Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin

Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin is the perfect fall recipe for your next holiday gathering! This dish is packed with flavor, and it's sure to be a hit with your guests. The best part is that it's actually quite easy to make.

Simply stuff a pumpkin with a mixture of cooked chicken, walnuts, and spices. Then bake the pumpkin until it's tender and delicious. Your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills, and they'll be begging you for the recipe. So go ahead and give Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin a try this fall!

Health benefits of eating Pumpkins

Pumpkin is a popular food in the fall, often appearing in pies and other sweet treats. However, pumpkin can also be a healthy and nutritious addition to your diet. Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene. These nutrients are important for maintaining good vision, immune function, and healthy skin. Pumpkin is also low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those watching their weight. As an added bonus, the seeds of a pumpkin are a good source of protein and minerals. Whether you enjoy it in a pie or simply roasted with some spices, pumpkin is a delicious way to improve your health this fall.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 1-½ hours
Serves: 4

Jump to:

• Health benefits of eating Pumpkins
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Health Benefits of eating Walnuts
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Storage
• Top tip
• Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin

Ingredients

• Ingredients:
• 1 3 lb. Sugar Pumpkin
• 6 oz. roasted walnuts
• 1 T. olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-size pieces 
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 7 oz. tomato puree
• 1 C. water
• 6 oz. toasted walnuts
• 1 medium sweet onion
• 1 oz. fresh basil, chopped
• 1 oz. fresh parsley, chopped
• 6 oz. cherry tomatoes
• Small Fresno pepper, finely diced (optional)
• Sea Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F 
2. Using a sharp knife, remove the top from the pumpkin in one piece and set it aside. Remove seeds and stringy pulp from inside the pumpkin using a spoon or scoop. Replace lid on the pumpkin. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375° F for approximately 45 minutes until slightly softened. (time will depend on the actual size of the pumpkin). Remove from heat and carefully remove the lid and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, while the pumpkin is roasting, toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until fragrant. Stir often and watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add oil to a large deep skillet. Add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally until onions become slightly soft and translucent.
5. Add diced chicken and saute’ until golden brown.
6. Add garlic, tomato puree, and water. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer over low heat for approximately 20 minutes.
7. Ladle filling into a pumpkin. Add chopped walnuts, herbs, and cherry tomatoes, reserving a few for garnish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
8. Return pumpkin to oven and roast for another 20-25 minutes. 
9. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Health Benefits of eating Walnuts

Walnuts are a type of tree nut that is native to the Mediterranean region. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, and have been shown to have numerous health benefits. For example, walnuts have been shown to improve heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, walnuts are a good source of antioxidants and can help to protect cells from damage. As we head into fall, walnuts can be a great addition to various recipes. They can be used in baked goods, added to salads or grain dishes, or simply enjoyed as a healthy snack. For a festive twist on a classic recipe, try adding walnuts to your holiday stuffing or apple pie. No matter how you enjoy them, incorporating walnuts into your diet is a delicious way to boost your health this season.

Substitutions

Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin is a great fall dish, but if you're in a pinch, there are a few substitutes you can use. For the chicken, you can use turkey or pork. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds would work just as well. As for the pumpkin, any winter squash would be a good substitute. So don't worry if you don't have all the ingredients for Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin - just get creative and use what you have on hand!

Variations

Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin is a dish that can be easily adapted to suit your taste. For example, if you don't like walnuts, you can leave them out or substitute them with another type of nut. You could also add other veggies to the mix, such as carrots or celery. If you're looking for a bit of extra flavor, try adding some garlic or onion to the stuffing. And of course, feel free to experiment with the spices. This dish is also great for using up leftover chicken. So, next time you have some cooked chicken on hand, give Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin a try!

Storage

Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin is a great dish to make ahead of time and store in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight when you don't have time to cook. Simply reheat and enjoy. Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin is also a great dish to take to a potluck or tailgate party. It can be served cold or hot, making it versatile for any occasion. So, next time you're looking for a dish to make ahead of time, consider Chicken & Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin. You'll be glad you did.