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Poulet Yassa

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus marinating)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop Simmer
  • Cuisine: Senegalese
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Poulet Yassa is a Senegalese classic made with marinated chicken, caramelized onions, and a tangy lemon-mustard sauce. Served with rice, it’s a comforting, flavor-packed dish perfect for family meals or gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • Juice of 3 lemons
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 Scotch bonnet or chili pepper, minced (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, marinate the chicken with lemon juice, onions, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserve the onions and liquid, then heat oil in the pot. Brown the chicken on all sides until golden.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Add the reserved onions, marinade, bay leaves, and chili (if using). Stir everything together.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Pour in the chicken stock, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and the onions melt into a sauce.
  6. Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning with more lemon, salt, or pepper if needed.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle over fluffy white rice and savor the harmony of flavors.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Slice onions thinly for even caramelization.
  • Use bone-in chicken for richer taste and juiciness.
  • Let the sauce thicken naturally by simmering uncovered before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Poulet Yassa, Senegalese chicken recipe, West African cuisine, caramelized onion chicken, lemon chicken stew