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    Home Β» Chicken Β» Pumpkin Chicken Tacos

    Sep 22, 2010 Β· Modified: Oct 16, 2020 by Sues Β· This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads Β· View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer Β· 33 Comments

    Pumpkin Chicken Tacos

    I warned you. More pumpkin. If I had my way, I'd post a new pumpkin recipe 2 times a week until the end of November. But I'll try to be respectful to those of you who might not be as crazy as me (YOU exist?!). But you know what? I really can't think of anything pumpkin doesn't go with. This post is proof of that.

    I have a love/hate relationship with We are not Martha's ingredient photos. On the one hand, I think they're beautiful, helpful tools for our readers to quickly learn what they need for a particular recipe. On the other hand, they're really kinda binding. I mean, I'm already a rules girl enough, but now I have to commit to using certain ingredients before even starting to cook or bake a recipe? Doesn't allow for much creative freedom, does it?

    I often find myself wanting to add ingredients and take ingredients out while I'm in the midst of cooking something. I'm a big taster and when something tastes good, I might add more. And when it's not good, I make changes. And then I'm left with a disaster of a photo, featuring ingredients that came from who knows where. And then I freak out because, you know, it's like I broke some rules. My point is, don't put 100% faith into the ingredient photos here at WANM. Especially in a recipe like this, where really? There are so many things you can add and take out depending on your tastes.

    Just make sure you have a taste for pumpkin. Because that part is kind of important. I could eat tacos every night. Which is why when pumpkin tacos popped into my head, I knew they had to be done. I decided chicken would be a good addition, but if you're a vegetarian, you could probably just use extra pumpkin.

    Pumpkin Chicken Tacos (makes 6):

    • 1 small onion, chopped
    • 2 peppers (I used 1 red and 1 green), chopped
    • 1 t cumin
    • 1 t chili powder
    • 1 lb. chicken breast (I used tenderloins), cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 1 can pureed pumpkin, 15 oz.
    • 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
    • 2 C frozen corn
    • 6 corn tortillas
    • Β½ C sharp cheddar cheese, grated
    • 1 tomato, chopped
    • Couple handfulls spinach
    • Cilantro (optional)

     

    IMG_0778

    To get started, chop the peppers and onions. I used one red and one green because I like my tacos to be pretty colors. But that's probably just me.

    IMG_0782

    Sautee them in a little bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. Add the cumin and chili powder and cook until soft and golden.

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    I cut the chicken into more manageable, bite-sized pieces and sauteed them in a tiny bit of olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on there, too.

    IMG_0787

    While the chicken was cooking, I chopped up two jalapenos. I LOVE a bit (a lot) of heat in my food, so I didn't discard the seeds or anything silly like that. But everybody is different, so add at your discretion. Also, wear gloves when cutting jalapenos at your discretion. And take out your contact lenses before cutting jalapenos at your discretion. Ahem.

    IMG_0792

    The chicken is just about cooked through!

    IMG_0794

    So, add the jalapenos.

    IMG_0797

    Now add in the can of pumpkin! Yum. I love this part.

    IMG_0800

    Stir the pumpkin in and cook it all a bit longer. Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through.

    IMG_0810

    In the meantime, put your 2 cups of corn in a frying pan (I used the same one I cooked the peppers and onions in and moved those to a bowl) and cook over low heat.

    IMG_0811

    While you're waiting, chop some tomatoes and trim some spinach (if you choose!)

    IMG_0809

    Heat your tortillas a bit too. I stuck mine in the oven for a few minutes on low heat.

    Now, build your tacos! I put some chicken and pumpkin on the tortilla, along with pepper and onion, and corn.

    IMG_0817

    Obviously, some super sharp cheddar cheese.

    IMG_0819

    And then sprinkle tomatoes and spinach on top. You can add cilantro on, too. Like I forgot to do. Sour cream might be a nice touch if you're into that, too.

    IMG_0845

    Oh my. This is Mexican food taken to a whole new level.

    IMG_0846

    If tacos remind you of summer, then this taco will bring you straight into autumn. Full force. These just made me so happy. I mean, the slightly sweet pumpkin with the slightly roasted corn and the sharpness of the cheddar was like nothing I've ever experienced. I never imagined pumpkin would intercept with my Mexican food. But it did. And it was glorious.

    IMG_0847

    Speaking of tacos, I'll be in Austin, Texas, in exactly 2 weeks and I'm incredibly crazy excited! Let me know if you have any local food tips, though I'll be quite busy since I'll be spending 3 days at Austin City Limits. I haven't been to Texas since I was 15 and I can't wait to go back. And you know me, I'm planning on eating my way through the city when I'm not listening to fabulous music πŸ™‚

    Yay for Mexican food! Yay for pumpkin! Yay for the first day of fall being 85 degrees. I guess.

    Seriously, though, is there anything pumpkin isn't good with? Tell me!

    [Sues]

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah @ Aubergine says

      September 22, 2010 at 10:25 pm

      I admit I was a bit skeptical at first, but I shouldn't have been -- sounds like a must-make. I know I've also seen a poblano pepper filled with pumpkin before, sort of like a riff on chiles rellenos. Really healthy, too, with all of those veggies! Oh, and ps, you can continue with the pumpkin recipes. I LOVE pumpkin and can't wait until (Canadian) Thanksgiving so I have an excuse to try out a recipe I have for pumpkin cake.

    2. Erica says

      September 22, 2010 at 10:26 pm

      owwwwww...I'm making quesadillas tomorrow night, I may need to throw some pumpkin in there! I thought pumpkin would never be good in a spicy soup until I made one last year! I'd be ok with lots and lots of pumpkin recipes btw!

    3. sarah k. @ the pajama chef says

      September 22, 2010 at 10:44 pm

      oh my goodness. i am so excited about this recipe. it combines two of my favorite things: mexican and pumpkin. ahhh i need to make this now! genius!

    4. joan says

      September 22, 2010 at 11:46 pm

      Never would have thought of this, but it sounds really good!

    5. sophia says

      September 23, 2010 at 3:47 am

      I've made pumpkin chicken enchiladas before. tHey were AWESOME. so, I totally agree: when in doubt, so go pumpkin. Can't go wrong!!

    6. Simply Life says

      September 23, 2010 at 7:59 am

      what a creative way to add pumpkin in!

    7. newlywed says

      September 23, 2010 at 8:12 am

      This looks awesome! I love pumpkin too.

    8. Wicked Domestic says

      September 23, 2010 at 8:25 am

      This looks awesome! Totally have to try it. Great idea πŸ™‚

    9. Fun and Fearless in Beantown says

      September 23, 2010 at 8:52 am

      I would seriously never think to make pumpkin chicken tacos. I love pumpkin so keep these great recipes coming!

      And I totally hear you about the jalapenos and contacts. No matter how many times you wash your hands, it always burns when I take my contacts out at the end of the night!

    10. Shannon says

      September 23, 2010 at 9:15 am

      fabulous!! not something i would've come up with on my own, but now i'm totally trying it πŸ™‚

    11. rebeccaj says

      September 23, 2010 at 9:58 am

      seriously? wow, this looks amazing. did you see poe's kitchen's new menu with pumpkin all over it? YUM.

    12. sweetersalt says

      September 23, 2010 at 10:17 am

      I love pumpkin in savory food. Pumpkin chili is mighty delicious, as is pumpkin cream sauce (made with ricotta and parmesan) for pasta!

      Laura

    13. Corey @ the Runner's Cookie says

      September 23, 2010 at 10:52 am

      Ahh those look delicious! I am obsessing over pumpkin and butternut squash right now...thinking of trying them in smoothies soon!

    14. brandi says

      September 23, 2010 at 11:12 am

      yum! I would NEVER think to put pumpkin in tacos! I don't know if my husband would go for this, but I think it looks delicious πŸ™‚

    15. Priscilla says

      September 23, 2010 at 11:35 am

      Oh my Gosh!! that looks absolutely amazing!!! I loved the colors and the chicken and pumpkin combination, yum yum yuuuummm.

      Have a great day!
      Priscilla

    16. Pam says

      September 23, 2010 at 11:59 am

      These look creative and tasty! Nicely done.

    17. maggie says

      September 23, 2010 at 12:29 pm

      I definitely appreciate the ingredient photos if there's an unusual ingredient - it helps me know what to look for in the grocery store!

      I can't really imagine what these taste like, but I might try them. I had sweet potato/black bean burritos a couple years ago - equally unusual, but delicious!

    18. Dani says

      September 23, 2010 at 1:12 pm

      WOW these look great! I usually use my pumpkin in sweet stuff but you have inspired me to try it in mexican food, thank you!!

    19. Monique says

      September 23, 2010 at 2:43 pm

      hmmm really thinking about what pumpkin might be nasty with... cant think of any

      I love the ingredients pic but i like reading what you add and dont add because sometimes recipes develop on their own, and i aint mad at ya for that πŸ™‚

    20. Beth @ DiningAndDishing says

      September 23, 2010 at 2:47 pm

      Oh yum!! I always use pumpkin for sweet dishes but this is such a nice spin. And some very beautiful foodie photography of the final product!

    21. Ari says

      September 23, 2010 at 2:50 pm

      Advice for Austin eating during ACL: hit up the food trucks (I recommend Flip Happy Crepes and Hey Cupcake)! And be sure to get some barbeque!

    22. Daisy says

      September 23, 2010 at 4:44 pm

      You're a genious. Pumpkin is apparently good in everything. i can't wait to have a pumpkin martini.

    23. Daisy says

      September 23, 2010 at 4:45 pm

      PS Where did you get the Pumpkin Puree?!

    24. Emily @ The Happy Home says

      September 23, 2010 at 4:46 pm

      so so so so so yummy! i love how well pumpkins and other squashes hold up to strong flavors. and the phrase "squash taco" is making me giggle really hard!

    25. Sues says

      September 23, 2010 at 5:33 pm

      @Daisy- I stocked up last year in case I had trouble this year πŸ™‚ I need more already though, so I'll let you know where I see it!

    26. megan says

      September 23, 2010 at 8:28 pm

      I never would have thought to combine pumpkin and tacos! I really wish I had some pumpkin to play around with. i just used my last can last week for whoopie pies though πŸ™ (although they were worth it)

    27. DianaHayes says

      September 23, 2010 at 9:52 pm

      I made pumpkin lasagna once that my kids didn't like. It wasn't awful, just very bland. Maybe it needed jalapenos - without the seeds, or contacts.

    28. Kat says

      September 24, 2010 at 10:32 am

      I love pumpkin, but my husband refuses to eat it. This might change his mind... hmm. I wonder if I can get it into the tacos, and into his mouth, without him knowing in advance that it's there.

    29. lynn @ the actor's diet says

      September 25, 2010 at 3:00 am

      nothing wrong with pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin!

    30. Brooke says

      September 25, 2010 at 12:35 pm

      Those look amazing. It seems like one of those recipes that should be in that Deceptively Delicious cookbook. πŸ™‚ I bet a vegetarian version would work as well.

    31. Baking Serendipity says

      September 26, 2010 at 11:12 pm

      I looooove pumpkin, but never thought of adding it to tacos before. I am definitely giving this one a try! Fall dinners are the best πŸ™‚

    32. Sharlene says

      September 28, 2010 at 10:44 pm

      How clever is this dish?! LOVE IT!

    33. Camels & Chocolate says

      October 01, 2010 at 12:30 am

      Um, I will be making this tomorrow. What a brilliant idea! I, too, will eat pumpkin every chance I get when it's in season and everywhere!

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