add nutmeg and thyme, then cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional toppings like pumpkin seeds or greens.
Notes
Use chicken breast instead of thighs if preferred.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
Add spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken Bowls
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients & Substitutions for Success
A good creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl begins with the right ingredients humble, accessible, and packed with cozy fall flavor. The beauty of this dish is how effortlessly it comes together, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Start with the pumpkin. No need to roast one from scratch canned pumpkin purée works beautifully here. It delivers a smooth, earthy base that blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, roasted butternut squash is a great substitute.
For protein, boneless chicken thighs are ideal they stay juicy and tender during simmering. Chicken breast is a fine backup. If you’re aiming for a plant-based version, try chickpeas or tofu. The result is just as hearty and satisfying, similar to the warmth in this spicy tofu rice bowl.
The sauce is what makes this creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl shine. Heavy cream gives it that rich texture, but full-fat coconut milk is a great alternative for dairy-free eaters. Add aromatics like onion and garlic, toss in a few herbs, and finish with a touch of nutmeg or paprika to bring the whole dish together.
One skillet, a few pantry staples, and a little fall magic that’s all you need. This creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl proves that comfort food can be both simple and deeply satisfying.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl is simpler than it sounds and that’s part of its charm. Everything happens in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this method works beautifully.
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds. Then, add bite-sized pieces of chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for warmth. Cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink in the center.
Next comes the heart of the dish pumpkin. Stir in the pumpkin purée and a bit of chicken broth to loosen the mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer. At this point, your kitchen will already smell amazing. After a few minutes, pour in the cream and reduce the heat. Let everything cook together for another 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
Taste and adjust. Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of cayenne, or more salt if needed. Want it more herbaceous? Fresh thyme is a beautiful finish. You can even stir in a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens.
This creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl takes under 30 minutes to make, and it tastes like you slow-cooked it all day. It reminds Chef Mouny of the depth and ease found in her fall chicken recipes with pumpkin a dish that’s comforting, creative, and weeknight-friendly.
With just one pan, a few quality ingredients, and a bit of care, this creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl becomes more than a meal it becomes a moment.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serving a creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl is all about creating comfort on a plate—or in this case, a bowl. The dish is rich and creamy with deep, warm flavor, so it pairs well with light, textured sides. Spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice, couscous, or quinoa for a satisfying meal. If you’re a bread lover, a slice of crusty sourdough or warm naan is perfect for soaking up that golden sauce.
For toppings, consider fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, a swirl of extra cream, or even toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. When Chef Mouny serves this at home, she likes to add a simple salad or roasted vegetables on the side, keeping the focus on the cozy bowl. Much like the sweet and spicy chicken bowl, the flavors here are layered but balanced rich, not heavy.
If you’re planning ahead, good news: this creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl stores beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Want to switch things up? Try swapping the chicken for turkey or leftover rotisserie meat. You could also make a vegetarian version with chickpeas or white beans, adding sautéed mushrooms for depth. The pumpkin base is incredibly versatile, just like many of Mouny’s other comforting bowls.
No matter how you serve it, the creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl delivers warmth, ease, and nourishment exactly the kind of meal that brings people together, one bite at a time.
Conclusion
The creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl is everything a comfort food lover dreams of easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and full of heart. From the golden hue of the pumpkin sauce to the tender, juicy chicken, every bite feels like a warm hug. And just like Chef Mouny’s mission with RecipesMouny.com, this dish proves that food is about more than feeding the body it’s about nourishing the soul.
Whether you’re cooking on a quiet evening or feeding family on a busy weeknight, this bowl belongs in your fall rotation. And if you’re hungry for more cozy creations, explore dishes like the sweet and spicy chicken bowl they’re comforting, simple, and made with the same love.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just another meal, it’s fall meal plan. It’s a reminder that good food connects us to our past, our people, and ourselves.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
FAQs
Can I use canned creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl purée for this recipe?
Yes, and it’s a time-saver too. Canned pumpkin gives you that velvety texture without any roasting or blending. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin, not the sweetened pie mix often used for desserts.
How long does creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl last in the refrigerator?
Once cooled, store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Can I substitute the cream with coconut milk for a vegan version?
Absolutely. Coconut milk provides a rich, dairy-free alternative with a slightly sweet finish. To make it fully vegan, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu similar to what you’d find in this Cajun chicken rice bowl.
What’s the difference between creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl and butternut squash here?
Pumpkin has a milder, earthier flavor, while butternut squash is naturally sweeter and creamier. Both work well in savory skillet meals. Choose based on the flavor balance you’re after.