Smoky Paprika and Berbere Ethiopian Chicken Curry

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

A vibrant and smoky chicken curry featuring a bold blend of smoked paprika, berbere, and warming spices cooked to juicy perfection. This african-inspired curry ready in about 45 minutes pairs smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 30 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 5 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp cayenne pepper, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground fenugreek, and 1 tsp ground cardamom to make a fragrant spice blend.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 2 cups diced yellow onion and cook for 7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and the prepared spice blend, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 6 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste, coating the chicken and onions evenly, then pour 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with injera or steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Paprika and Berbere Ethiopian Chicken Curry take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Smoky Paprika and Berbere Ethiopian Chicken Curry?

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 smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Paprika and Berbere Ethiopian Chicken Curry?

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 Smoky Paprika and Berbere Ethiopian Chicken Curry 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 Smoky Paprika and Berbere Ethiopian Chicken Curry?

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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