Description
Poulet Yassa is a classic West African dish hailing from Senegal, featuring tender braised chicken infused with zesty flavors of lemon, mustard, and caramelized onions. This hearty and aromatic dish is a staple in Senegalese cuisine, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade:
- 3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Remaining Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper (whole, optional for heat)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and half of the onions. Add chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Brown the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry. Brown in vegetable oil, then set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same pan, sauté remaining onions until golden. Stir in reserved marinade, thyme, bay leaves, pepper, Scotch bonnet, and broth.
- Braise the Chicken: Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes until tender.
- Serve: Remove Scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Serve hot with white rice.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard near the end of cooking.
- Traditionally served with rice, this dish also pairs well with couscous or plantains.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Braising
- Cuisine: West African, Senegalese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
