Dinner

Quick Musakhan Recipe: Palestinian Chicken Bliss Recipe

Name: Quick Musakhan Recipe: Palestinian Chicken Bliss Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Palestinian
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces; 1/4 cup olive oil (divided); 2 tbsp sumac; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground allspice; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 4 large potatoes, sliced into wedges; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 large pieces of taboon or pita bread; 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

ByRita Bennet November 9, 2025November 9, 2025

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Introduction

Musakhan is a beloved Palestinian dish featuring succulent spiced chicken layered atop soft, olive oil-soaked bread with tender onions and potatoes. This quick version captures the rich, aromatic flavors in an easy-to-make meal perfect for sharing with family and friends.

A rectangular flatbread base with a light golden-brown crust and slightly puffed edges holds a generous topping of browned, spiced chicken chunks that have a crispy texture from grilling or roasting. Interspersed among the chicken pieces are roasted potato wedges, golden-yellow with charred spots, and sliced onions that are tender and caramelized to a light brown with some darker edges. The toppings are sprinkled with spices and herbs which add a reddish-brown color and a touch of green, with a light drizzle of oil shining on the ingredients. The flatbread is resting on a white marbled surface, with a soft focused indoor background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
4 large potatoes, sliced into wedges

2 large onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp sumac
1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt
2 large pieces of taboon or pita bread
1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sumac, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt until well coated.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the potato wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt to season evenly.

Step 4: Lay the taboon or pita bread flat on a large baking sheet to create the base for the dish.
Step 5: Spread the sliced onions evenly over the bread, creating a flavorful layer.
Step 6: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the onions.

Step 7: Place the potato wedges around the chicken on the baking sheet.
Step 8: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the entire dish for extra richness.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

Step 10: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with pine nuts if using before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh sumac for the best tangy flavor, or substitute with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or mushrooms and follow the same spice mix.

Serve with a side of plain yogurt or a simple cucumber salad to balance the spices.

Storage

Store leftover musakhan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep the bread from getting soggy. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.