Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Bell Peppers

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

Tender chicken sautéed with berbere spice, bell peppers, and onions for a flavorful Ethiopian-style tibs dish. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs berbere spice blend, olive oil, medium red bell pepper, sliced 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 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium sliced yellow onion and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and edges begin to caramelize.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, sauté for 7-8 minutes stirring occasionally until chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the chicken tibs, tossing gently.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with injera or steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Tibs with Berbere and Bell Peppers?

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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Bell Peppers?

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 Tibs with Berbere and Bell Peppers 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 Tibs with Berbere and Bell Peppers?

African 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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