Instant Pot Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Chicken Cacciatore

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A thick, hearty dinner that comes together quickly thanks to the Instant Pot. Start with frozen chicken breasts (no need to thaw) and finish with a flavorful, saucy Chicken Cacciatore that’s gluten- and dairy-free. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and makes plenty to freeze for another night. This recipe is also free of common allergens including wheat, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. A meat-free option is included below.

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If you’re trying to eat a bit healthier this year, this recipe makes it easy — even on busy nights. Traditional cacciatore often calls for dredging and frying, but this Instant Pot version skips the mess and extra oil while keeping big flavor.

gluten-free dairy-free chicken cacciatore

If you’re new to chicken cacciatore, think of it as a rich ragu with chicken—my kids call it “chicken spaghetti.” The Instant Pot turns frozen chicken breasts into tender, shreddable meat in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you forget to defrost.

Load the pot with aromatics and seasonings — thyme, rosemary, garlic, oregano — plus red wine and plenty of tomatoes. The result is a thick, savory sauce perfect for tossing with pasta.

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For a healthier pasta option, try Modern Table’s lentil-based pastas. They provide complete protein — all nine essential amino acids — so you get protein from both the chicken and the pasta. Modern Table pastas are made with only three plant-based ingredients, are vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free, making them a great choice for families managing allergies or intolerances.

This recipe yields a large batch that easily feeds two adults and three small children, with extra sauce to freeze. I recommend freezing only the sauce and preparing fresh pasta when you reheat — the pasta cooks in about 15 minutes, so both should finish around the same time.

gluten-free-dairy-free-instant-pot-recipe

This classic Italian dish with an easier, healthier twist is a great option for allergy-friendly weekday dinners. Enjoy this Instant Pot Gluten- and Dairy-Free Chicken Cacciatore!

dairy-free-instant-pot-chicken-cacciatore

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore (Gluten-Free & DF)

Yield:
8 Servings
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
28 minutes
Total Time:
33 minutes

A thick and hearty meal that comes together in a flash thanks to the Instant Pot. Start with frozen chicken breasts (no need to thaw) and end up with a saucy Chicken Cacciatore that’s gluten- and dairy-free. This recipe avoids the top allergens and offers an optional meatless version.

Ingredients

  • 2 frozen chicken breasts*
  • Generous salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 celery rib, diced
  • 1 large red pepper, diced
  • 4 oz sliced fresh mushrooms**
  • 1 can (28 ounces) oregano and basil tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 cup red cooking wine
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained
  • 2 boxes of Modern Table Penne
  • Fresh basil, if desired

Instructions

  1. Pour the olive oil into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the frozen chicken breasts on top and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients on top of the chicken, except the pasta.
  3. Close the lid and set the valve to “seal.”
  4. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure.
  5. Select “manual” and adjust the time to 28 minutes.
  6. When the Instant Pot has 15 minutes remaining, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  7. When the cook time finishes, carefully move the valve to “release” for a quick release of steam.
  8. Remove the chicken, shred it, then return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked penne.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
  12. Freeze leftover sauce (without pasta) for an easy future meal.

Notes

*If using fresh (not frozen) chicken breasts, follow the same steps but reduce Instant Pot time to 15 minutes.

**To make a meatless version: double the mushrooms to 8 oz. The sauce and vegetables make a satisfying vegetarian cacciatore on their own.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you don’t lose it. Check out allergy-friendly Pinterest boards for more ideas.

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