Chicken Masakhan

Aug 16, 2025August 16, 20250 0 11
Palestinian Chicken Masakhan
in Dinner, Palestine

Servings

4

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

1 hour

Difficulty

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

4 Chicken Thighs
2 Red Onions
1 lemon
3 tbsp Sumac
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp All Spice
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
4 flat bread
3 cloves garlic
Black pepper and Salt to taste
1/2 cup olive oil

Nutrition Details per serving

Calories
1055
Protein
44g
Fat
72g
Carbs
57g
Fiber
6g
Sugars
7g
Chicken Musakhan is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes of Palestinian cuisine, celebrated for its rustic simplicity and unforgettable flavor. At its heart, this traditional Middle Eastern recipe...

Recipe Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350º
2.Mix dry spices together using 2 tsbp of sumac. Save the other tbsp for later
3.Generously cover the chicken the the spices
4.Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the chicken
5.Heat 3-4 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet
6.Place the chicken, skin side down, in the skillet. Fry until that side is browned. About 4 minutes
7.Flip the chicken and place the skillet in the oven. Roast for 50 minutes
8.While the chicken is cooking. Chop the onions and garlic cloves.
9.Heat olive oil in a wide skillet then add the onions to the pan. Saute the onions, stirring regularly until carmelized. It should take about 15 minutes.
10.Add the garlic and 1 tbsp of sumac to the onions. Stir it all together and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
11.Once it's done cooking, remove the chicken from the oven and squeeze the second half of the onion over the chicken.
12.Spread the onion mix over a peice of flatbread and place one chicken thigh on it. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over it.
13.Serve and enjoy.

Chicken Musakhan is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes of Palestinian cuisine, celebrated for its rustic simplicity and unforgettable flavor. At its heart, this traditional Middle Eastern recipe features roasted chicken generously seasoned with tangy sumac, fragrant allspice, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The chicken is layered on top of caramelized onions and fresh, warm flatbread—often taboon bread—allowing the bread to soak up the savory juices and spices. A generous sprinkle of toasted pine nuts (which is what I prefer)or almonds adds a crunchy finishing touch.

More than just a meal, Musakhan is a symbol of Palestinian hospitality and heritage. Families often prepare it for gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions, serving it family-style so everyone can share from the same platter. The dish reflects the agricultural richness of the region, showcasing olive oil, wheat, and sumac—ingredients deeply tied to Palestinian identity.

For anyone exploring Middle Eastern cooking, Chicken Musakhan is a perfect introduction. It is comforting yet vibrant, rustic yet deeply flavorful. Whether you prepare it for a weeknight dinner or a festive feast, this traditional Palestinian chicken recipe brings the warmth of the Levant into your home. Pair it with a fresh salad or yogurt for a balanced, authentic Middle Eastern meal that will impress family and guests alike.

In this recipe, I used chicken thighs, but you can use any cut of bone-in chicken you prefer. To be more traditional, you could use chicken quarters or the full leg.

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