Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to West Africa with this irresistible Yassa Chicken recipe that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a zesty, caramelized onion sauce that will make your kitchen smell like a Senegalese street market. This dish isn't just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines tangy, savory, and utterly addictive taste profiles that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, skinless
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 green chilies (optional)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sliced onions, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the onion mixture.
- Sear chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and developing a nice crust. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add reserved onion marinade and optional chopped green chilies. Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan, nestling pieces into the onion mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, spooning the caramelized onion sauce generously over the chicken.
Tips
- Marination is Key: For the most intense flavor, let your chicken marinate overnight. This allows the lemon juice and mustard to tenderize the meat and infuse it with incredible taste.
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent tough meat.
- Searing Technique: Get a beautiful golden-brown crust on your chicken by using a hot pan and avoiding overcrowding.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the green chilies to your heat preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds, or skip them entirely.
- Onion Magic: Take your time caramelizing the onions - this is where the deep, rich flavor of the dish comes from.
- Rice Pairing: Serve over steamed white rice or traditional African couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 387kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 93mg
