Description
A cozy one-pan pumpkin chicken dinner featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy pumpkin sauce with garlic, herbs, and fall spices the ultimate comfort meal for chilly nights.
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pure pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon ground sage
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh sage leaves or parsley, for garnish
Optional: toasted pumpkin seeds for serving
Instructions
Heat butter or olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken thighs and sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft and translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in the pumpkin purée, chicken broth, and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Season with thyme, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the pumpkin sauce.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with fresh herbs and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.
Notes
Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to balance richness.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food Bowls & One-Pot Meals
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American / Fall Comfort