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Flavorful Ethiopian Doro Wot Chicken Stew

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A rich and spicy traditional Ethiopian chicken stew featuring slow-caramelized onions, berbere spice, and tender bone-in chicken, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks or thighs
  • 3 large yellow onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons berbere spice blend
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 3 tablespoons butter or niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and finely chop 3 large yellow onions (about 10 minutes).
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of butter or niter kibbeh over medium-low heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently for 30-40 minutes until onions caramelize to a deep golden brown.
  3. Add minced garlic and ginger; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 3 tablespoons berbere spice and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Toast spices with onions for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add chicken pieces to the pot, turning to coat with the sauce. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 40 minutes until chicken is tender.
  6. While stew simmers, boil 4 eggs for 10 minutes, peel, and set aside (optional).
  7. Uncover pot, add peeled hard-boiled eggs, and simmer gently for 5 more minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve warm with Ethiopian injera bread, rice, or flatbread.

Notes

Slow-caramelizing the onions is essential for authentic flavor; keep heat low and stir often to avoid burning. Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for richness and juiciness. If stew thickens too much, add broth or water; if too thin, cook uncovered longer to thicken. Leftovers taste better the next day after flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ethiopian, Doro Wot, chicken stew, berbere, spicy stew, traditional Ethiopian recipe, slow-cooked chicken, authentic Ethiopian