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As autumn settles in, the kitchen becomes a sanctuary filled with the warm, inviting aromas of seasonal cooking. This time of year is all about embracing flavors that reflect the harvest, and nothing embodies that spirit quite like dishes featuring pumpkin and hearty proteins. The rich, earthy notes of autumn ingredients create a culinary experience that warms both the body and soul.

Autumn Harvest Chicken and Pumpkin Bowls

A hearty and nutritious bowl featuring chicken, pumpkin, and quinoa or brown rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2.0 cups diced pumpkin
  • 1.0 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2.0 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.0 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1.0 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1.0 pinch salt
  • 1.0 pinch pepper
  • 1.0 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1.0 cup baby spinach or kale
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese
  • 0.25 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1.0 sprig fresh parsley
  • 1.0 slice lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Pumpkin: If using fresh pumpkin, peel, seed, and dice it into bite-sized cubes. If using canned, drain excess liquid.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed chicken and season with smoked paprika, ground cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Sauté the Pumpkin: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the diced pumpkin. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften. You can add a splash of water if it begins to stick.
  • Combine Ingredients: Once the pumpkin is tender, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the baby spinach or kale. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
  • Assemble the Bowls: In four serving bowls, layer the cooked quinoa or brown rice at the bottom. Top with the chicken and pumpkin mixture, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and pumpkin seeds.
  • Garnish and Serve: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and fresh parsley if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Optional ingredients can be omitted based on preference.
Keyword chicken, healthy, pumpkin, quinoa