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Palestinian Musakhan recipe traditional sumac chicken dish

Authentic Palestinian Musakhan Recipe

This authentic Palestinian Musakhan recipe features juicy roasted chicken seasoned with sumac, served over flatbread layered with sweet caramelized onions and rich olive oil. It’s a traditional Middle Eastern dish known for its bold yet comforting flavors, made using simple ingredients and time-honored techniques.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or 4–6 bone-in thighs)
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp ground sumac
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp allspice (optional)
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
For the Onion Base
  • 5 large red onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp sumac
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving
  • 3-4 large flatbreads (taboon, Arabic bread, or large pita)
  • ¼ cup pine nuts or slivered almonds, toasted

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl – for seasoning the chicken evenly
  • 1 Baking tray or roasting pan – for roasting the chicken in the oven
  • 1 Oven – to cook the chicken until golden and juicy
  • 1 Wide heavy-bottom pan or skillet – for caramelizing the onions
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring onions without breaking them
  • 1 Sharp knife – for slicing onions and cutting chicken if needed
  • 1 Cutting board – for safe ingredient preparation
  • 1 set Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate seasoning
  • 1 set Small pan – for toasting pine nuts or almonds
  • 1 Large serving platter – for assembling and serving Musakhan

Method
 

  1. Season the Chicken

    Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.In a large bowl, mix olive oil, sumac, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, allspice, and cinnamon. Coat the chicken thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning reaches all sides.
    Seasoning chicken with sumac and olive oil for Palestinian Musakhan recipe

  2. Roast the Chicken

    Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up on a baking tray. Roast uncovered for 50–60 minutes, turning once halfway, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Reserve the pan juices for assembly.
    Sumac-seasoned chicken arranged on tray before roasting for Musakhan

  3. Caramelize the Onions

    While the chicken roasts, heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add sliced red onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft, glossy, and lightly caramelized.Season with salt, black pepper, and sumac. Remove from heat.
    Roasted sumac chicken cooking in oven for Palestinian Musakhan

  4. Toast the Nuts

    In a small dry pan, toast pine nuts or almonds over low heat until lightly golden. Set aside.
    Caramelized red onions cooking in olive oil for Musakhan recipe

  5. Assemble the Musakhan

    Place flatbread on a large serving platter. Spread a thick, even layer of the caramelized onions over the bread, allowing the olive oil to soak in.
    Flatbread topped with caramelized onions for Palestinian Musakhan

  6. Add the Chicken

    Arrange the roasted chicken pieces on top of the onion-covered bread. Spoon some of the reserved pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor and moisture.
    Assembling Palestinian Musakhan with chicken over onions and bread

  7. Garnish

    Sprinkle toasted nuts generously over the dish for texture and visual appeal.
    Garnishing Musakhan with toasted pine nuts

  8. Serve Warm

    Serve immediately while warm. Musakhan is traditionally eaten by hand and shared family-style.
    Authentic Palestinian Musakhan ready to serve

Notes

Palestinian Musakhan Recipe

Garnishing Musakhan with toasted pine nuts
Toasted nuts sprinkled on top for crunch and traditional finish.
  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor.
  • Do not rush the onions; slow cooking brings out natural sweetness.
  • Sumac is essential and should not be skipped for authentic taste.
  • Bone-in chicken produces the juiciest results.
  • For extra richness, drizzle a little olive oil just before serving.

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

  • Boneless version: Use boneless chicken thighs for easier serving.
  • Baked Musakhan rolls: Wrap filling in flatbread and bake.
  • Nut-free: Skip nuts if allergies are a concern.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat covered in the oven at 160°C / 325°F.
  • Add a light drizzle of olive oil before reheating to restore moisture.

🔢 Nutrition (Estimated per Serving)

  • Calories: ~620 kcal
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fat: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
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