Injera and Spiced Doro Wat Chicken Stew

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

Soft, fermented teff flatbread paired with a rich, spicy Ethiopian chicken stew simmered in berbere and niter kibbeh. This ethiopian-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes pairs teff flour, water, active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups teff flour, 1/2 tsp active dry yeast, and 2 1/2 cups water. Stir well to form a smooth batter, cover loosely, and let ferment at room temperature for 2-3 days until bubbly and slightly sour.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 cups finely chopped red onion and sauté for 10 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp berbere spice blend and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking and stirring for 5 minutes until the mixture darkens and the oil begins to separate.
  5. Step 5: Add 6 chicken drumsticks, coating them in the spice mixture, then pour in 2 cups water or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender.
  6. Step 6: Add salt 1 1/2 tsp and black pepper 1/2 tsp, adjust seasoning, then nestle 4 hard-boiled eggs into the stew and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  7. Step 7: For the injera, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour a ladle (about 1/3 cup) of fermented teff batter, swirl to cover the pan thinly, cover with a lid, and cook for 2-3 minutes until holes form and the surface is set. Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter.
  8. Step 8: Serve the doro wat hot with injera on the side for scooping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Injera and Spiced Doro Wat Chicken Stew take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Injera and Spiced Doro Wat Chicken Stew?

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 teff flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Injera and Spiced Doro Wat Chicken Stew?

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 Injera and Spiced Doro Wat Chicken Stew 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 Injera and Spiced Doro Wat Chicken Stew?

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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