Indulge in the vibrant flavors of West Africa with this mouthwatering Côte d'Ivoire Poulet Yassa recipe. Tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, onions, and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection, creating a tantalizing fusion of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Served with fluffy rice or couscous, this dish is a celebration of Ivorian culinary heritage, guaranteed to transport your taste buds on a flavorful journey. Whether shared with loved ones or savored solo, Poulet Yassa promises to elevate your dining experience with every delicious bite.

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For cooking:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2-3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2-3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2-3 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1- In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili powder, Dijon mustard, vegetable oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

2- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

3- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.

4- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it in the skillet skin-side down. Reserve the marinade.

5- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

6- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the carrots are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.

7- Pour the reserved marinade over the onions and carrots, then add the white vinegar, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.

8- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the onion mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the flavors have melded together.

9- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

10- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Serve hot with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Côte d'Ivoire Poulet Yassa!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients in the Côte d'Ivoire Poulet Yassa recipe:

Chicken Thighs (4 thighs, bone-in and skin-on):

• Calories: 800 kcal
• Protein: 88g
• Fat: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: High in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, and selenium, which support muscle growth and repair, immune function, and overall health.

Onions (4 large onions):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 0.8g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 8g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. They also contain prebiotic fibers that support gut health.

Garlic (4 cloves):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 0.8g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits: Contains compounds like allicin, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties, and may help boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.

Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger may help alleviate nausea, aid digestion, reduce muscle pain, and lower blood sugar levels.

Chili Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Contains capsaicin, which gives it its spicy flavor and may help boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and provide pain relief.

Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1.3g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits: Low in calories and fat, mustard contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties. It adds flavor to dishes without adding excessive calories.

Vegetable Oil (6 tablespoons total, divided):

• Calories: 720 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 84g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health and provide energy for the body.

Lemon Juice (4 tablespoons):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon juice may help improve digestion, boost immunity, and support skin health.

Carrots (2-3 large carrots):

• Calories: 100-150 kcal
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fat: 0.5-1g
• Carbohydrates: 24-36g
• Fiber: 6-9g

benefits: High in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, carrots promote eye health, immune function, and healthy skin. They also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

White Vinegar (2-3 tablespoons):

• Calories: 6-9 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.3-0.4g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: May help regulate blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.

Chicken Broth (1 cup):

• Calories: 15-20 kcal
• Protein: 3-4g
• Fat: 0.5-1g
• Carbohydrates: 1-2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contains essential nutrients like protein, collagen, and minerals, which support gut health, joint health, and immunity.

Bay Leaves (2-3 leaves):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and essential oils, bay leaves may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive benefits.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits: Used in moderation, salt adds flavor and helps maintain electrolyte balance, while black pepper contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add flavor and provide various health benefits, including supporting detoxification and reducing inflammation.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific ingredients used. Additionally, the values provided are per serving based on the entire recipe being divided into approximately 4 servings.