This Keto Chicken Cacciatore is a classic and comforting dish rich in tomato flavor. Make this easy low-carb recipe in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Serve it with zucchini noodles or plain for a keto-friendly, paleo, and Whole30 dinner rich in protein and flavor, but low in carbs.

keto chicken cacciatore with mushrooms in pan.

While a traditional chicken cacciatore is often served with pasta, this version is served either plain or with a low-carb side like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. It has tons of flavor and I promise you won’t miss the carbs.

Serve your cooked Chicken Cacciatore with low-carb noodles like zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or hearts of palm noodles (my new favorite)! If you’re not on a low-carb diet, you can serve the chicken with cooked spaghetti noodles.

Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy weeknight or you just want a simple chicken recipe full of flavor, then you’ve got to try this recipe.

Key Ingredients

ingredients for keto chicken cacciatore with labels.
  • You’ll need chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe.
  • Mushrooms, bell pepper, garlic, and onion add substance, flavor, and texture.
  • Broth, crushed or chopped tomatoes, and wine help make a nice sauce.
  • Dried oregano and other Italian seasoning herbs help add more authentic Italian food flavor.

Please see the full printable recipe card below for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Steps

Let me show you how easy it is to make this classic Italian dish using an Instant Pot pressure cooker or on the stovetop.

process photos for instant pot keto cacciatore.

Step One

Set your Instant Pot to sauté, or heat up the oil in a large saucepan or skillet.

If it’s your first time using the Instant Pot, then you just press the Sauté button and let the pot heat up for a few minutes. Don’t miss my guide on How to Use the Instant Pot for Beginners.

Add the olive oil, chicken pieces, garlic, onion, oregano, and salt and sauté for 3-4 minutes, turning once.

This extra step of sautéing the chicken with the onion and garlic helps build flavor.

Step Two

Cancel the Sauté button and add the wine, broth, bell peppers, mushrooms, and crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. You can leave out the wine if you’re on a Whole30 diet.

Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off any bits from the bottom of the pot.

See the full recipe in the recipe card at the end of this post for exact measurements, nutritional information, and substitutions.

Step Three

Lock on the lid and cook the Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore at high pressure for a cook time of 8 minutes.

When the cooking time is up, let the pressure come down naturally for 5 minutes. Then, release the remaining pressure using the quick release.

Or, if you’re using the stovetop, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 12-15 minutes.

Step Four

Remove the lid and stir in the balsamic vinegar and black pepper (or red pepper flakes). Serve hot, over your choice of noodles, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.

Top with chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil, if desired.

I hope your whole family loves this easy chicken cacciatore recipe as much as mine does! It’s an easy meal prep that is a healthy dinner that satisfies.

Recipe Tips

  • STOVETOP DIRECTIONS: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and let it heat up. Add the chicken, garlic, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes. Pour in the wine and use a spoon to deglaze the pan. Add the broth, bell peppers, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, and stir to combine. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately. 
  • The nutrition info does not include any zucchini noodles.
  • For Whole30, leave out the wine and use all chicken broth instead. 
  • If you aren’t on a dairy-free diet, feel free to top the chicken dish with parmesan cheese.
  • You can use chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat before serving.
  • For low-carb, serve the cooked chicken with veggie noodles, cauliflower rice, or cauliflower mash.

Recipe FAQs

I don’t like mushrooms, can I leave them out?

Yes, absolutely! Just leave out the mushrooms if you want to. Or, you could also replace the mushrooms with chopped zucchini or celery.

Can I use white wine instead of red wine in this recipe?

Yes, you can use either.

What does the word “Cacciatore” mean?

Chicken Cacciatore translates from Italian as a “hunter’s meal.”

Can I use green peppers instead of red peppers?

Yes, you can.

More Low-Carb Recipes You Might Like

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Paprika Chicken Thighs Recipe (Oven Baked)

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken (Copycat)

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keto chicken cacciatore in pan.

Keto Chicken Cacciatore (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Print Recipe

This Keto Chicken Cacciatore is a classic and comforting dish rich in tomato flavor. Make this easy low-carb recipe in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Serve it with zucchini noodles or plain for a keto-friendly, paleo, and Whole30 dinner rich in protein and flavor, but low in carbs.

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken cutlets, cut into large chunks
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup red wine (leave out and replace with extra chicken broth for Whole30)
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 (14-ounce) can crushed or chopped tomatoes, with the juices
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Select Sauté on your Instant Pot and add the oil to the inner pot. Once hot, add the chicken, garlic, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Press Cancel and pour the wine into the pot. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add the broth, bell peppers, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, and stir to combine.
  3. Lock the lid into place. Select Pressure Cook or Manual, and adjust the pressure to high for 8 minutes. Make sure the valve is in the sealed position. 
  4. After the cooking time is complete, naturally release the pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  5. Unlock and remove the lid. Stir in the vinegar.
  6. Serve immediately, over your choice of noodles, rice, or potatoes. Top with chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

  1. STOVETOP DIRECTIONS: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and let it heat up. Add the chicken, garlic, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes. Pour in the wine and use a spoon to deglaze the pan. Add the broth, bell peppers, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, and stir to combine. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately.
  2. For Whole30, leave out the wine and use all chicken broth instead. 
  3. Don’t skip sautéing the chicken as this really helps to build flavor.
  4. Substitute the dried oregano with Italian seasoning, if you prefer.
  5. You can use chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
  6. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat before serving.
  7. For low-carb, serve the cooked chicken with veggie noodles, cauliflower rice, or cauliflower mash.
    • Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 8 minutes
    • Category: Main dish
    • Method: Instant Pot or Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Italian
    • Diet: Gluten Free

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
    • Calories: 262
    • Sugar: 6.9 g
    • Sodium: 797.6 mg
    • Fat: 7.6 g
    • Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
    • Carbohydrates: 12.6 g
    • Fiber: 3 g
    • Protein: 34.6 g
    • Cholesterol: 103.4 mg

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    About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is a certified holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.