Malian Chicken Yassa
A flavorful and tangy dish featuring chicken marinated in a mixture of onions, lemon juice, and mustard, then slow-cooked to tender perfection. It's a popular West African dish with Malian variations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(e.g., thighs, legs, or a whole chicken cut into pieces)
- 4 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 0.5 cup Lemon juice(freshly squeezed)
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1.5 cups Chicken stock
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(pierced or whole, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine sliced onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
💡 Tip: Marinating overnight allows the flavors to meld better. - 2
Sear the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Cook the onions: Add the reserved marinade (onions and all) to the same pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 4
Simmer the stew: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Add chicken stock, bay leaves, and the whole Scotch bonnet pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 5
Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves and Scotch bonnet pepper (if desired). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with rice or couscous.
💡 Tip: You can remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving if you prefer less heat.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier dish, you can add more chili or finely chop the Scotch bonnet pepper into the sauce.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature or ensuring juices run clear.
- ✓Yassa is often served with white rice, couscous, or even fried plantains.
🔄 Variations
- Poulet Yassa can also be made with lamb or fish.
- Some recipes include a tablespoon of tomato paste for added depth of flavor.