Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Shallots

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

Juicy chicken cubes sautéed with berbere spice and sweet honey, complemented by caramelized shallots for a flavorful Ethiopian-inspired dish. This ethiopian-inspired african ready in about 35 minutes pairs berbere spice blend, honey, shallots, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 medium thinly sliced shallots and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove shallots and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thigh pieces seasoned with 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp honey to the chicken. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes until the honey melts and coats the chicken with a glossy glaze.
  4. Step 4: Return the caramelized shallots to the skillet, stir to combine, and cook together for 1 minute. Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the dish.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with injera flatbread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Shallots 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 Honey-Spiced Ethiopian 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 blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Spiced Ethiopian 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 Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Shallots 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 Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Shallots?

Ethiopian african 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes