Chicken Yassa Recipe (Senegalese Lemon & Onion Chicken)
"Learn how to make authentic Senegalese Chicken Yassa with tangy lemon, caramelized onions, and flavorful spices. Perfect served with rice or couscous!"
Introduction
Chicken Yassa is a classic Senegalese dish known for its bold flavors and tangy, caramelized onion sauce. This recipe combines marinated chicken with lemon, mustard, and aromatic spices, creating a dish that is both savory and slightly tangy. Easy to prepare at home, Chicken Yassa is perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special weekend meal. Serve it over fluffy rice or couscous to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup mustard (Dijon preferred)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2–3 bay leaves
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix lemon juice, mustard, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces and sliced onions, coating evenly.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for 4–6 hours (overnight is best).
-
Cook the chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Remove chicken from marinade (keep onions and marinade separate).
- Brown chicken on all sides over medium heat (5–7 minutes per side).
-
Cook the onions:
- In the same pan, add onions from marinade and sauté until soft and caramelized.
- Add reserved marinade and bay leaves, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with white rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Great for family dinners or weekend feasts.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs or drumsticks stay juicier during the long marinade and cooking.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
Traditional Chicken Yassa is tangy and mildly spicy. Add chili or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, Yassa tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded.
4. Can I freeze Chicken Yassa?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove.
Similar Recipes
- Poulet DG (Cameroon Chicken Stew) – rich and flavorful African chicken dish.
- West African Peanut Chicken – creamy peanut-based stew with chicken.
- Moroccan Lemon Chicken – citrus-infused North African chicken recipe.
- Jollof Rice with Chicken – West African spiced rice and chicken.
- Braised Chicken with Onions and Garlic – simple yet flavorful chicken dish.

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