Main Course · Dinner · African ·

Spicy Senegalese Chicken Yassa with Caramelized Onions

Chicken Yassa is a beloved Senegalese dish known for its rich flavors and enticing aroma with a perfect blend of tangy and spicy notes.

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·By Troy·
Spicy Senegalese Chicken Yassa with Caramelized Onions
Prep
1 h
Cook
3 h
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare Marinade

    In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper.

  2. 2

    Add Chicken and Onions

    Add chicken thighs and sliced onions to the bowl. Mix well to ensure they are fully coated with the marinade.

  3. 3

    Marinate

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

    Tip: Let the chicken marinate overnight to deepen the flavors.

Preparing the Caramelized Onions

  1. 1

    Heat Oil

    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Cook Onions

    Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for 20–30 minutes until golden brown.

    Tip: Ensure onions do not burn; lower the heat if needed. Stir onions frequently to promote even caramelization and deep flavor.

  3. 3

    Set Aside

    Remove from heat and set aside.

How to Make Spicy Senegalese Chicken Yassa with Caramelized Onions

Total time: 4 h · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Brown the Chicken

    Remove chicken from the marinade, shake off excess, and brown on medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side.

  2. 2

    Simmer

    Add the caramelized onions and browned chicken back to the pan, pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.

  3. 3

    Reduce Sauce

    Cook on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.

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