Senegalese Chicken Yassa
Senegalese Chicken Yassa
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients in a bag: oil, onions, peppers, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add chicken, ensuring it's fully covered. Refrigerate overnight.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Brown chicken for 2-3 mins each side. Set chicken aside
- Keep heat on medium-high, add more oil. Pour rest of marinade from bag into skillet. Caramelize onions for 20 mins on medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning.
- After caramelizing onions, add chicken and 1 cup broth to skillet. Boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked.
- Serve chicken over rice and top with olives and green onions
Beloved West African Dish:
Senegalese Chicken Yassa is a beloved West African dish known for its bold, tangy flavor and comforting simplicity. Traditionally made with chicken marinated in fresh lemon juice, mustard, and spices, this recipe is slow-cooked with deeply caramelized onions to create a savory sauce that’s both bright and rich. Popular throughout Senegal, especially in the Casamance region, chicken yassa is a perfect example of how a few humble ingredients can come together to produce incredible depth of flavor.
This authentic chicken yassa recipe is ideal for home cooks looking to explore African cuisine while keeping dinner approachable and satisfying. Served over steamed white rice, the lemony onion sauce soaks into every bite, making it a standout meal for weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re new to Senegalese food or recreating a family favorite, this chicken yassa delivers a delicious balance of acidity, warmth, and comfort that keeps people coming back for more.
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