If you’re looking to try something truly special, Chicken Musakhan is the dish for you. This traditional Palestinian recipe features sumac-spiced chicken, caramelized onions, and olive oil-soaked flatbread, all baked to perfection. It’s a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, Chicken Musakhan will not disappoint.
Ready to explore the rich flavors of Palestine? Let’s get started!
Chicken Musakhan
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 4 large onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 3 tbsp ground sumac
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 large pieces of taboon bread flatbread, or pita bread
- 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Substitutions
- Vegan: Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables like eggplant zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flatbread or tortillas.
- Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth and season lightly with salt.
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes until they are soft and caramelized. Add the ground sumac, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt, and stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub the chicken thighs with a little olive oil, and season them with salt, pepper, and an additional sprinkle of sumac. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Prepare the Bread: While the chicken is cooking, place the flatbread on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and spread the caramelized onion mixture evenly over the bread. Once the chicken is done, place the cooked chicken thighs on top of the onion-covered flatbread.
- Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors and become slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. Serve the Chicken Musakhan hot, cutting the flatbread into pieces so each person gets some chicken and onions with their portion.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 500
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the onion mixture.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in a mix of olive oil, sumac, allspice, and garlic for a few hours before roasting.
- Pine nuts can be substituted with slivered almonds if preferred.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Musakhan: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, and follow the same steps for cooking the onions and assembling the dish.
- Musakhan Wraps: Instead of serving the dish on large pieces of flatbread, use smaller pita breads or wraps, spreading the onion mixture on them and topping with shredded chicken before rolling them up.
- Musakhan Rice: Serve the sumac-spiced chicken and onions over a bed of fragrant rice instead of flatbread for a different take on this classic dish.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Chicken Musakhan pairs beautifully with a side of tabbouleh, hummus, or a fresh cucumber and yogurt salad. It’s also delicious with a simple side of roasted vegetables.
- Make It Ahead: The caramelized onions can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling the dish.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the crispiness of the bread.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Chicken Musakhan that’s rich, flavorful, and absolutely authentic! This dish is a true celebration of Palestinian cuisine, with its fragrant spices, tender chicken, and caramelized onions layered on crispy flatbread. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it as a special meal, Chicken Musakhan is a dish that’s sure to impress. So, the next time you’re craving something hearty and full of flavor, give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the Middle East. Sahtain (enjoy your meal)!
