Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add half of the chicken and sauté for 8 minutes or until browned. Remove chicken from pot and repeat procedure with 1 teaspoon oil and remaining chicken; set aside.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and next 5 ingredients; sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in pumpkin, water, and coconut milk; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or until pumpkin is tender.