Berbere-Spiced Chicken Stew with Injera Flatbread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Ethiopian-inspired chicken stew infused with berbere spice blend, served alongside traditional fermented teff injera flatbread. This ethiopian-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, berbere spice blend, red onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced red onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks, sprinkle with 3 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown the chicken for 5-6 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken and deepen the flavors.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Serve the spicy chicken stew hot with 4 pieces of injera flatbread on the side for dipping and scooping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Berbere-Spiced Chicken Stew with Injera Flatbread take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Stew with Injera Flatbread?

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 Stew with Injera Flatbread?

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 Stew with Injera Flatbread 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 Berbere-Spiced Chicken Stew with Injera Flatbread?

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.

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