Yemisir-Style Chicken Braised with Tomatoes

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with Ethiopian spices, ideal for scooping up with injera. This ethiopian-inspired soups ready in about 85 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, onion 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: 20 min Cook: 65 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs for 4 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large chopped onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then mix in 2 tbsp berbere spice blend.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to pot, add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp honey. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 55 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
  7. Step 7: Remove chicken, discard skin, slice, and return to sauce. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Yemisir-Style Chicken Braised with Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (20 min prep + 65 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 Yemisir-Style Chicken Braised with 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Yemisir-Style Chicken Braised with 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 Yemisir-Style Chicken Braised with 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 Yemisir-Style Chicken Braised with Tomatoes?

Ethiopian soups 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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