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Looking for a hearty, comforting, and low-carb dish that feels like a cozy night in Italy? This Keto Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect answer. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs—this dish delivers on both flavor and nutrition without the carb overload.
Whether you’re following a strict ketogenic lifestyle or simply want a healthy dinner packed with protein and rich Mediterranean flavor, Chicken Cacciatore is a timeless classic worth revisiting—with a keto twist. I’ve made this dish for both family dinners and meal prep, and it never fails to impress with its bold, rustic flavor.
Why Make This Keto Chicken Cacciatore?
1. Authentic Flavor with a Healthy Makeover
Cacciatore, meaning “hunter-style” in Italian, was traditionally made with game meat and whatever vegetables were on hand. Our version sticks to the soul of the recipe while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly by skipping the wine and flour and focusing on nutrient-dense vegetables and clean protein.
2. Low-Carb, High-Fat Macro Friendly
This keto variation is packed with healthy fats (thanks to olive oil), moderate protein, and minimal carbs—perfect for keeping your body in fat-burning mode. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
With just a few pantry staples and fresh produce, this dish comes together in one pan, offering a deeply savory, satisfying meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—even if it hasn’t.
4. Meal Prep and Freezer Friendly
It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead meals. In fact, the flavors get even better the next day!
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Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Keto Chicken Cacciatore:
Protein:
4–6 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless, skin-on optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Tip: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the richest flavor, but boneless breasts work great if you want leaner cuts.
Vegetables & Aromatics:
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow preferred)
1 medium carrot, sliced thin
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Base:
1½ cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
1 tbsp olive oil
Herbs & Seasonings:
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
A few olives or capers (for an authentic Mediterranean twist)
Read More: Keto Creamy Chicken Pumpkin Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add sliced onion and carrot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add bell pepper and mushrooms, cooking for another 5 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce (and tomato paste if using), then add oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything to combine.
4. Simmer with the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Garnish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
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Tips and Substitutions
For a thicker sauce: Let the dish simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
Prefer white meat? Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts but watch your cooking time—they cook faster than thighs.
No fresh mushrooms? Canned mushrooms work in a pinch but fresh give a better texture.
Want it creamy? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese for a richer sauce (note: this will slightly increase the fat content).
Add olives or capers for a more traditional cacciatore twist—great if you love a briny punch.
Read More: Creamy Low Carb Chicken Meatballs
Recipe Variations
1. Slow Cooker Version
Brown the chicken and sauté veggies, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. Instant Pot Method
Use the sauté function to brown the chicken and veggies. Add the rest of the ingredients and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes with a natural release.
3. Spicy Cacciatore
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.
4. Creamy Cacciatore
Add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream toward the end of cooking for a creamy variation that pairs beautifully with zoodles or mashed cauliflower.
Looking to switch things up for every weeknight? The FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes offers simple swaps and creative twists for all your favorite meals—without the carbs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on a serving size of one chicken thigh with sauce (approx. 1/6 of the recipe):
Calories: 330
Protein: 28g
Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Net Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Vitamin A: 45% DV
Vitamin C: 50% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Potassium: 550mg
This meal is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and potassium, making it both a delicious and heart-healthy choice for those on a keto plan.
Read More: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Zucchini
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Serving Ideas:
Over spiralized zucchini or steamed cauliflower rice for a full keto meal.
Alongside a crisp side salad with olive oil vinaigrette.
With roasted green beans or sautéed spinach.
Want more ideas like this to complete your low-carb meal plans? Don’t miss out on the FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes—it’s full of easy dinner pairings and satisfying sides.
Common Questions
Is Chicken Cacciatore keto-friendly?
Traditional versions can be high in carbs due to flour, wine, or added sugars. This keto version eliminates all of that, focusing on low-carb vegetables and healthy fats to keep it 100% keto-approved.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of sauce?
Yes! Just be sure to choose a variety with no added sugar. Crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or pureed all work well.
Can I skip mushrooms or peppers?
Absolutely. You can omit or replace them with zucchini, eggplant, or even kale. It’s very customizable.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Turkey thighs or even chunks of beef or pork shoulder will work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I meal prep this dish?
Make a big batch, portion it out into containers, and serve over a different base (zoodles, cauliflower mash, etc.) each day to keep things exciting.
Conclusion
This Keto Chicken Cacciatore proves that you don’t have to give up comforting, saucy Italian dishes to stay on track with your health goals. With its rich flavor, satisfying texture, and adaptable ingredients, it’s a dish that brings joy to both your taste buds and your body.
Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned low-carb cook, recipes like this one make healthy eating feel effortless and indulgent.
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