Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Shallots

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sautéed chicken cubes coated in a fragrant berbere spice blend, tossed with tender shallots for a flavorful, quick-cooked dish. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced, berbere spice mix, medium shallots, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Serves 3 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb diced boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated; set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the spiced chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes without stirring to sear, then flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until cooked through and browned.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium, add 4 thinly sliced shallots and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan; sauté together with the chicken for 3-4 minutes until shallots soften and become translucent.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the chicken and stir to combine, cooking for another minute until the sauce glistens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with injera or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Shallots?

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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Shallots?

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 Shallots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Shallots?

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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