Sautéed Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Tomatoes

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

Tender chicken cubes quickly sautéed with berbere spice, onions, and fresh tomatoes for a fragrant and colorful Ethiopian-inspired dish. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, niter kibbeh (spiced butter), medium, thinly sliced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Add 1 lb of chicken breast cubes and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1.5 tablespoons berbere spice mix and 2 diced medium fresh tomatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes break down, forming a lightly sauced mixture.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt to taste and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Tomatoes 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 Sautéed Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Tomatoes?

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 niter kibbeh (spiced butter) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Tomatoes?

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 Sautéed Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Tomatoes 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 Sautéed Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Tomatoes?

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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