Chicken Musakhan Recipe – Traditional Palestinian Musakhan

Prep Time: 20 minutes   |   Cook Time: 50 minutes   |   Total Time: 70 minutes   |   Servings: 2-3

Musakhan is one of the most beloved traditional Palestinian dishes. This flavorful Chicken Musakhan features tender chicken cooked with onions and warm spices, served over toasted flatbread and topped with caramelized onions and sumac. It is aromatic, comforting, and packed with bold Middle Eastern flavors.

In this authentic Chicken Musakhan recipe, juicy chicken pieces are slowly cooked with onions, olive oil, and a blend of spices including sumac, cumin, and coriander. The chicken is then layered over soft bread with plenty of caramelized onions and finished in the oven for a beautiful golden finish. It is traditionally served with cold yogurt and fresh vegetables.

Perfect for family gatherings or weekend meals, this classic Palestinian dish is both satisfying and relatively easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

• 1000g chicken, cut into 4 pieces (skinless)
• 4 large white onions, sliced
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2-3 Arabic flatbreads or Egyptian baladi bread
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 4 tbsp sumac

Instructions

1. Wash the chicken pieces well with water and a little vinegar. Drain thoroughly.
2. In a large pot, heat half a cup of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and stir for a few minutes.
3. Add salt, black pepper, ground coriander, cinnamon, and enough water to cover the chicken. Add half a sliced onion. Cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is tender.
4. Meanwhile, slice the remaining onions into medium strips. In another pot, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the onions until soft but not browned.
5. Add salt and 2 tablespoons of sumac to the onions. Stir gently and cook for a few more minutes until they become tender while keeping their shape.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, reserve a small amount of the broth. Add the remaining sumac to the chicken and mix gently.
7. Arrange the bread in a large oven-safe dish. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the bread.
8. Place the chicken pieces on top of the onions and drizzle with a little of the reserved broth.
9. Bake in a preheated oven until the chicken gets a nice golden color.
10. Serve hot with cold yogurt drink and a fresh vegetable salad such as arugula and green onions.

Tips for Success

• Use chicken thighs or a whole cut chicken for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Do not rush the onion cooking — slow cooking gives them the perfect sweet and tender texture.
• Sumac is the star spice in this dish — use good quality sumac for authentic taste.
• You can toast the bread lightly before assembling for extra crispiness.
• Serve immediately while the bread is soft and the chicken is hot.

Enjoy this classic and aromatic **Chicken Musakhan** — a traditional Palestinian dish that brings warmth and rich flavors to your table!