This berbere chicken recipe packs a punch and keeps your taste buds dancing - it's one of my favorite chicken recipes! Bursting with an aromatic berbere spice blend, zesty lemon, and tender chicken thighs, this dish exemplifies delicious Ethiopian flavors.
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, berbere spice, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Mix them together until you have a thick, flavorful paste.
Generously rub the berbere seasoning all over your chicken pieces.
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and place chicken skin side down in a single layer.
Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Once perfectly cooked, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes.
Notes
Feel free to cook on the stove top at medium high heat in a large skillet.
Adjust the heat: Control the spiciness of your dish by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your personal preferences.
Double up on the marinade: If you want even more flavor, prepare extra marinade and reserve some for basting the chicken thighs while they cook. Brushing them with the marinade during baking enhances the depth of flavor.
Marinate overnight: For an even more flavorful outcome, marinate the chicken thighs in the berbere spice mixture overnight in the refrigerator. This extended marination time allows the spices to permeate the meat thoroughly.