Lemon-Garlic Chicken Yassa
Lemon-Garlic Chicken Yassa is a vibrant and flavorful dish rooted in Senegalese cuisine, celebrated for its mouthwatering blend of tender chicken, caramelized onions, and zesty lemon. This recipe highlights the art of marinating, as the chicken soaks in a tangy marinade that not only infuses it with rich flavors but also helps to tenderize the meat. Traditionally served with rice, couscous, or fufu, the dish is further enhanced by optional vegetables, making it a perfect centerpiece for any family gathering or celebration. Embrace the warmth of West African cooking with this delightful meal that balances spiciness and tanginess beautifully.
4
Servings
375
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken
2-3 lbs (cut into serving pieces)
onions
4-6 (thinly sliced)
hot chili pepper
1-3 (minced)
lemons
4-5 (juice only)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (optional)
peanut oil or vegetable oil
1/4 cup
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
carrots
2-3 (chopped (optional))
cabbage
1/2 head (chopped (optional))
green olives
a handful ((optional))
Instructions
1
In a large non-reactive bowl, combine the chicken, sliced onions, minced chili pepper, lemon juice, optional Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
2
After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Heat your grill, broiler, or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces until well-browned, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Once browned, set the chicken aside.
3
In a large pot, heat the peanut or vegetable oil over medium heat. Remove the onions from the marinade and add them to the pot. Sauté the onions for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, wilted, and starting to brown.
4
Pour in the remaining marinade along with the browned chicken pieces into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
5
For added flavor and to stretch the dish, you can incorporate chopped carrots, cabbage, or green olives during the simmering process.
6
For an alternative flavor profile, try replacing half of the lemon juice with cider vinegar.
7
Serve the Lemon-Garlic Chicken Yassa over a bed of rice, couscous, or fufu, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Garlic Chicken Yassa?
Lemon-Garlic Chicken Yassa is a vibrant Senegalese dish featuring tender chicken, caramelized onions, and zesty lemon.
What is the origin of this dish?
This dish is rooted in Senegalese cuisine and is a traditional meal from West Africa.
How much chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2-3 lbs of chicken, cut into serving pieces.
How many onions are required?
You will need 4-6 thinly sliced onions for this recipe.
How many chili peppers should I use?
The recipe suggests 1-3 minced hot chili peppers, depending on your spice preference.
How many lemons are needed for the marinade?
You will need the juice from 4-5 lemons.
Can I add Dijon mustard to Chicken Yassa?
Yes, adding 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard is an optional way to enhance the flavor.
How much oil is required for cooking?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of peanut oil or vegetable oil.
What optional vegetables can be added?
You can incorporate chopped carrots, cabbage, or green olives during the simmering process.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for maximum flavor.
How do I prepare the chicken after marinating?
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.
How long does browning the chicken take?
Brown the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for 8-10 minutes until they are soft, wilted, and starting to brown.
What is the total simmering time?
The dish should simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
What are common sides for this dish?
Lemon-Garlic Chicken Yassa is traditionally served over rice, couscous, or fufu.
Can I substitute lemon juice with vinegar?
Yes, you can replace half of the lemon juice with cider vinegar for an alternative flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 375 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 25g of protein.
How many carrots are recommended as an optional addition?
You can add 2-3 chopped carrots.
How much cabbage should be used if added?
You can use 1/2 head of chopped cabbage as an optional vegetable.
Can I add olives to the recipe?
Yes, a handful of green olives is a great optional addition.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it balances spiciness from the chili peppers with the tanginess of the lemon.
What types of oil are suitable for this recipe?
Peanut oil or vegetable oil are recommended.
What should I do with the remaining marinade?
The remaining marinade is poured into the pot with the onions and chicken for simmering.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
You can adjust the flavor with additional salt and pepper to taste during the simmering stage.
Is this a traditional West African dish?
Yes, it is a celebrated dish in West African cooking, specifically from Senegal.
Can I use a broiler to brown the chicken?
Yes, you can use a grill, broiler, or skillet to brown the chicken pieces.