Embark on a culinary adventure to the vibrant shores of West Africa with Chicken Yassa, a delectable dish that captivates taste buds with its harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Originating in Senegal, this traditional dish has garnered widespread popularity across the region and beyond, becoming a staple in many households and a beloved delicacy in restaurants. Chicken Yassa is an exquisite symphony of tender chicken marinated in a tantalizing blend of zesty lemon juice, zesty Dijon mustard, fragrant garlic, aromatic onions, and a hint of fiery chili peppers. Once marinated, the chicken is skillfully pan-fried until golden brown, exuding an irresistible aroma that awakens the senses. Nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice, the succulent chicken is complemented by a vibrant medley of caramelized onions and a vibrant sauce enriched with tangy lemon juice, savory Dijon mustard, and a whisper of heat from chili peppers. Chicken Yassa stands as a testament to the culinary prowess of West Africa, offering a delightful fusion of flavors that promises to transport you to the vibrant streets of Dakar or the bustling markets of Bamako. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of West African culture and heritage.
Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!
EASY CHICKEN YASSA
This is a quick, easy, and healthy variation on the classic Senegalese dish Chicken Yassa. Chicken quarters are roasted in the oven while a simple pan sauce of caramelized onions, mustard, and lemon juice ties everything together.
Provided by Nancy Odogwu
Categories Dinner
Time 1h22m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F
SENEGALESE POULET YASSA
Enjoy the flavors of West Africa with this Senegalese Poulet Yassa made from chicken pieces marinated overnight with lots of onions, some mustard, and a bit of lemon juice.
Provided by Lola Osinkolu
Categories Lunch/Dinner
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Prepare the marinade by combining the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, 2 tbsp oil, minced garlic, bouillon powder, minced habanero, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl, and add the onion slices, bay leaves, and the marinade. Mix well, then cover with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, preferably overnight.
- When ready to cook, remove chicken pieces from the marinade (save the marinade).
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to a pan, and brown the chicken on both sides for 7-10 minutes on medium heat (don't crowd the pan). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Scoop out the onions from the marinade (don't discard the marinade) and fry the onions until they are well reduced - about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add the browned chicken, remaining marinade, and chicken stock or water to the onion-based cooking pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 15 to 20 more minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce is well reduced to your preference.
- Stir in the olives and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 187 kcal, Carbohydrate 12 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Sodium 929 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving
SENGALESE CHICKEN YASSA
Steps:
- In a large non-reactive bowl, prepare marinade by mixing the lemon juice, onions, salt, pepper, minced chile, and 4 tablespoons of the peanut oil. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure that they are all well covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the broiler. Remove the chicken pieces, reserving the marinade and onions, and place the chicken in a shallow pan. Broil the chicken until it is lightly browned on both sides. Remove the onions from the marinade. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a flameproof 5-quart casserole or Dutch oven and cook the onions slowly until tender and translucent. Add the reserved marinade. When the liquid is thoroughly heated, add the chicken pieces, pricked chile, olives, carrots, mustard, and water. When the dish has reached the desired degree of hotness, remove the chile and reserve (it can be served separately to the chile heads). Stir to mix well, then bring the yassa slowly to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve over Plain White Rice.
- Bring the water to a boil in medium saucepan. Stir in the remaining ingredients, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Remove the rice from the heat and allow it to stand for 5 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
- Yield: 4 servings
CHICKEN YASSA
Popular across West Africa, chicken yassa coaxes deep flavor from a handful of simple ingredients: smoky grilled chicken, sweet caramelized onions, tangy lime, bright ginger and spicy Scotch bonnet chile. This version comes from "The Fonio Cookbook" by chef Pierre Thiam (Lake Isle Press, 2019). Mr. Thiam, who was born and raised in Dakar, is the chef and owner of Teranga, a West African restaurant in Harlem. His recipe calls for bone-in chicken legs, but, in southern Senegal, where the dish originated, you might be served other chicken parts, fish yassa or even lamb yassa. The cooking method is flexible: The chicken develops the best smoky char when grilled, but will still be delicious seared in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet.
Provided by Alexa Weibel
Categories dinner, poultry, main course
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken legs with the scallions, thyme, vinegar, 1/4 cup lime juice and 1 tablespoon oil. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
- If using a grill or grill pan, heat it over high; if using a cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. (If cooking indoors, pat the chicken dry, discarding marinade, then brush the chicken lightly with oil.) Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Working in batches if necessary, grill or sear the chicken until browned on both sides, 6 or 7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high. When the oil is hot, add the onions in an even layer, season with salt and pepper, and let sear without stirring for 3 to 4 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir occasionally to prevent onions from burning at the bottom of the pot, and allow onions to cook until they start to caramelize and take on some color, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper, chile, garlic, ginger, bay leaves and the mustard (if using), and continue stirring, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as needed to avoid scorching at the bottom of the pot, another 5 minutes. Stir in another 1/4 cup lime juice, and season with 1 tablespoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper.
- Add the grilled chicken into the pot, tucking it under the onions, then top with 1 cup water. Stir well, smooth mixture gently into an even layer, cover and simmer over medium until chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30 minutes.
- Season to taste and add more lime juice to taste, if desired. Serve chicken over rice, with onion mixture and sauce drizzled generously on top.
YASSA AU POULET II (CHICKEN YASSA)
Provided by Jessica B. Harris
Categories Chicken Olive Onion Poultry Marinate Dinner Hot Pepper Winter Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large nonreactive bowl, prepare a marinade by mixing the lemon juice, onions, salt, pepper, minced chile, and 4 tablespoons of the peanut oil in a large bowl. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure that they are all well covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the broiler. Remove the chicken pieces, reserving the marinade and onions, and place the chicken in a shallow pan. Broil the the chicken until it is lightly browned on both sides. Remove the onions from the marinade. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a flameproof 5-quart casserole or Dutch oven and cook the onions slowly until tender and translucent. Add the reserved marinade. When the liquid is thoroughly heated, add the chicken pieces, pricked chile, olives, carrots, mustard, and water. When the dish has reached the desired degree of hotness, remove the chile and reserve (it can be served separately to the chile heads). Stir to mix well, then bring the yassa slowly to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot over white rice.
POULET YASSA (CHICKEN YASSA) FROM AFRICA
This traditional chicken dish from the Casamance region of Senegal is one of the most famous African recipes and is found in Senegalese restaurants the world over. For best results let the chicken marinate overnight; in Africa, this is essential to tenderize the sometimes tougher African fowl. It is also very good when made with fish. For the simplest yassa, make the marinade from just oil, lemon juice, onions, and a little mustard.
Provided by Ed Gibbon
Categories Chicken
Time 4h45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients (except the optional vegetables), the more onions the better, and allow chicken to marinate in a glass dish in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, but save the marinade.
- Cook according to one of the following methods.
- Cooking method 1: Grill chicken over a charcoal fire (or bake it in a hot oven) until chicken is lightly browned but not done.
- Cooking method 2: Sauté chicken for a few minutes on each side in hot oil in a frypan.
- While chicken is browning: Remove onions from marinade and sauté them in a large saucepan for a few minutes.
- Add remaining marinade and the optional vegetables and bring to a slow boil, cooking the marinade into a sauce.
- Reduce heat.
- Add chicken to the sauce, cover and simmer until chicken is done.
- Serve with Rice, Couscous (couscous with chickpeas and raisins is very good), or Fufu.
SHELIA'S CHICKEN YASSA
Yassa is originally from Senegal but is very much a part of the Gambian cuisine experience. It can be prepared with fish or chicken. It is marinated overnight with lots of lemons, spices, pepper, and onions and then traditionally cooked the next day on a charcoal grill. I often say yassa is a lemon-pepper and onion lover's delight.
Provided by CookingWithShelia
Categories African Recipes
Time 9h40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Stir together lemon juice, oil, mustard, and garlic for marinade in a small bowl. Stir together black pepper, cayenne, lemon-pepper seasoning, and salt in another small bowl. Rub spice mixture all over chicken and transfer to a large zip-top plastic bag. Add lemon juice mixture. Seal the bag and turn to coat. Chill up to 8 hours or overnight.
- Prepare an outdoor grill for indirect grilling, lighting burners on one side only or pushing lit coals to one side. Heat grill to medium heat, 325 to 375 degrees F (165 to 190 degrees C). Lightly oil the grill grate.
- Transfer chicken to unlit side of grill, discarding marinade. Grill, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest parts registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), 40 to 50 minutes.
- Meanwhile, grill lemon halves, cut-sides down, over lit side of the grill until grill marks appear, about 8 minutes.
- Heat 1/4 cup oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat until hot. Stir in onions, bell peppers, carrot, garlic, and lemon juice; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid evaporates and vegetables are tender and starting to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Add chicken broth; cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in olives.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Arrange grilled chicken over vegetables in the skillet.
- Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Serve over cooked rice with grilled lemon halves.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 951.4 calories, Carbohydrate 58.3 g, Cholesterol 214.8 mg, Fat 50.5 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 69.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.6 g, Sodium 1493.9 mg, Sugar 7.6 g
CHICKEN YASSA
This is my riff on yassa, a traditional Senegalese dish of chicken or other meat and onions marinated in a tart mixture of vinegar, citrus, chiles and spices. The flavors are entrancing, and it's a knockout for a dinner party. The chicken and most of the ingredients can marinate overnight, and the marinade becomes the sauce for the finished dish, so most of your prep is done ahead. Here I braise the chicken, making it a one-pot dish and an excellent choice if you want a spectacular dinner without a lot of hassle (or clean-up!).
Provided by JJ Johnson
Categories main-dish
Time 7h5m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, mustard, lemon zest, chile, black pepper, cayenne and salt to taste in a large nonreactive bowl or other container. Stir in the onions and bay leaf. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, turning the chicken in the marinade if it's not completely covered, at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade; reserve the marinade. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, add the chicken to the pot and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the allspice to the pot and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Spoon the solids from the marinade into the pot and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the reserved liquid and chicken, making sure to spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat. Add about 1 cup of water to the pot. Cover and cook over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.
- Place the chicken on a serving platter. Spoon the onions and sauce from the pan over the chicken. (Simmer the sauce, uncovered, for 5 minutes on medium heat if there is too much liquid; it should be a rich sauce.) Season with salt and pepper and serve with the rice.
Tips:
- Use high-quality chicken: For the best results, choose a free-range or organic chicken with plenty of meat on the bones.
- Marinate the chicken overnight: This allows the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the chicken and make it extra flavorful.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken, make sure to give each piece plenty of space so that it can brown evenly.
- Cook the chicken until it is cooked through: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a good quality onion: A sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or Walla Walla, will add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Don't skimp on the garlic: Garlic is another essential ingredient in yassa au poulet. Use at least two cloves, and more if you like.
- Use a flavorful broth: The broth you use will add a lot of flavor to the dish, so make sure to use a good quality broth.
- Serve with rice or couscous: Yassa au poulet is traditionally served with rice or couscous.
Conclusion:
Yassa au poulet is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its vibrant flavors and aromas, yassa au poulet is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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