Poulet Yassa à la Malienne (Bamako Caramelized Onion, Lime & Mustard Chicken) – Authentic Mali Recipe

Ingredients for Poulet Yassa à la Malienne (Bamako Caramelized Onion, Lime & Mustard Chicken) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) marinated chicken thighs, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups heaps of golden caramelized onions, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup green olives and steamed rice
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh lime juice
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Mali seasoning (Dijon mustard, garlic, bay leaf, cracked black pepper)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown marinated chicken thighs for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, fresh lime juice, and Dijon mustard, garlic, bay leaf, cracked black pepper, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add heaps of golden caramelized onions and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in green olives and steamed rice right before serving warm.