Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Tibs with Garlic and Berbere

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

Tender chicken cubes sautéed with fragrant garlic and berbere spices, offering a spicy and savory dish that pairs beautifully with injera or rice. This ethiopian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs berbere spice mix, garlic cloves, minced, red onion, sliced thinly for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup thinly sliced red onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and edges begin to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1.5 lbs cubed boneless chicken thighs to the skillet, spreading them out. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 1 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with injera or steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Tibs with Garlic and Berbere 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chicken Tibs with Garlic and Berbere?

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 Garlic and Berbere?

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 Garlic and Berbere 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 Garlic and Berbere?

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.

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