Poulet Yassa – Senegalese Chicken

If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor and rich in history, Poulet Yassa is the dish you need in your life. This traditional Senegalese chicken dish is a delightful fusion of bold, zesty flavors and tender chicken that’s been marinated in onions, mustard, and a mix of aromatic spices. Every bite is an explosion of savory, tangy goodness, and I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Poulet Yassa is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re transported to the vibrant streets of Senegal, where food is a celebration of life. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and a little bit of heat, with the chicken practically falling off the bone. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love Poulet Yassa

Bold and Flavorful
The marinade, made with mustard, lemon juice, onions, and a variety of spices, gives the chicken a vibrant and rich flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish is fantastic for making ahead of time. The flavors actually deepen and develop the longer the chicken marinates, making it even more delicious the next day. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

One-Pot Wonder
The entire meal can be made in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to clean and more time to enjoy your meal with friends and family.

Authentic and Unique
Poulet Yassa brings a taste of West Africa to your kitchen. It’s a dish that tells a story, with roots in Senegalese culture. It’s not only a meal; it’s an experience.

Customizable
You can adjust the level of heat by tweaking the amount of chili peppers in the marinade. Whether you like it mild or spicy, you can cater the flavors to your taste.

Ingredients in Poulet Yassa

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful, vibrant dish:

For the Marinade:

• Chicken: Typically, bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken are used. The skin helps lock in flavor while it cooks.
• Onions: The heart of the dish! Thinly sliced onions create a fragrant base and add a slight sweetness as they cook down.
• Mustard: Dijon or yellow mustard gives a tangy depth to the marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a sharp acidity that balances the richness of the chicken and mustard.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic, savory punch.
• Vegetable Oil: For marinating and frying the chicken to perfection.
• Chili Peppers: Optional, but they add a little heat to balance the flavors.
• Vinegar: Adds acidity and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly peppery note that enhances the overall flavor.
• Cumin and Paprika: These spices provide warmth and depth to the marinade.

For the Sauce:

• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, tomatoes add a slight sweetness and help create a rich sauce.
• Vegetable Broth: For simmering the chicken and making the sauce nice and flavorful.
• Carrots: Optional, but they add a natural sweetness and extra nutrition to the dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the mustard, lemon juice, garlic, chili peppers (if using), vinegar, cumin, paprika, and grated ginger. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Toss in the sliced onions, mixing everything together.
3. Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become.

Cook the Chicken:

4. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces (reserve the onions and marinade) and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Cook the Onions: Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the onions from the marinade and sauté until they are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
6. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth to the onions, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Return the Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot, covering it with the sauce and onions. Let it simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Serve and Enjoy:

8. Serve: Spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of steamed rice or couscous for the ultimate experience. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 340
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 370mg
Total Carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 38g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (or more if marinating overnight)

How to Serve Poulet Yassa

• With Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce and makes the meal feel extra hearty.
• With Couscous: Couscous is another great side dish option that complements the flavors of the chicken. It absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• With Plantains: Fried or baked plantains provide a sweet and savory contrast to the tangy chicken.
• With a Green Salad: For a refreshing contrast, serve with a simple salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.

Additional Tips

• Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer it sits, the more the mustard and spices will infuse into the meat.
• Spice Level: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more chili peppers or even a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• Use a Whole Chicken: If you’re feeding a larger group, use a whole chicken, cut into parts. This way, you get a variety of cuts, each with its own texture and flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth to make a plant-based version of Poulet Yassa.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make Poulet Yassa without mustard?
A1: Mustard is a key ingredient in Poulet Yassa, but if you can’t find it or don’t like it, you can try using a bit of mayonnaise or even a mustard-free vinaigrette as a substitute. It won’t have the same sharpness, but it’ll still be flavorful.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Poulet Yassa actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply reheat and serve when ready.

Q3: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A3: While bone-in chicken is preferred for its rich flavor, you can use boneless chicken if that’s what you have. Just reduce the cooking time to ensure the chicken stays juicy.

Q4: What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
A4: You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth or even water in a pinch, though the broth adds extra richness to the sauce.

Q5: Can I make Poulet Yassa in a slow cooker?
A5: Yes, you can! Simply sear the chicken and sauté the onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes, Poulet Yassa is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Q7: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A7: If you want a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the onions or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the sauce and stir until it thickens.

Q8: What kind of rice is best with Poulet Yassa?
A8: Long-grain white rice, like basmati or jasmine, works great because it’s light and fluffy, and it soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Q9: Can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Absolutely! Add more chili peppers to the marinade or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the sauce for an extra kick.

Q10: Can I freeze Poulet Yassa?
A10: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove.

Conclusion

Poulet Yassa is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings the tastes of Senegal to your kitchen. With tender chicken, a tangy mustard and lemon marinade, and an aromatic sauce, this dish is full of vibrant flavors that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a dish to impress your guests, Poulet Yassa is the perfect choice. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and savor each bite!

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