Easy Musakhan Palestinian Sheet-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

Discover the rich flavors and simple preparation of Musakhan (Palestinian Sheet-Pan Chicken and Potatoes), a deliciously fragrant dish that brings together tender chicken, sumac-spiced onions, and perfectly roasted potatoes all in one pan. This recipe captures the heart of Palestinian cuisine with straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, making it an ideal meal to enjoy any day of the week while savoring authentic taste and culture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Save time and dishes by baking everything together on a single sheet pan.
• Vibrant Middle Eastern Flavors: Sumac, olive oil, and warm spices create a unique taste that’s both tangy and deeply savory.
• Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: Chicken and potatoes provide a satisfying, balanced meal without heaviness.
• Great for Meal Prep: Easy to make ahead and perfect for leftovers that taste just as good reheated.
• Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Its aromatic simplicity appeals to both adventurous eaters and picky palettes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients that work together to deliver authentic taste and visual delight. Each component adds a fantastic punch of texture, aroma, or color to the dish.

• Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on for juicy, crispy meat and extra flavor.
• Potatoes: Baby or fingerling potatoes roast perfectly, becoming tender and golden.
• Sumac: This tangy Middle Eastern spice brightens the dish with a lemony flavor.
• Onions: Thinly sliced and generously seasoned, they caramelize around the chicken for sweetness and depth.
• Olive oil: High-quality extra virgin enhances taste while ensuring a crispy texture.
• Allspice and cinnamon: Warm spices that add a subtle earthiness and warmth.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning everything perfectly.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish that complements the sumac’s zing.

Variations for Musakhan (Palestinian Sheet-Pan Chicken and Potatoes)

Feel free to personalize this dish to match your pantry staples, preferred proteins, or dietary needs. Musakhan is versatile and forgiving, making it easy to customize while maintaining its authentic roots.

• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or eggplant slices for a plant-forward option.
• Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of harissa for subtle heat.
• Other proteins: Try bone-in chicken breasts or even lamb shoulder pieces for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-free adjustment: Serve without traditional flatbread or use gluten-free pita as a base.
• Herb variations: Experiment with fresh mint or cilantro alongside parsley to brighten the dish.

How to Make Musakhan (Palestinian Sheet-Pan Chicken and Potatoes)

Step 1: Prepare the sumac onion mixture

Thinly slice onions and toss them with sumac, olive oil, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and soften slightly.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and a little sumac. The sumac on the chicken complements the tangy onions perfectly.

Step 3: Assemble on the sheet pan

Spread the seasoned potatoes on the sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, then layer the sumac onions over and around them. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the onion and potato mixture, ensuring skin exposure for crispiness.

Step 4: Roast the dish

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is golden and crispy, and the potatoes are tender. Stir the onions and potatoes halfway through for even roasting.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the entire dish to add a vibrant splash of color and freshness right before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Musakhan (Palestinian Sheet-Pan Chicken and Potatoes)

• Use bone-in chicken: It stays juicier and more flavorful during roasting compared to boneless.
• Don’t skip sumac: This is the signature flavor that defines authentic musakhan, so layer it generously.
• Allow the onions to marinate briefly: This softens them and develops richness before baking.
• Choose the right potatoes: Waxy potatoes hold their shape better during roasting than starchy ones.
• Rotate the pan halfway through: For even cooking and perfectly caramelized edges.

How to Serve Musakhan (Palestinian Sheet-Pan Chicken and Potatoes)

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro are classic garnishes that brighten the dish. For an added nutty touch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts right before serving.

Side Dishes

Musakhan pairs beautifully with simple sides like a fresh cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil or a bowl of creamy yogurt dotted with mint to balance the spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve musakhan on warm flatbread such as taboon or pita, allowing everyone to make their own wraps. Alternatively, plate it family-style on a large wooden board for a communal, celebratory feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten musakhan in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for excellent leftovers.

Freezing

To freeze, cool completely and place the chicken, potatoes, and onions in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. This helps to refresh the crispiness of the chicken skin better than the microwave.

FAQs

What is Musakhan?

Musakhan is a traditional Palestinian dish featuring sumac-scented roasted chicken served over onions and flatbread, often with potatoes added for heartiness.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but bone-in chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor. Boneless will cook faster and might be less moist.

Is sumac easy to find?

Sumac is widely available in Middle Eastern markets and many grocery stores with international aisles. It can also be ordered online.

Can I make Musakhan ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish keeps well and flavors improve after resting, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

What can I serve instead of potatoes?

You can use roasted eggplants, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes as tasty alternatives that soak up the spices well.

Final Thoughts

Musakhan (Palestinian Sheet-Pan Chicken and Potatoes) is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—full of comforting textures and bold, zesty flavors. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to invite friends and family around for a heartfelt, authentic meal. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly see why musakhan holds a cherished place at the table in Palestinian homes!

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