Berbere-Spiced Chicken Stew with Injera-Inspired Flatbread
A rich Ethiopian-inspired chicken stew seasoned with berbere spice, served alongside a soft flatbread reminiscent of traditional injera. This ethiopian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, berbere spice mix, yellow onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup teff flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 cup water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion, cooking for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks and 2 tbsp berbere spice mix; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is lightly browned.
- Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens and coats the chicken.
- Step 5: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 tsp salt, bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes until the chicken is tender and stew thickens.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare the flatbread: combine 1 cup teff or whole wheat flour with 1 cup water in a bowl, whisking until smooth batter forms.
- Step 7: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup batter and swirl to cover bottom thinly. Cook 2-3 minutes until bubbles form and edges lift, then flip and cook 1 minute more. Repeat for remaining batter.
- Step 8: Serve the spicy chicken stew hot alongside the soft flatbread for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Berbere-Spiced Chicken Stew with Injera-Inspired Flatbread 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 Stew with Injera-Inspired 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 mix from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere-Spiced Chicken Stew with Injera-Inspired 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-Inspired 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-Inspired 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This berbere spice blend was amazing! My family loved the stew and the flatbread was a hit.
- ★★★★★
The flavors were authentic and the stew was perfect with the injera-inspired flatbread. Will make again!
- ★★★★☆
Loved the dish, but the berbere spice was a bit too mild for my taste. Next time I'll add more.
