Sesame-Inspired Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Onions

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

Sautéed Ethiopian-style chicken tibs seasoned with spicy berbere and toasted sesame seeds, combined with caramelized onions for a flavorful main dish. This ethiopian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, berbere spice blend, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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 Ethiopian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 medium thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Push onions to the side, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and add 1 lb cubed boneless chicken thighs. Sprinkle 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper over the chicken; sauté for 6-8 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Mix the caramelized onions back into the chicken and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Inspired Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Onions 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 Sesame-Inspired Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Onions?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Inspired Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Onions?

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 Sesame-Inspired Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Onions 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 Sesame-Inspired Chicken Tibs with Berbere and Onions?

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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