Musakhan | Beautiful Palestinian Chicken Rolls

Musakhan is one of the most loved dishes in the Levant. It is famous for its rich flavor, tender chicken, sweet onions, and fragrant sumac. In fact, many families serve it on special gatherings. Moreover, its simple ingredients create an unforgettable taste. Therefore, if you love authentic Middle Eastern food, this delicious musakhan is truly worth trying.

Origins of Musakhan

Musakhan is a traditional dish that comes from Palestine, and it is widely known across the Levant region, including Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Historically, it was prepared during the olive harvest season, when fresh olive oil was abundant in Palestinian villages.

Farmers would use the new olive oil to cook onions, chicken, and fragrant sumac, then serve the mixture over large pieces of taboon bread. As a result, musakhan became a symbol of generosity and family gatherings.

Over time, the dish spread throughout the Levant. Today, although many modern versions exist—such as musakhan rolls—the heart of the recipe remains the same: olive oil, sumac, onions, and tender chicken wrapped in warm bread.

Musakhan Rolls

Musakhan rolls are a delicious Levantine dish made with tender chicken, caramelized onions, and fragrant sumac wrapped in soft flatbread and baked until golden. Topped with sesame seeds and served with creamy yogurt, these rolls offer a simple and flavorful twist on the classic Palestinian musakhan.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 46 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 18 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients

  

For The Chicken Roasting

• 1 piece whole chicken around 1.2 kgs
• 1 piece onion
• 1 piece carrot
• 1 piece celery stalk
• 2 piece bay leaves
• 5 piece cardamom pods
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp sumac
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For The Stuffing

• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 3 piece medium onions
• 1 piece whole chicken cooked, and shredded
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 2 tsp sumac
• 1 tsp lemon salt
• 3/4 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses

For The Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 piece small garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp sumac
• 1/2 tsp salt

Bread

• 4 pieces markouk loaves

Method

 

Roast Chicken

1. Start with a whole chicken. Remove the tail bone and the tips of the wings. Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut along the back of the chicken and open it wide. Flatten it gently. Sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken and rub it well on both sides.
2. Place onion wedges, roughly cut carrots, and celery pieces in a baking tray. Lay the chicken on top of the vegetables. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and massage it well.
3. Bake in a 170°C (340°F) oven until the chicken begins to turn lightly golden. Then add hot water to the tray. Cover the tray with baking paper and aluminum foil, and continue baking until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Once cooked, remove the covers and return the tray to the oven. Bake again until the skin becomes golden and crispy.
5. Finally, remove the chicken from the tray. Take out the bones and slice the meat into thin julienne strips. Set aside for the musakhan filling.

Prepare The Stuffing

1. Slice the onions into thin julienne strips. Place them in a cooking pot with olive oil and cook over medium heat. The goal is not to fry the onions, but rather to let them soften slowly and become tender.
2. Add the spice mix and stir well. Then pour in a small amount of chicken stock from the roasting tray to add flavor and keep the onions moist.
3. Once the onions are fully softened and fragrant, add the julienned roasted chicken. Sprinkle in a little more spice mix if needed, then mix everything well until the chicken and onions are evenly combined.

Make The Musakhan Rolls

1. Prepare an edible glue by mixing a small amount of flour with water until smooth.
2. Cut each markouk loaf into 8 wedges. Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken and onion stuffing on the wide side of each wedge. Fold the edges slightly inward, then roll the bread tightly toward the tip. Brush a little of the flour glue on the tip of the bread to seal the roll.
3. Repeat the process until all the stuffing is used.
4. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with pomegranate molasses, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5. Bake in the oven until the rolls become golden and crispy.

Prepare The Yogurt Dip

1. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, tahini, smashed garlic, sumac, salt, and fresh mint. Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth and evenly blended.
2. Transfer the dip to a small serving bowl and serve on the side with the warm musakhan rolls.

Video

Why Sumac Is Essential?

Sumac is one of the most important ingredients. It gives the dish its bright, tangy flavor that balances the rich olive oil and tender chicken. Moreover, sumac adds a beautiful deep color to the onions. As a result, the dish tastes fresh and aromatic. Therefore, a generous amount of sumac is what truly gives our dish its authentic Levantine character.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover rolls, let them cool completely first. Then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes so they become warm and crispy again. However, avoid microwaving, as the bread may become soft.

A Perfect Levantine Pairing

Musakhan rolls are even more delicious when served with freekeh tabbouleh and creamy hummus. The rich chicken, sweet onions, and tangy sumac pair beautifully with the fresh herbs and smoky flavor of freekeh. Meanwhile, the smooth hummus adds a creamy and comforting touch. As a result, this combination creates a balanced and truly satisfying Levantine meal.

A Word from Chef François

Musakhan is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. Tender chicken, sweet onions, fragrant sumac, and good olive oil come together in perfect harmony. Moreover, this rolled version makes the dish easier to serve and enjoy. Therefore, whether for a family meal or a gathering with friends, musakhan always brings warmth and generosity to the table.