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Berbere-Spiced Chicken Skewers

Berbere-Spiced Chicken Skewers

By Phoebe LobkowiczApril 4, 2023

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    30 minutes
  • Rating

These vibrant chicken skewers get deep flavor from berbere, Ethiopia’s signature spice blend. Made with dried alliums, chilies and warm spices, berbere features complex flavor and a rich, earthy aroma. Look for it in spice shops or well-stocked grocery stores. If you can’t find it, use a mixture of ground coriander and smoked paprika. We combine berbere with softened butter, lime juice and honey, making a spicy-sweet seasoning mix ideal for clinging to the chicken before cooking.

Ingredients
  • 4

    tablespoons salted butter, room temperature

  • 2

    tablespoons berbere OR 1 tablespoon ground coriander plus 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

  • 2

    tablespoons honey, plus more to serve

  • 1

    tablespoon grated lime zest, plus 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus lime wedges to serve

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 1½

    pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces

  • 2

    medium red OR orange OR yellow bell peppers OR a combination, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1½-inch pieces

Step 1

Set a wire rack in a broiler-safe rimmed baking sheet and mist with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix the butter, berbere, honey, lime zest and juice, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Measure 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a small bowl; set aside for brushing.

Step 2


Add the chicken and peppers to the bowl with the remaining berbere mixture and mix with your hands to coat. Thread the chicken, alternating with the peppers, onto four 12-inch metal skewers. Place the skewers on the prepared rack, spacing them evenly. Let stand at room temperature while the broiler heats.

Step 3

Heat the broiler with a rack about 6 inches from the element. Broil the skewers until lightly charred, 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip and broil until charred on the second sides, another 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, brush with the reserved butter mixture and drizzle with additional honey. Serve with lime wedges.

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