Spicy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Chicken Chili

I adapted this from a recipe found in the winter issue of Progressive Farmer, a magazine to which we subscribe and is full of interesting tidbits and arcane information. It caught my eye, as it was the strangest combination of ingredients I've ever seen and couldn't imagine how it would taste. Always looking for more ways to camouflage winter squash for my hubby, I decided to give it a try. The original recipe called for beef stew meat and ground beef, but I used chicken thighs and ground chicken breast. It is one of the most delicious concoctions I have ever made!

1 lb. ground chicken (or beef)
1 lb. cubed skinless, boneless chicken thighs (or beef stew meat)
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper
1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (I used kabocha because it is my favorite and I had one)
2 cups hot salsa
1 small can peppers (3.5 oz - Anaheim or chipotle)
1 (12 oz) beer
1 cup water
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

In skillet, brown chicken and onions (if using chicken, be sure to brown in oil)

In a slow cooker*, combine all ingredients EXCEPT pumpkin puree and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours until everything is cooked and tender.

Add pumpkin puree and heat through. Serve with toppings of your choice (avocados, sour cream, jalapenos, etc. Corn bread is a delicious accompaniment.

*To make without a slow cooker, use a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove, and follow the directions above. Simmer for about one hour, adding the pumpkin puree at the end.

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Graphic pig pictures below! >>

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Graphic pig pictures below! >>

Extra Schmaltz!

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