Poulet Yassa
Senegalese Lemon Chicken
A vibrant and flavorful Senegalese dish featuring chicken marinated in a tangy blend of lemon juice, mustard, and onions, then grilled to smoky perfection before being braised into a rich, aromatic stew. The sweetness of caramelized onions and the briny pop of olives complete this classic.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(A whole chicken cut into 8-10 pieces, or a mix of thighs and drumsticks. Ensure skin is on for flavor and moisture.)
- 6 large Onions(Thinly sliced. Yellow or white onions work best.)
- 180 ml Lemon juice(Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor. Approximately 4-6 lemons.)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard(Adds a pungent depth to the marinade.)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(Finely minced or pierced. Adjust to your spice preference. Remove seeds for less heat.)
- 6 cloves Garlic(Minced or grated.)
- 60 ml Peanut oil(Or other neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil.)
- 100 g Green olives(Pitted. Manzanilla or other brine-cured olives are suitable.)
- 120 ml Water or Chicken Broth(To help braise the chicken.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced Scotch bonnet pepper (handle with care, wear gloves if sensitive), and minced garlic. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
⏱️ 4+ hours - 3
Sear the chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, reserving all the onions and liquid. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels (this helps with browning). Heat the peanut oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken pieces in batches until deeply golden brown and slightly charred on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside. Do not overcrowd the pot.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Caramelize the onions: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the reserved marinated onions (including the liquid) to the same pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and begin to caramelize, turning golden brown and sweet. This may take about 20-25 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 5
Braise the chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot with the caramelized onions. Pour in the water or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and let it braise gently until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 30-40 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 74°C (165°F).
⏱️ 40 minutes - 6
Add olives and finish: Stir in the pitted olives during the last 5 minutes of braising. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened from the onions.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Serve: Ladle the Poulet Yassa into bowls, ensuring each serving gets plenty of chicken, onions, and sauce. Serve hot.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavor. Overnight is ideal.
- ✓Don't skip searing the chicken; the Maillard reaction creates essential flavor and texture.
- ✓Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to their sweetness and depth.
- ✓Serve with plain white rice, couscous, or fonio to soak up the delicious sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Fish Yassa: Use firm white fish fillets or a whole fish, cut into steaks. Marinate for a shorter time (1-2 hours) and grill/pan-sear briefly before braising.
- Vegetarian Yassa: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or large chunks of plantain, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Spicier Yassa: Add an extra Scotch bonnet or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.