Keto Pepián de Pollo (Chicken Stew, No Thickeners/Potatoes)
Low-Carb Chicken Pepián Stew
Yes, with a tweak: absolutely critical: Request no potatoes or güisquil (chayote) in the stew. About 14g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Guatemalan food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A rich and flavorful traditional chicken stew with a dark, complex sauce made from roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, tomatillos, and a blend of seeds (like pumpkin and sesame) and spices. Served without starchy components.
Key ingredients
Chicken pieces (thighs/legs), tomatoes, tomatillos, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, chicken broth, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sesame seeds, dried chilies (guajillo, pasilla), cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf.
How to make it keto
Absolutely critical: Request no potatoes or güisquil (chayote) in the stew. Explicitly ask if any flour or bread is used as a thickener and request omission. Omit rice and tortillas.
Watch out for
Pepián is traditionally thickened with flour (masa flour or regular flour) or ground bread, and often includes potatoes. Hidden sugars might be used to balance the complex sauce.
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 ›
