Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite quick and easy dinner ideas: Musakhan Rolls! If you’re a fan of bold Middle Eastern flavors wrapped in a toasty, crispy bread, then you’re going to love this. The best part? It’s a breeze to make, especially if you use rotisserie chicken as your protein shortcut. These Musakhan rolls are savory, tangy, and oh so delicious, especially when dipped in garlic sauce. Get ready to add this to your dinner rotation.

Method

Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to preheat while you get your filling ready. Preheating ensures that the rolls cook evenly and become perfectly crispy without being underdone in the middle.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced onions and sauté them gently. You want the onions to become translucent, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The key here is to soften them without letting them brown, as this keeps the filling moist and flavorful. Once the onions are ready, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, sumac, and salt. Stir well, making sure the sumac coats the chicken and onions evenly. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes until the chicken is heated through and infused with the tangy sumac flavor.

Prepare the Bread

Lay one piece of markouk bread flat on a clean, dry surface. Fold one edge over about 4 inches to create a double layer. This double fold will help hold the filling securely when rolling. Spread the chicken and onion mixture evenly along the folded edge, making sure not to overfill. Top the mixture with pickles and pickled turnips, which add a nice contrast of texture and acidity.

Roll and Slice

To roll, start from the folded edge and carefully wrap the bread around the filling. Roll tightly but gently, ensuring that the filling stays enclosed without squeezing out. Once you have a long log, use a sharp knife to cut it into 4 inch pieces. These bite sized portions are perfect for baking and serving.

Bake

Place the rolled pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly brush the tops with a bit of olive oil to promote even browning. Bake the rolls for about 15 to 17 minutes, or until they turn golden and crisp. Check them in the last few minutes to make sure they don’t overcook.

Necessary Tools

Skillet
Spatula
Parchment paper
Baking sheet
Knife
Cutting board
Brush for oil

Musakhan Rolls

Recipe by Henry AveryCuisine: PalestinianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 large onion, sliced
2 tsp sumac
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 markouk bread
Pickles & pickled turnips

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the filling.
Cook the Filling: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Then add the shredded chicken, sumac, and salt. Stir everything together and cook until the chicken is warmed through and coated with the onion and sumac mixture.
Prepare the Bread: Lay one piece of markouk bread flat on a clean surface. Fold one edge over about 4 inches to create a double layer. Spread the chicken mixture along the folded edge and top with pickles and turnips.
Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the bread over the chicken, keeping it tight. Once rolled, cut the long log into 4-inch pieces.
Bake: Place the pieces on a parchment lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and bake for 15-17 minutes until golden and crisp.

Notes

Be mindful not to overcook the chicken while warming it, as it may dry out.
Make sure to fold the markouk bread securely so the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
Keep an eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overbrown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls warm with a side of garlic sauce or plain yogurt. A light salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully. You can also serve them with fries for a complete meal!

Fun Fact

Musakhan is a traditional Palestinian dish, typically served as a layered flatbread topped with sumac chicken and onions. These rolls are a modern, portable twist on the classic!

Conclusion

There you have it! These Musakhan Rolls are everything you need for a flavorful, satisfying meal. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these rolls are sure to impress. Try them out and let me know how they turn out!