Slow-Cooked Chicken Tibs in Awaze Sauce

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

Juicy chicken pieces simmered slowly in a spicy awaze chili sauce, delivering bold Ethiopian flavors with a rich, savory heat. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends awaze spice mix, berbere spice blend, medium yellow onion, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 40 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until hot. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1.5 lbs chicken thigh chunks, cooking for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 3 tbsp awaze spice mix, 1 tbsp berbere spice, and 2 tbsp tomato paste, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to coat the chicken and toast the spices.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup water, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook gently for 25 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp lemon juice, stir well, remove from heat, and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Chicken Tibs in Awaze Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Chicken Tibs in Awaze Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Chicken Tibs in Awaze Sauce?

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 Slow-Cooked Chicken Tibs in Awaze Sauce 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 Slow-Cooked Chicken Tibs in Awaze Sauce?

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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