Musakhan: Sumac chicken and Caramelized onion Flatbread

 This traditional Palestinian dish, Musakhan Sumac Chicken and caramelized onion flatbread, is one of my favorites to cook when I have a family gathering. Everyone loves this traditional regional recipe, and it’s not hard to see why. Each bite of Musakhan is tender and flavorful! Although simple to prepare, the dish is unforgettable due to its powerful combination of rich onions, sumac, and olive oil. The result is an incredible meal that packs a lot of punch, contrast, and complexity.

As many of my readers know, I grew up in Jordan. Although Musakhan is a Palestinian dish, our region quickly fell in love with this recipe and made it our own! Because of this, Chicken Musakhan is a recipe that is very dear to my heart, as it reminds me of my mom and aunties, who took great pride in making it for our family. My recipe is a tribute to them and follows their preparation method so you can enjoy the pure essence of this traditional, authentic Palestinian meal. I even make the taboon bread from scratch and am delighted to share the recipe with you so you can learn how to make it at home. Hungry yet? Let’s dive into what makes Musakhan so delectable!

Chicken Musakhan: Key Ingredients

• Taboon Bread (or Pita/Lavash Bread): While the taboon bread has a dedicated recipe (with a link provided), you must mention that you can use pita or lavash bread as suitable alternatives. These bread types serve as the sturdy base for the dish, providing the perfect platform to showcase the flavorful chicken and onion mixture.
• Onion Mixture: The heart of Chicken Musakhan lies in the rich and aromatic onion mixture. Using good quality olive oil and red onions (although regular onions work too) is crucial. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation of the dish and sets the stage for the marination process.
• Sumac is a key player here, adding its unique tart and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
• Chicken: The star of the show! Cleaned and marinated in a combination of lemon-flavored onion oil, sumac, salt, pepper, and lemon, the chicken brings the savory essence to Chicken Musakhan. Whether you choose a whole chicken cut into quarters or any chicken parts, the marination process infuses the meat with incredible flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly based on your choice of chicken parts.
• Toasted Almonds and Pine Nuts: These garnishes add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. They contrast the tender chicken and the savory onion mixture, making each bite a delightful symphony of textures and tastes.

These ingredients create the harmonious and unforgettable flavors that define Chicken Musakhan.

Serving Chicken Musakhan

While traditional Chicken Musakhan is often served with taboon bread or other Middle Eastern bread, you have several enticing options to elevate this remarkable dish. Many relish the flavor contrast by pairing it with a mild, creamy yogurt cucumber salad. Alternatively, you can savor your Musakhan alongside a delightful Fattoush salad. The choice is yours, but each option promises a delightful culinary experience. Enjoy!

Storing and Reheating Chicken Musakhan

Chicken Musakhan can be stored and reheated for later. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Generally, chicken dishes remain fresh for up to four days. When reheating, I recommend avoiding the microwave to prevent drying out the chicken. Instead, preheat your oven to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken in a baking dish with a small amount of water to help maintain moisture. Cover the leftovers with foil and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, typically taking about 15-20 minutes.

Now, you can relish the flavors of authentic Palestinian cuisine not just once but twice, making every bite count. Enjoy your Chicken Musakhan to the fullest!