Chicken With Summac(Mousakhan)
Mousakhan is a flavorful Middle Eastern roasted chicken dish seasoned with sumac, layered with bread, onions, and spices, perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Draw, singe, cut the chicken in halves, and wash thoroughly.
- Drain the chicken well.
- Rub the chicken inside and out with salt, black pepper, and cinnamon.
- Mix the sumac, chopped onions, salt, and olive oil to form the onion mixture.
- Preheat the oven to a hot temperature.
- Pour some olive oil into a baking tray.
- Split the Arabic bread loaves into two and place them in the tray.
- Spoon some of the onion mixture into the center of each bread loaf.
- Place half of the chicken on top of each mound of onion mixture.
- Add a mound of onion and sumac on top of each chicken piece.
- Cover the chicken with the remaining split bread loaves.
- Pour the remaining olive oil and sumac over the bread.
- Bake in the hot oven for 1 hour.
- Sprinkle water over the bread; if it begins to brown, cover with aluminum foil.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the sumac and olive oil mixture overnight. If sumac is unavailable, a mix of lemon zest and a bit of salt can provide a similar tanginess. Ensure your onions are finely chopped to blend well with the bread and chicken. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt, as bread can absorb a lot of moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mousakhan hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with creamy lentil soup or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce to balance the flavors. This dish also makes for a great centerpiece at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also sprinkle a bit of water over the bread to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Summac(Mousakhan) contains roughly 1065 calories, with 21g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1437mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be shorter. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Boneless chicken may not retain the same moisture and flavor as bone-in pieces, so adjust your cooking method accordingly.
What if I can't find sumac?
If sumac is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mix of lemon zest and a little salt to mimic its tangy flavor. Another alternative could be a blend of lemon juice and a pinch of ground coriander. However, these substitutes won't fully replicate the depth of flavor that sumac provides.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of Mousakhan, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like roasted eggplant or mushrooms. You can also add chickpeas for protein. Use the same sumac and onion mixture to maintain the dish's traditional flavor profile while ensuring it's suitable for vegetarians.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).