The season of slow cookers and pumpkins is in full swing, so combine the two for one delicious healthy dinner! Slow Cooker Chipotle Pumpkin Chicken is a creamy spicy new way to have a great gluten-free and paleo dinner with minimal effort and all the flavor!
I'm done with all my pumpkin creation for the blog, so over the next few weeks I'll continue to present all these pumpkin goodies to you (hope you aren't sick of it!). I decided to give you another savory pumpkin recipe to try. I've actually wanted to make a slow cooker pumpkin chicken recipe since last year and I finally got to it! I adore my slow cooker chicken; t never fails to please! I also know it will always get a thumbs up from the rest of the family which is a plus (they can be rather picky). But this was another winner and another favorite!
Now, I wasn't going to just stop at pumpkin chicken. I always have to stretch the idea into the realm of bigger and better creativity. I always want to expand the flavor profile 50 yards...100 yards...touchdown! And how did I make this a touchdown-worthy recipe? Spicy chipotle and pablano! I finally ordered some organic chipotle powder to play around with and picked up a small poblano pepper at the grocery. I really don't have that great of a spice tolerance, but I've been playing around with it more...since it does taste so good! I've learned that when you pair the spicy with something more sweet or creamy, it all mellows out.
The chipotle powder was beautiful and I could have just stood there breathing in the jar. The pablono took a bit more "risky" behavior. I've never roasted my own peppers on an open flame, but with this one poblano, that's what I did. All you have to do is turn on a burner on your gas stove, use some tongs to hold the stem of the pepper, and simply hold it over the flames like you would while roasting marshmallows! However, these "marshmallows" aren't sweet, but spicy! Once you get the black char all over, let the pepper cool on a paper towel. Then just take the paper towel and rub off the char, and chop up as needed! Perfect roasted pepper in a flash! (I will admit, I thought I would start a fire or blow myself up when the pepper started crackling, but I survived!)
The roasting of the pepper doesn't come close to the danger of the salmon on a cedar plank grilling I did the other week. I'll tell you about that first experience in due time! Nobody said the creation of good food was safe though; there's always a slight risk of injury (as I know all too well). At least the slow cooker part comes with zero risk. You don't even have to be in the room as the cooking occurs. You shouldn't be that is...I don't know why you would sit and watch a slow cooker for 6 hours (I think that defeats the purpose!). Anyway, on to the recipe! It's not too spicy, but just right and blends in the pumpkin creaminess perfectly, creating a moist autumn-inspired chicken dinner!
Slow Cooker Chipotle Pumpkin Chicken
Slow Cooker Chipotle Pumpkin Chicken
The season of slow cookers and pumpkins is in full swing, so combine the two for one delicious healthy dinner! Slow Cooker Chipotle Pumpkin Chicken is a creamy spicy new way to have a great gluten-free and paleo dinner with minimal effort and all the flavor!
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main, Slow Cooker, Chicken
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5lb Chicken Breasts (about 4)
- 1 (15oz) Can Pure Pumpkin Puree
- 2 Tsp Chipotle Powder
- ΒΌ Cup Minced Roasted Poblano Pepper
- 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
- Β½ Tsp Cumin
- ΒΎ Cup Water
Instructions
- In the slow cooker or crockpot, add first the chicken, then pile in the rest of the ingredients on top. Give it a mix so the water and spices are incorporated as one mixture with the pumpkin.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Β 
O and did I mention, this one smells super good too π Just like that applesauce. The slow cooker has magic aroma powers for sure, there's no doubt! Spicy pumpkin goodness awaits and makes the mouth water! The chipotle is more of a mild background spice, the poblano bits are where the spice happens! But I will always be fond of the savory pumpkin recipes, yet I do have more sweet to come...many more. For now some chicken and spice will suffice! Happy slow-cookering!
So tell me:
+ Have you ever roasted peppers over a flame?
+ What's your favorite pepper? I think shishitos will always be my #1!
βββββββββββββββ-
Anil Kumar
We love making this recipe in the colder months. It's so delicious and creamy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So glad to hear you enjoy it!
Jackie
This sounds delicious! Do you think a can of pumpkin is ok to use instead of pumpkin purΓ©e? I don't have any at the house right now.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, girl, that IS what pumpkin puree is π Good old Libby's! Just make sure it's the 100% pumpkin puree and not the pumpkin pie canned!
Mary, Living a Sunshine Life
Normally pumpkin flavored anything is the furthest thing from my mind, despite everyone's attempts to tell me how awesome it is. I just don't like it. The reason I don't like it this time of year is because I don't like cinnamon or nutmeg, and they always go hand in hand with pumpkin. This recipe, however, is something I think I need to try! I'm excited to try a recipe that doesn't rely on pumpkin spice to carry it! Yay! It's going on my menu plan next time I'm due to get groceries! Can't wait to try this recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think this is your kinda pumpkin then!
Sarah R.
Whaaaa? Pumpkin and chipotle...what an interesting combo that I bet is DELISH. Hugs!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is! Thank you!
CJ Huang
I love the smoky spiciness of chipotle, and the poblano sounds like it adds an extra kick! I felt the same way when I first roasted a pepper - the sounds were a bit scary, but the results definitely worth it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! I will be doing a lot more roasting on my own from now on!
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins
This looks and sound delicious, I love slow cooker meals at this time of year x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Of course! Thank you!
Emily
I can't handle too much spice, but I love a little kick! Poblanos are one of my favorites! Seriously though, is it lunch-time yet? I need to get a slow cooker... now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is exactly the spice level you're looking for then! YES! Everyone needs a slow cooker! (I have 2, haha!)
Sonja @ SustainMyCraftHabit
This looks so tasty! I've never cooked with pumpkin puree before so thank you for the delicious idea.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What!?
Ashleigh
Lovely recipe post!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm a food blogger.
sue
I'm loving all the new recipes with ways to incorporate pumpkin at this time of year.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think everyone is.
Honest mum
Want this now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes!
Debbie @ Bible Fun For Kids
This chicken looks delicious! I haven't used pumpking with chicken before! Thanks so much for sharing it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I bet you'll love it!
Ali
Yum!! I can't wait to give this a try!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope you do!!!
Kim~madeinaday
Wow how interesting! I love you roasted your peppers too! Great idea using the flame on the stove!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The only "fun" way π
Mark
I made these today, and they are delicious! Thanks so much for a yummy healthy recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yay! That means so much to me! Thank you!
Jess
Anything I can put in my slow cooker is amazing, but this looks extra special! Pinning π xo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Yummy! I love a good slow cooker meal.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Me too!
Amberjane
Sounds tasty and I love a crock pot recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Me too! Thanks!
Food Daydreaming
Pumpkin and chipotle are lovely together! This recipe looks great.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are!
Steph @ Steph in Thyme
Such a fun, creative idea! A great way to combine two great things together π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Thanks!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
I also don't have much of a "spicy" tolerance but my husband loves the kick. This recipe looks easy enough, and a dish that suits his love of spicy and my love of pumpkin!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect! I know you'll BOTH enjoy it!
Elle @ Only Taste Matters
I just love a slow cooker recipe! Thanks for posting!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks! Hope you give it a try!
Caroline | carolinescooking
This looks great! Love the flavors. I know what you mean about the smell coming from the slow cooker as it's doing its stuff - sometimes it can be torture it smells so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, but the reward...o the reward π
Vicki Montague - The Free From Fairy
This looks and sound delicious! No wonder if goes down well with the family! I'd gobble it up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you! It was a winner!
Emma
I just found chipotle chillies in my local supermarket! This looks lovely and warming.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I love this idea!!! I finally have a slow cooker this season and I'm so excited to see it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
YES!! Give that baby good use!
Amber
This looks AMAZING
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
The Vegan 8
Chipotle and pumpkin, now that's an amazing flavor combo!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Mmmmhm π They are the perfect complements!
Hollie
Sounds interesting!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it's an amazing dish!
Elaine Hodges
I found a new recipe for my slow cooker!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Great to hear!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
Yum! The slow cooker is such a great thing this time of year π Looks amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Thanks Tara!
CARLA
IM IN IN IN FOR THIS WEEKEND.
WISH ME LUCK! :0)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I want to see the results!
Farrah
This sounds lovely! <3 I wish I had my crockpot with me! :[
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Soon enough!
Ashley
Oooo I bet pumpkin and chipotle go so well together! And yay for slow cooker meals!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They do!!! The perfect balance for each other! Haha, yea! Slow cooker meals always rock!
Kristen
I love savory pumpkin recipes. This sounds incredible with the spice of the peppers.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much!
Harriet Emily
This looks incredible Rebecca! The flavours in this sauce sound soooo delicious - I love chipotle!!! Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Maria Stark
Such beautiful food you show! Love you guys.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Abigail Raines
What a deliciously easy and family-friendly fall dish you have here! I think it's lovely and creative!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much!
Amanda @ Grad Girl
This looks amazing! I get tired of those "sweet" pumpkin recipes, so this one is a wonderful change. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Same π Gotta change it up....and spice it up!
Raia
Well, I love pumpkin and chipotle... So why not together? π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Exactly π
Celeste
Love the flavor of chipotle peppers! I'm intrigued by the combination of them and pumpkin.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They work perfectly! Not too spicy!
Kelly
OMG I must try this. Saving this! Thank you for the recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thanks!
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy
You seriously have THE BEST recipes girl! I would have never thought of this! It looks AMAZING!!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
THANK YOU! Hahahaha π Time to get out that slow cooker!
lindsay
this... is.... EPIC! all my favorite flavorings and of course crock pot. Think it will work with fish? maybe shrimp?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I've never cooked fish in the slow cooker! But something to try...although the sauce is probably to heavy for fish π
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
You're getting very very creative with the pumpkin. And very brave with the pepper open-flame roasting. Although I have to admit when you said marshmallow I got a little distracted π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahahaha π If only it was a magical marshmallow!
Lauren
Perfect for fall! Plus who doesn't love an easy slow cooker dinner??
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right!? Slow cooking rocks!
Christine - The Choosy Mommy
I wish that I loved pumpkin as much as everyone else. I can just do pumpkin pie, but I can't handle pumpkin anything else. With that being said, I am sure the spices in this meal are fab and I just love crock pot meals. Maybe I'll just try less pumpkin....
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Why comment?
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
this is a beautiful way to eat pumpkin in a savory dish! I need to make more savory pumpkin meals bc pumpkin is just as good when it's not sweet!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I totally agree!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I love chipotle and throw it in everything! Really love it with smoked paprika. Great slow cooker idea for this season and I need lots of them π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Mmmm yea, two of the greats! Chipotle and smoked pap!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Horray for savory pumpkin dishes!! We don't have gas burners on our stove, but I've always wanted to do this! I've gotta find someone that does, because that just sounds way to fun! Adventure in the kitchen!! I can't wait to hear about your salmon fiasco! Dave would love this, he's not huge on spice either, so I think this would be perfect for him!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Or just light a fire outside π Hahaha!
(You have electric though? Ugh! That's terrible! π )
Christie
Chipotle was the perfect addition to your pumpkin chicken. Reminds me of an Indian and Mexican fusion. I cannot wait to try it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Oooo I like that! The perfect fusion for comfort food π
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
I'm not a huge spicy-food person, but I like the idea of balancing out the spicy flavor with something mellow. You know I love my slow cooker!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Try this!! If I could handle it (it really wasn't very spicy) anyone can! My mom even loved it and she has ZERO tolerance!
Marye
This looks so good! I love the combination of chicken and pumpkin. YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Marye!
Susie @ SuzLyfe
Pumpkin, chipotle, and poultry were made for each other! I do something similar every year for Thanksgiving with my enchiladas!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Oooo now that's a Thanksgiving dish π Non-traditional!