Keto Pepián de Pollo
Chicken Stew (Thickened without Masa)
Yes, with a tweak: **CRITICALLY IMPORTANT**: Request *no masa (corn flour)*, *no bread*, and *no potatoes* or other high-carb thickeners. About 12g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Guatemalan food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A complex and richly flavored chicken stew, a national dish of Guatemala. The sauce is made from roasted spices, tomatoes, tomatillos, and seeds (like pepitas and sesame). This keto adaptation ensures it's thickened through natural reduction or pureed vegetables, without traditional masa or bread.
Key ingredients
Chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks), tomatoes, tomatillos, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sesame seeds, dried chilies (e.g., guajillo, ancho), bell peppers, garlic, onion, chicken broth, olive oil, traditional spices (cinnamon, clove, allspice, black pepper).
How to make it keto
**CRITICALLY IMPORTANT**: Request *no masa (corn flour)*, *no bread*, and *no potatoes* or other high-carb thickeners. Ask for the sauce to be naturally reduced or thickened with pureed keto-friendly vegetables. Verify no added sugar in the complex sauce.
Say this to the waiter (Spanish)
El Keto Pepián de Pollo, por favor, muy importante, sin masa, pan ni papa. ¿La salsa está espesada naturalmente o con verduras keto, sin azúcar?
Keto Pepián de Pollo, critically: no masa, bread, potatoes. Sauce: naturally reduced or thickened with pureed keto-friendly vegetables, no added sugar.
Watch out for
*Very high risk* from traditional thickeners (masa, bread). Tomatoes, tomatillos, and seeds contribute carbs. Potential for hidden added sugar in complex, slow-cooked sauces. Chayote (güisquil) is often included and adds moderate carbs.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Guatemalan menuAll 1,212 Guatemalan dishes ›
