Sautéed Chicken Tibs with Garlic and Berbere

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

A quick Ethiopian-inspired chicken tibs dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed with garlic and berbere spice for a flavorful, spicy finish. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs berbere spice blend, thinly sliced garlic cloves, small, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs and season with 1.5 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 small thinly sliced yellow onion to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until onions soften and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 medium diced tomato and cook for another 3 minutes until the tomato softens and juices meld with the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Tibs with Garlic and Berbere take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 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 blend from drying out.

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

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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