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Yassa Poulet served in a white bowl and garnished with parsley.
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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.
Course Lunch/Dinner
Cuisine African, West African
Keyword chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Marinating Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Servings 6 people
Calories 207.6kcal

Ingredients

Ingredients for marinating the Chicken

  • ½ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup peanut oil or any other cooking oil - divided
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons bouillon powder or 2 cubes
  • 1 habanero finely chopped - for added heat
  • 1 teaspoon ginger spice
  • 1-1½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 6 pieces chicken thighs
  • 4 onions thinly sliced into half-moons - preferably white/yellow onions
  • 2 Bay leaves

Yassa Poulet

  • 2-3 tablespoon oil
  • ¾ cup chicken stock or water
  • ¾ cup green olives optional
  • Parsley for garnish if desired

Instructions

  • Prepare the marinade by combining the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, 2 tablespoon 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

Calories: 207.6kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.4g | Protein: 2.6g | Fat: 17.3g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 1.9mg | Sodium: 1121.4mg | Potassium: 216.4mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 4.6g | Vitamin A: 98.2IU | Vitamin C: 16.8mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 0.7mg