Doro Tibs is a beloved Ethiopian chicken stir-fry that marries tender pieces of chicken with caramelized onions, a fiery berbere spice blend, and traditional whole hard-boiled eggs. It is typically scooped up with injera, the spongy sourdough flatbread that anchors every Ethiopian table. This quick, weeknight-friendly version captures the deep, smoky heat of the classic dish without sacrificing any of its character.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 445 kcalCalories
- 24 gFat
- 9 gSaturated Fat
- 13 gCarbs
- 4 gFiber
- 6 gSugar
- 42 gProtein
- 720 mgSodium
- 680 mgPotassium
- 85 mgCalcium
- 4.2 mgIron
- 19 mgVitamin C
- 210 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the stir-fry
- 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1-2 green jalapeños, sliced into thin rings
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, lightly crushed
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and lightly scored
- Warm injera, for serving
For garnish (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp berbere, for dusting
- Lemon wedges
Directions
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then toss them in a bowl with berbere, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep the aromatics.
- Heat the niter kibbeh in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it foams and smells nutty. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until deeply softened and lightly browned at the edges.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, and jalapeños and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Turn the pieces and sear another 2 to 3 minutes until lightly caramelized on all sides.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and crushed rosemary. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the juices have reduced into a thick, brick-red sauce.
- Nestle the scored hard-boiled eggs into the pan, spooning the sauce over them so they absorb the spices. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to warm the eggs through.
- Taste and adjust the salt and berbere level, remembering that the heat will deepen as the dish rests. Remove from the heat and let stand 2 minutes.
- Spoon the chicken, eggs, and sauce onto a platter or directly onto a sheet of injera. Dust with extra berbere, scatter cilantro over the top, and serve immediately with extra injera on the side.
Cook’s Notes
- For the most authentic flavor, make your own niter kibbeh by gently warming 1 cup of butter with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and fenugreek seeds for 20 minutes, then straining.
- Doro Tibs grows spicier as it sits, so start with less berbere if you are sensitive to heat and adjust at the end.
- Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs add deeper flavor and a more traditional texture; just extend the simmer time by 5 minutes.
- Pair the stir-fry with classic sides like ayib (a mild Ethiopian fresh cheese), gomen (collard greens), or a simple salad to balance the heat.
- No injera on hand? Spoon the doro tibs over steamed rice or with warm flatbread; it is still delicious.










