Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Curry with Injera Flatbread

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

Tender chicken simmered in a fragrant blend of Ethiopian spices, served alongside traditional injera flatbread for an immersive cultural experience. This ethiopian-inspired curry ready in about 65 minutes pairs pounds chicken drumsticks, tablespoons berbere spice blend, large, finely diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large heavy skillet, heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 2 large finely diced yellow onions and sauté for 15 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1.5 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 2.5 tablespoons berbere spice blend and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to release the spices' fragrance.
  4. Step 4: Add 1.8 pounds chicken drumsticks to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the onion and spice mixture.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup tomato sauce and 1 cup water, season with 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and serve with 4 pieces of warm injera flatbread for scooping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Curry with Injera Flatbread take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Curry 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 pounds chicken drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Curry 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Curry 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Curry with Injera Flatbread?

Ethiopian curry 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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