Berbere-Spiced Ethiopian Chicken Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-12 · Updated 2026-05-12

A richly spiced chicken stew infused with traditional Ethiopian berbere seasoning, simmered until tender and flavorful. This Ethiopian-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 55 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 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp berbere spice mix and 2 tbsp tomato paste, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to release the spices' aromas and deepen the sauce.
4. Step 4: Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch pieces, tossing to coat with the spiced mixture, and cook for 5 minutes until the edges begin to brown.
5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups water, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to add a fresh herbal note.