Name: Chicken Pumpkin Quinoa Chowder
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1/2 teaspoon ground sage; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice); 2 cups chopped kale or spinach

Why You’ll Love Chicken Pumpkin Quinoa Chowder Recipe

This chowder combines protein‑rich chicken and quinoa with sweet, autumnal pumpkin for a satisfying one‑pot meal. It’s creamy without being heavy and full of flavor thanks to classic herbs like thyme and sage. Whether you’re meal‑prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this recipe warms from the inside out.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

onion, diced
celery stalks, diced
carrots, diced
garlic cloves, minced
quinoa
medium pie pumpkin, peeled and cut into bite‑sized chunks
bay leaves
dried thyme
dried sage
salt and pepper, to taste
whole chicken (or cooked shredded chicken)
spinach
half and half (for creaminess)
pumpkin puree
water or chicken stock

Directions

Place the whole chicken in a large soup pot and cover with water or chicken stock. Bring to a boil over medium‑high heat and cook until the chicken is fully cooked (about 25 minutes).
Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bones and set aside.
Add the diced pumpkin, onion, quinoa, celery, carrots, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper to the stockpot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pumpkin is tender (about 20–25 minutes).
Stir in the shredded chicken, spinach, half and half, and pumpkin puree. Simmer until heated through (about 5–7 minutes).
Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This chowder makes about 8 servings and takes approximately 30 minutes prep time + 1 hour cook time (about 1 hour 30 minutes total).

Variations

Dairy‑free: Replace the half and half with coconut milk or a plant‑based cream.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for heat.
Vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth and omit the chicken; add beans or roasted squash for protein.
Herb swap: Fresh rosemary or parsley can replace thyme or sage for a different herbal profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the chowder thickens. You can also freeze this chowder for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How long does this chowder last in the fridge?

It will stay good for about 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use leftover chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken?

Yes — shredded leftover chicken works great and saves time.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient substitute and works well in this chowder.

Is quinoa necessary in this recipe?

Quinoa adds texture and nutrition, but you can leave it out or replace it with rice or barley.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes — cook all ingredients (except dairy) on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in cream at the end.

What herbs work best in this chowder?

Thyme and sage are classic, but rosemary or parsley are tasty alternatives.

How can I make it thicker?

Simmer longer to reduce liquid, or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.

Is this chowder kid‑friendly?

Yes — mild seasonings and creamy texture make it appealing for kids.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.

What can I serve with this chowder?

Crusty bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables all pair nicely.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pumpkin Quinoa Chowder delivers hearty comfort with a balance of savory herbs, tender chicken, and creamy pumpkin. It’s versatile, easy to adapt to dietary preferences, and perfect for cozy dinners any time of year.

Chicken Pumpkin Quinoa Chowder