Awaze-Spiced Chicken Tibs with Fresh Tomatoes
Sautéed chicken cubes tossed in a vibrant Ethiopian awaze chili paste with fresh tomatoes and mild spices for a bright, spicy dish. This ethiopian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs awaze spice paste, medium red bell pepper, diced, medium tomatoes, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp awaze spice paste
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp niter kibbeh
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Add 1 lb chicken thigh cubes and sauté for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium diced red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the pepper softens.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp awaze spice paste and 2 diced medium tomatoes, cooking for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a light sauce.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped green onions over the chicken tibs before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Awaze-Spiced Chicken Tibs with Fresh Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Awaze-Spiced Chicken Tibs with Fresh Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep awaze spice paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Awaze-Spiced Chicken Tibs with Fresh Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Awaze-Spiced Chicken Tibs with Fresh Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Awaze-Spiced Chicken Tibs with Fresh Tomatoes?
Ethiopian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
