Easy Msakhan (Chicken & Sumac) Roll-ups

You know those weeks when you’re absolutely slammed and food prep feels impossible, yet you still want something delicious instead of junk? This chicken musakhan rolls recipe will be your new go to. 

This is a Middle Eastern weeknight dinner hack that use a few smart shortcuts to deliver big flavor without the stress. This chicken musakhan rollup is my go-to for busy days and even shines as a party addition because it’s so forgiving and crowd-pleasing. 

It’s inspired by the traditional Palestinian msakhan, which is all about roasted onions, sumac, and a good crust on warm flatbread. The beauty here is that you can use a rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken to speed things up. Short on time? No problem—we’ve got you covered with flavor and convenience in one neat package.

What is a Musakhan Roll? 

Musakhan rolls are a creative adaptation of the traditional Palestinian dish known as Musakhan. In its classic form, Musakhan (Arabic for “something that is heated”) pairs baked bone-in chicken, sumac-infused caramelized onions, and Arabic spices atop Taboon flatbread. Rolling this tradition into chicken musakhan rolls recipe ideas is clever and straightforward!

Instead of using flatbread as a base, the tasty components like spiced chicken and caramelized onions get rolled up in thin Arabic bread. This creates easy-to-eat finger food that captures all the beloved flavors of Musakhan rolls recipe in one convenient package.

This chicken musakhan rolls recipe brings full, bold flavor without the long waits. The rotisserie chicken keeps the prep quick while sumac provides that zesty, Middle Eastern punch. The onions go sweet and mellow as they cook, and the olive oil adds a glossy, comforting finish. 

It’s budget-friendly, adaptable (swap in mushrooms or peppers if you’re onion-averse), and naturally low-stress and low carb friendly. Perfect for weeknights, a casual dinner, or a party snack platter. And yes, you can prep parts ahead—chicken, onions, and spices—refrigerate, then roll and toast when you’re ready to eat

Why You Should Try This

Here are my six reasons you should absolutely try this Musakhan rolls recipe:

• Easy to make ahead and freeze. Perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight openings with minimal effort.
• Great as an appetizer or a light meal. These bite-sized rolls pack big flavor without weighing you down.
• Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal ingredients. You get serious taste with simple, pantry-friendly components.
• A fun alternative to plain sandwiches for lunch. Elevate lunchtime with a Middle Eastern twist.
• Picnic-friendly as these are portable and versatile—enjoy them cold or at room temperature.
• Ideal for a romantic Middle Eastern feast when prepared as a couple’s activity. wink.

Bonus: If you’re a fan of Musakhan rolls from your go-to Middle Eastern eatery, you’ll save a ton by making this at home. Believe me, I did the math.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• Rotisserie chicken (shredded) [fast protein base]
• Olive oil (1/4 cup) [extra-virgin preferred for that fruity note]
• Onions (2 large, sliced into half moons) [caramelizes beautifully with sumac]
• Sumac (2 tablespoons) [the signature tangy brightness]
• Black pepper (1 tablespoon) [warm kick]
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) [aromatic lift without chopping]
• Thin flatbread: marqook which is a large thin Arabic bread that may also be labelled as, markook, shrak or saj. You can also use  flour tortilla.Flour tortillas or low-carb tortillas 
• Salt [to taste]
• Optional extras: chopped parsley or fresh herbs for garnish

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Timing

• Prep time: About 10 minutes
• Cook time: About 15 minutes
• Total: About 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the filling. 

Shred the rotisserie chicken and have the onions sliced and spices measured. 

Step 2: Sauté the onions. 

Warm olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions with a pinch of salt and cook until soft and lightly caramelized. Stir in sumac, garlic powder, and black pepper. 

Step 3: Assemble the rollups. 

I like to slice the round flatbread into wedges, kind of like a pizza pie. You could also cut long straight strips if you prefer. If you go with strips, you don’t need to seal or wrap them.

Musakhan rolls assembling Take a piece and lay down a tablespoon of the sumac chicken at the wide end of the bread. You can adjust the amount of filling based on the size of each piece.

Step 4: Finish in the oven or on the stove. 

For the oven, bake at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to warm through and crisp lightly. For the skillet, toast 1–2 minutes per side until warm and slightly crispy. 

Step 5: Serve. 

Slice into bite-sized portions and garnish with herbs if you like. A yogurt-dill dip on the side adds a creamy contrast if you want extra flair.

Equipment needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Oven (optional) for finishing
• Baking sheet (if using oven)
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons
• Kitchen towels or parchment for easy handling

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~250 kcal per roll-up
• Fat: ~12 g
• Carbs: ~25 g
• Fiber: ~3 g
• Protein: ~15g Notes: For lower carbs, choose low-carb tortillas and moderate the oil. Numbers vary with brands and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use leaner chicken or turkey for lighter protein.
• Opt for whole-wheat or high-fiber tortillas to boost fiber.
• Reduce oil or use a spray to cut calories without losing flavor.
• Add cucumber, mint, or a yogurt-based dipping sauce for brightness without heaviness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a bright cucumber-tomato salad or a tomato-herb mix.
• Great as a party snack platter or a quick lunch option.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for color and aroma.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing tortillas, which makes rolling hard.
• Skipping the quick toasting step and losing a crisp finish.
• Not seasoning the onions enough—let them bloom in the pan with salt.

Storing Tips for Chicken Musakhan Rolls Recipe

If you’re making ahead, prep the onion-chicken filling in advance and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat gently, roll up, and toast quickly to restore warmth and texture. Leftovers store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Conclusion 

The Musakhan rolls show that you can get big, bold Middle Eastern flavor in a fraction of the time. Quick, satisfying, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand, they’re perfect for busy families or entertaining friends. Give them a try and share your tweaks—that’s where the fun comes in.

FAQ’s (Musakhan rolls) 

What exactly are Musakhan rolls?

What is musakhan made of?

• Key ingredients include shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked), onions caramelized with sumac, olive oil, and warm spices like garlic powder and black pepper. The mix sits on flatbread or tortillas and is rolled up into a handy hand-held meal.

What bread is used for Musakhan rolls?

• Flour tortillas or low-carb tortillas work great for the rolls, or you can use traditional flatbread for a more classic texture. The choice depends on dietary preferences and the final bite you want.

What does musakhan taste like?

It’s bright and tangy from sumac, with savory depth from olive oil and onions. The chicken adds richness, and the spices bring a warm aroma that’s unmistakably Middle Eastern and incredibly crave-worthy.