Berbere-Spiced Chicken Tibs with Garlic Niter Kibbeh

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

Sautéed Ethiopian chicken tibs infused with berbere and garlic-infused clarified butter, served with caramelized onions. This ethiopian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, berbere spice mix, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb boneless chicken thigh cubes with 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp garlic-infused clarified butter (niter kibbeh) in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced yellow onion rings and sauté for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Push onions to the side, add the marinated chicken cubes to the skillet, and cook for 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the chicken tibs before serving hot with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Berbere-Spiced Chicken Tibs with Garlic Niter Kibbeh take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Tibs with Garlic Niter Kibbeh?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere-Spiced Chicken Tibs with Garlic Niter Kibbeh?

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 Tibs with Garlic Niter Kibbeh 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 Tibs with Garlic Niter Kibbeh?

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

Related recipes