Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Middle East. Crock Pot Chicken Musakhan is not just a recipe; it's a flavor-packed journey that combines tender, succulent chicken with caramelized onions and aromatic spices, all nestled on warm, inviting flatbread. This slow-cooked delicacy promises to revolutionize your dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pieces of flatbread
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and sumac on both sides.
- Slice the onions thinly and spread half of them across the bottom of the crock pot, creating a bed for the chicken.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the onions to help prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onion layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Scatter the remaining sliced onions over and around the chicken thighs.
- Pour the remaining olive oil over the chicken and onions, ensuring even distribution of oil and spices.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, cooking for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and easily falls apart.
- About 30 minutes before serving, warm the flatbread in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Once chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat and mix with the caramelized onions.
- Serve the chicken and onion mixture over the warm flatbread, garnishing with additional sumac if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best for this recipe, as they remain incredibly juicy and flavorful during slow cooking.
- Spice Freshness Matters: Use freshly ground cumin and high-quality sumac for the most vibrant flavor profile. If possible, toast and grind your spices just before cooking.
- Onion Technique: Slice onions uniformly to ensure even caramelization and distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: The 6-hour low and slow cooking process is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and creating melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken.
- Flatbread Selection: While traditional musakhan uses taboon bread, you can substitute with naan, pita, or any soft flatbread that can absorb the delicious chicken and onion juices.
- Sumac Finishing Touch: A final sprinkle of sumac just before serving adds a bright, tangy finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
