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Musakhan Sumac Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade with Caramelized Onions

musakhan sumac chicken - featured image

Musakhan sumac chicken with caramelized onions is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in sumac and spices, served on flatbread with sweet, slow-cooked onions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 23 tablespoons sumac
  • 34 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 46 pieces flatbread or taboon bread
  • 1/4 cup fresh pine nuts, toasted (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons sumac, 1 teaspoon allspice, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally for about 30-40 minutes until they turn deep golden and jammy. Season with a pinch of salt.
  3. Toast pine nuts in a small dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly. Set aside.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to a baking dish, reserving any leftover marinade. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. Roast for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and skin is crispy (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Arrange flatbread on a serving platter. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over each piece. Place the roasted chicken thighs on top, then sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. Drizzle any pan juices over the dish.
  6. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Caramelize onions low and slow to develop sweetness without burning. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Rest chicken 5 minutes after roasting for juicier results. Toast pine nuts for added crunch and flavor. Use sturdy flatbread to soak up juices. For gluten-free, substitute flatbread with gluten-free naan or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: musakhan, sumac chicken, caramelized onions, Middle Eastern chicken, easy chicken recipe, flatbread chicken, sumac recipe