Chicken Cacciatore: A Keto-Friendly Italian Classic

Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish prepared 'hunter style with chicken, tomatoes, herbs and spices braised in wine or a vinegar-style base. The name comes from the Italian word cacciatore, meaning hunter. While the traditional dish is not keto-friendly, there are several keto-approved adaptations that can be made in a slow cooker, instant pot or large pan.

Chicken Cacciatore recipe ingredients

Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish, with a long history and many variations. The name comes from the Italian word 'hunter', as the dish was traditionally made with items people picked up while hunting. It is a hearty, flavoursome meal, perfect for feeding a crowd.

The ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore are:

Meat:

• Chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts can be used and are a good option if you prefer white meat.
• Sausage links can be added for extra flavour.

Vegetables:

• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Peppers (red, yellow, or green bell peppers)
• Celery
• Carrots
• Capers
• Olives
• Garlic

Herbs and Spices:

• Oregano
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning
• Basil
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Bay leaves

Other:

• Red or white wine
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Chicken broth or stock
• Tomato paste or puree
• Crushed tomatoes

Chicken Cacciatore cooking methods

Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish with hundreds of variations. The name translates to "hunter" in Italian, and the dish is typically made with chicken, onions, tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables. Here are some common cooking methods for Chicken Cacciatore:

Stovetop Method:

This method involves using a large, deep pan or braising pot with a lid. First, the chicken pieces are seasoned and browned in olive oil. The vegetables, including onions, celery, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic, are then cooked in the same pan with herbs and spices. Red wine is added to the vegetables and reduced before crushed tomatoes are added to create a sauce. Finally, the chicken is returned to the pan and cooked in the sauce until tender.

Slow Cooker/Crock-Pot Method:

For this method, the chicken is first browned in a pan and then transferred to a slow cooker. The vegetables, herbs, and spices are added on top of the chicken, followed by wine and tomatoes. The slow cooker is then set to LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. This method is convenient for making Chicken Cacciatore in larger quantities or for meal prep.

Oven Method:

After browning the chicken and cooking the vegetables in a skillet, the ingredients are combined and transferred to an oven-safe dish. The dish is then baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 50 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. This method is suitable for those who prefer to use the oven instead of a stovetop or slow cooker.

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Method:

For a quicker version, an Instant Pot or pressure cooker can be used. After browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables and spices, all the ingredients are combined in the Instant Pot. It is then pressure-cooked for a shorter period, typically around 10 minutes, resulting in a similar tender chicken dish.

Chicken Cacciatore is a versatile dish that can be adapted to different cooking methods and ingredient combinations. These methods provide a general guide, but feel free to adjust and add your own creative touches to make it your own!

Chicken Cacciatore nutrition facts

Chicken Cacciatore is a keto-friendly dish that is typically served with rice or mashed potatoes. However, to keep it keto-compliant, it is recommended to serve it with cauliflower rice or garlic cauliflower mash instead. The dish is usually made with braised chicken, fresh garden vegetables, and herbs.

A serving size of 4 amounts of this dish contains 303 calories, 16 grams of total fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 165 mg of cholesterol, 1637 mg of sodium, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of sugar, and 34 grams of protein.

Chicken Cacciatore is an excellent source of protein, providing 34 grams per serving. It also offers a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, sodium, zinc, copper, selenium, choline, vitamin B12, vitamin E, and phosphorus.

The dish is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The total carbohydrate content is 11.3 grams, with an estimated net carb count of 4 grams per serving.

When preparing Chicken Cacciatore, it is important to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This dish can be made in a slow cooker, instant pot, or large pan, offering convenience and flexibility in preparation.

Chicken Cacciatore serving suggestions

Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty, rustic Italian dish. The name means "hunter" in Italian, and the dish is traditionally made with ingredients that hunters would have picked or killed while out hunting. It is usually made with braised chicken, vegetables, and herbs.

There are several ways to serve Chicken Cacciatore, depending on your preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some suggestions:

With Pasta

Chicken Cacciatore is often served with pasta, and you can choose from a variety of options. Long pasta like spaghetti or short-cut pasta like rigatoni or penne are all great choices. If you're looking for a higher fiber option, consider using whole wheat pasta.

With Rice or Cauliflower Rice

If you're looking for a gluten-free or low-carb option, you can serve Chicken Cacciatore with rice or cauliflower rice. This dish goes well with brown rice, but you can also try it with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.

With Polenta or Risotto

For a classic Italian pairing, serve Chicken Cacciatore with creamy polenta or a simple parmesan risotto. This will create a hearty and comforting meal.

With Mashed Potatoes

Chicken Cacciatore can also be served with mashed potatoes, either regular or garlic mashed potatoes. This option provides a creamy and comforting base for the dish.

With Vegetables

If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, you can serve Chicken Cacciatore with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or green beans. A simple green salad or a more hearty salad like an Italian Antipasto Salad can also complement the dish.

With Bread

To soak up the delicious sauce, you can serve Chicken Cacciatore with bread. Focaccia or rosemary olive oil bread are great choices to pair with the flavors of the dish.

No matter which serving suggestion you choose, Chicken Cacciatore is a flavorful and comforting dish that can be tailored to your tastes and dietary needs.

Chicken Cacciatore storage and reheating instructions

Chicken cacciatore can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also use a microwave, heating for one minute, stirring, and then continuing to heat at 30-second intervals.

Frequently asked questions