RecipesIsraelMusakhan Chicken

Musakhan Chicken

A Palestinian dish popular in Israel, featuring roasted chicken seasoned with sumac and onions, served over taboon bread.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Musakhan Chicken - Israel traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Whole chicken(cut into 4-8 pieces)
  • 4 Large onions(thinly sliced)
  • 4 tbsp Sumac
  • 0.5 cup Olive oil(extra virgin)
  • 1 tsp Allspice
  • 0.5 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1.5 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 2 large rounds Taboon bread(or other flatbread)
  • 0.25 cup Pine nuts(toasted, for garnish)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

    💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
  2. 2

    In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with half the olive oil, sumac, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

    💡 Tip: Coat chicken evenly for maximum flavor.
  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, toss sliced onions with the remaining olive oil and 2 tablespoons of sumac. Season with salt and pepper.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  4. 4

    Arrange chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Spread the seasoned onions around the chicken.

    💡 Tip: Leave some space between pieces for better roasting.
  5. 5

    Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown, and onions are tender and caramelized. Baste chicken with pan juices halfway through.

    ⏱️ 60 minutes
    💡 Tip: Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. 6

    While chicken is roasting, lightly toast the taboon bread rounds in the oven for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, or until slightly crisp.

    ⏱️ 10 minutes
  7. 7

    To serve, place a piece of toasted bread on each plate. Spoon some of the caramelized onions over the bread, then top with a piece of chicken. Drizzle with pan juices.

    💡 Tip: Ensure the bread is well-soaked with the flavorful juices.
  8. 8

    Garnish with toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh parsley.

    💡 Tip: Adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Don't skimp on the sumac; it's the star spice.
  • Using good quality olive oil makes a difference.
  • If taboon bread is unavailable, use pita or other sturdy flatbread.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Serve with a side of plain yogurt or tahini sauce.

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