Berbere-Spiced Chicken Breast with Tomato and Onion Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts infused with Ethiopian berbere spice blend, simmered in a rich tomato and onion sauce. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs berbere spice blend, olive oil, thinly sliced large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 2 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz total) and rub evenly with 2 tbsp berbere spice blend. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 thinly sliced large onion and sauté for 7-8 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Nestle the berbere-coated chicken breasts into the sauce, cover, and simmer gently over low heat for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway, until cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if desired before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Berbere-Spiced Chicken Breast with Tomato and Onion Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Berbere-Spiced Chicken Breast with Tomato and Onion Stew?

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 berbere spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere-Spiced Chicken Breast with Tomato and Onion Stew?

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 Berbere-Spiced Chicken Breast with Tomato and Onion Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Berbere-Spiced Chicken Breast with Tomato and Onion Stew?

African 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.

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