Quick Berbere-Spiced Chicken Curry with Garlic and Ginger

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

A fast and flavorful Ethiopian-inspired chicken curry bursting with berbere spice, fresh garlic, and ginger, perfect for busy weeknights. This african-inspired curry ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons berbere spice blend, medium, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and 1.5 tablespoons berbere spice blend. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound bite-sized boneless chicken breast pieces and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and evenly coated in the spice mixture.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3/4 cup water, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with warm injera or steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Berbere-Spiced Chicken Curry with Garlic and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Quick Berbere-Spiced Chicken Curry with Garlic and Ginger?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Berbere-Spiced Chicken Curry with Garlic and Ginger?

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 Quick Berbere-Spiced Chicken Curry with Garlic and Ginger 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 Quick Berbere-Spiced Chicken Curry with Garlic and Ginger?

African curry 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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