Musakhan rolls are a delicious Palestinian dish made with shredded chicken, sumac, caramelized onions, flatbread, and olive oil. These rolls make the perfect appetizer for any occasion, whether it’s lunch or dinner. Depending on your preference, you can choose to use saj bread or tortilla bread to create a truly flavorful treat.
Experience the delectable Musakhan Rolls, an ideal appetizer for special occasions or a delightful addition to your everyday dinner.
Recipe Summary
Flavor Profile: Savory, tangy, and slightly smoky, with earthy notes from sumac and paprika. The toasted pine nuts (if used) add a nutty richness.
Cooking Techniques:
- Sautéing (for onions and chicken mixture)
- Baking (to crisp and golden-brown the rolls)
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
What are Musakhan Rolls?
Musakhan Rolls are a modern twist on the traditional Palestinian dish “Musakhan.” They consist of shredded chicken cooked with caramelized onions, seasoned with tangy sumac, earthy spices, and olive oil, then wrapped in soft bread (like saj or tortilla). The rolls are brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with more sumac, and baked until golden and crispy. These rolls are flavorful, easy to make, and perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a light main course. Optional toasted pine nuts add a crunchy, nutty touch.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, cooked and shredded, or rotisserie chicken – Provides a flavorful and tender base for the filling.
- Onion, cut into thin slices – Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.Olive oil – Used for cooking the filling and brushing the bread for baking, adds richness and moisture.
- Sumac – A tangy spice that enhances the flavor with a citrusy note.
- Salt – Brings out the flavors of the ingredients.
- Black pepper – Adds a mild heat and earthiness.
- Paprika – Contributes a smoky, slightly sweet undertone to the filling.
- Saj bread, Arabic bread, or tortilla bread – Wraps the filling, becoming crisp and golden when baked.
- Toasted pine nuts (optional) – Adds a nutty crunch and richness, whether inside or sprinkled on top.
How to Make Musakhan Rolls
- Cook the chicken, then shred it.
- Slice the onion very thinly.
- In a pan, add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Cook the onion until soft, then add the shredded chicken and mix.
- Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and sumac. Mix well, then add more olive oil and mix again. Remove from heat.
5. Cut the bread into small triangles. Fill them with the chicken mixture
6. Brush a baking tray with olive oil. Place the rolls on it one by one, ensuring they’re coated with the oil.
7. Sprinkle sumac on top, then bake at 400°F until they turn golden brown.
8. Enjoy them as is or with a garlic sauce dip!
Recipe Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken saves effort and still delivers great flavor.
- Thinly Slice the Onions: This helps them cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the filling.
- Toast the Pine Nuts Separately: If using pine nuts, toast them lightly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor before adding them.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Sumac and paprika can be adjusted for more tanginess or smokiness based on your preference.
- Prevent Soggy Rolls: Don’t overfill the bread, and ensure the filling is not too moist to keep the rolls crisp.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Serve Fresh from the Oven: These rolls are best enjoyed warm and crispy, straight out of the oven.
- Pair with Dips: Garlic sauce, tahini, or even a yogurt-based dip pairs wonderfully with the rolls.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake the rolls when ready to serve.
- Experiment with Bread Options: If you don’t have saj or Arabic bread, use tortillas or even puff pastry for a different texture.
Variations
Vegetarian Musakhan: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or a mix of spinach and chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
Chicken and Rice Musakhan: Add cooked rice to the chicken mixture for a more filling version, turning the rolls into a complete meal.
Spicy Musakhan: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick of spice.
Serving Suggestions
As an Appetizer: Serve these rolls as bite-sized appetizers at parties or gatherings. Cut them into smaller portions for easier handling.
With Dips: Pair with garlic sauce, tahini, yogurt-cucumber dip, or a spicy chili sauce to enhance the flavor.
As a Main Dish: Serve alongside a fresh salad, such as fattoush, tabbouleh, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad, for a balanced meal.
With Soup: Pair with a hearty lentil soup or a creamy tomato soup for a comforting meal.
As a Snack: These rolls are great as a midday snack or for packing in lunchboxes.
Garnished with Pine Nuts: If using pine nuts, sprinkle them over the rolls just before serving for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
On a Mezze Platter: Include them on a mezze spread with hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and olives for a Middle Eastern-inspired feast.
How to Store Musakhan
Refrigerating Leftovers: Place leftover Musakhan rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing for Later:
- Assemble the rolls but do not bake them.
- Place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking tray and heat for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
- From the Freezer: Bake frozen rolls directly in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use pita bread, tortillas, or even puff pastry as substitutes for saj or Arabic bread.
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the rolls when ready to serve.
Ensure the chicken mixture isn’t too moist and avoid overfilling the bread. Baking them at the right temperature will help achieve a crispy texture.
Must Try Recipes
- Chicken Casserole
- Spatchcock Roast Chicken
- Grilled Cajun chicken sandwich
- Lebanese Chicken and rice (Rez a Jej)
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Musakhan
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast or you can use rotisseriechicken cooked and shredded
- 2 onion cut into thin slices
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Saj bread, Arabic bread or tortilla bread
- ¼ cup cup toasted pine-nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken,then shred it.
- Slice the onion very thinly.
- In a pan, add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Cook the onion until soft, then add the shredded chicken and mix.
- Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and sumac. Mix well, then add more olive oil and mix again.Remove from heat.
- Cut the bread into small triangles. Fill them with the chicken mixture
- Brush a baking tray with olive oil. Place the rolls on it one by one, ensuring they're coated withthe oil.
- Sprinkle sumac ontop, then bake at 400℉ until they turn golden brown.
- Enjoy them as is or with a garlic sauce dip!
Notes
-
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken saves effort and still delivers great flavor.
-
- Thinly Slice the Onions: This helps them cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the filling.
-
- Toast the Pine Nuts Separately: If using pine nuts, toast them lightly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor before adding them.
-
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Sumac and paprika can be adjusted for more tanginess or smokiness based on your preference.
-
- Prevent Soggy Rolls: Don’t overfill the bread, and ensure the filling is not too moist to keep the rolls crisp.
-
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
-
- Serve Fresh from the Oven: These rolls are best enjoyed warm and crispy, straight out of the oven.
-
- Pair with Dips: Garlic sauce, tahini, or even a yogurt-based dip pairs wonderfully with the rolls.
-
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake the rolls when ready to serve.
-
- Experiment with Bread Options: If you don’t have saj or Arabic bread, use tortillas or even puff pastry for a different texture.