Rich Gambian Yassa Chicken with Lime and Onion Marination
A traditional Gambian dish known for its unique marination and tantalizing flavors, Yassa Chicken is slow-cooked to perfection.

Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Marinating the Chicken
- 1
Combine marinade ingredients
In a large bowl, combine sliced onions, lime juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, crushed black pepper, and salt.
- 2
Marinate the chicken
Add chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Tip: Allow to marinate overnight for deeper flavors.
- 3
Reserve marinade
Remove the chicken and reserve the marinade (including onions) for cooking.
Preparing the Rice
- 1
Rinse the rice
Rinse 2 cups of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- 2
Cook the rice
In a pot, combine rice and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- 3
Let it rest
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
How to Make Rich Gambian Yassa Chicken with Lime and Onion Marination
Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Brown the Chicken
Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, wiping off excess onions, and brown on all sides.
- 2
Sauté the Onions
Add reserved onions and marinade to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- 3
Simmer the Chicken
Return browned chicken to the pan. Add chicken stock and bay leaves, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes.
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