Saute onion and bell pepper together in a large pot until soft
1 medium yellow onion, 1 bell pepper
Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds
3 cloves garlic
Add spices and mix so they coat the sautéed veggies
2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Add chicken stock. Scrap up any brown bits from the bottom of pan.
3 cups chicken stock
Stir in green chiles, diced tomatoes, black beans and pumpkin puree
¼ cup roasted chiles, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cans black beans, 1 can pumpkin puree
Simmer for about 45 minutes
Add chicken and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes
2 cups cooked chicken
Stir in 1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Taste and add salt and pepper if needed
Serve hot topped with fresh cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese and sour cream (toppings optional)
green onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese
Notes
To make in a slow cooker
Saute onions and peppers until soft
Stir in garlic
Place in a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients
Cook on low for 5 hours
Recipe tips
When adding the spices, just let them become warm and fragrant. This will only take about 30 seconds. Don't cook for too long or they will become bitter.
Allow the chili to simmer for 45 minutes before adding the chicken. This will help develop flavors without the chicken becoming dry.
If the chili becomes too thick, add a bit more chicken stock
The brown sugar is optional, but it just brings the flavors together at the end. Taste your chili, if you think it's just perfect, no need to add it.
Serve hot with toppings on the side
Variations
Add a cup of frozen corn when you add the chicken
Need a bit more heat? Add a finely diced jalapeno along with the onions and bell pepper. You could also add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Make it vegetarian! Omit the chicken and substitute the chicken broth for a veggie broth.
Use burger instead of chicken. Any burger will work - beef, elk, venison. Just cook it first and add it instead of the chicken.