Gambian Yassa Poulet
Traditional dish with onions, garlic, ginger.

- prep 9 min
- cook 21 min
- total 30 min
- serves 4
- advanced
Ingredients
- 4 large onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons ginger
- 2–3 lemons
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds chicken pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- to taste parsley
Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl.
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
- Place the chicken in the skillet.
- Cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes per side.
- Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the reserved marinade to the skillet.
- Cover the skillet.
- Let the chicken simmer in the marinade for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Occasionally, turn the chicken pieces.
- Stir the onions to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve the yassa poulet hot with steamed rice or couscous.
Adapted from “Gambian Yassa Poulet”, Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0. This adaptation is shared under the same licence.