Keto Chicken Cacciatore – This Italian-inspired dish is a hearty, savory meal featuring tender chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken Cacciatore, or Pollo alla Cacciatora, is an Italian dish that traditionally means “hunter-style.” It consists of chicken braised with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, often with herbs like rosemary and thyme. For our keto version, we’ll keep it low-carb by avoiding higher-carb ingredients like flour or wine and focusing on keto-friendly vegetables and fats.
Why Keto Chicken Cacciatore Works So Well on a Low-Carb Diet:
Full of flavor: You won’t miss the carbs in this dish, thanks to the combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and the tanginess of tomatoes.
Low in carbs: By swapping high-carb ingredients for low-carb options, the dish remains perfect for your keto meal plan.
Rich in protein and healthy fats: The chicken provides a great source of protein, while olive oil or butter adds the fat you need for energy.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto Chicken Cacciatore
- Use skin-on, bone-in chicken: For the juiciest results, opt for skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. The skin crisps up beautifully, adding extra flavor.
- Season well: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken before searing—it’s essential for locking in flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer slowly helps the flavors meld together and makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- Low-carb thickening options: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a pinch of xanthan gum to thicken it without adding carbs.
Variations on Keto Chicken Cacciatore
Make it dairy-free: Simply swap butter for more olive oil if you’re avoiding dairy.
Add olives or capers: For a briny, tangy twist, stir in a handful of black olives or capers before serving.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.
Swap out vegetables: While bell peppers and mushrooms are traditional, you can also add zucchini or spinach for extra low-carb vegetables.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Cacciatore
While Chicken Cacciatore is often served over pasta, that won’t work for a keto diet. But don’t worry, there are plenty of delicious low-carb alternatives:
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles): Light and refreshing, zoodles soak up the sauce beautifully while keeping the dish keto-friendly.
- Cauliflower rice: Another excellent low-carb option that complements the rich, savory sauce.
- Spaghetti squash: For a slightly sweet but low-carb base, try spaghetti squash for a different texture.
- Shirataki noodles: These keto-friendly noodles are virtually carb-free and absorb the flavors of the sauce well.
Storing and Reheating Keto Chicken Cacciatore
How to Store:
- Fridge: Store the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can also freeze Keto Chicken Cacciatore. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Warm leftovers in the microwave on medium heat until heated through, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Alternatively, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Is Chicken Cacciatore Keto-Friendly?
Yes! Traditional Chicken Cacciatore can easily be made keto-friendly by using low-carb vegetables and avoiding flour, wine, or sugar in the sauce. This recipe is packed with flavor while keeping carbs to a minimum.
What Chicken Cut is Best for Keto Cacciatore?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts are ideal because they remain juicy and flavorful. However, boneless cuts work just as well if you prefer leaner options.
Can I Make Keto Chicken Cacciatore in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, sear the chicken first, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the vegetables and sauce ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I Substitute Chicken with Another Protein?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can use other proteins like turkey or even pork chops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you use.
Keto Chicken Cacciatore
Keto Chicken Cacciatore - This Italian-inspired dish is a hearty, savory meal featuring tender chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, whole and pitted
- 5 Italian tomatoes, roughly diced
- 3/4 cup red wine (or substitute with chicken stock)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 bell peppers, any color, sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉.
- Prepare ingredients: Crush garlic and chop onions roughly—they’ll melt into the sauce later. Set them aside.
- Sear the chicken: In an oven-safe pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 3 minutes, then raise the heat and sear the chicken thighs on both sides until lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken and set it aside.
- Cook the onions: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium, and sauté onions for 3-4 minutes. Then deglaze with chicken stock, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Add flavor: Stir in olives, thyme, and red wine (or extra chicken stock). Add diced tomatoes and let it all simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare bell peppers: Slice bell peppers into strips and add them to the sauce along with the paprika, oregano, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
- Finish in the oven: Return the seared chicken to the pan, including any juices. Stir everything together and transfer the pan to the oven, uncovered.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400℉.
- Cool and serve: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs like basil. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 442Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 208mgSodium: 782mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 44g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Keto Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious, wholesome dish that brings classic Italian flavors to your low-carb table. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for meal prepping or serving to a crowd. Whether you’re new to the keto diet or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your weekly rotation. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without the carbs!
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