Al Mahloos Palestinian Chicken

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Palestine with this remarkable Al Mahloos Chicken recipe. This ancient and cherished dish offers a symphony of rich flavors, combining the golden essence of olive oil with the vibrant tang of sumac, all brought together on exquisitely tender chicken adorned with a perfectly crispy skin. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of heritage, a comforting staple passed down through generations, and a testament to the simplicity and depth of Palestinian home cooking.

Al Mahloos, often referred to as “Palestinian Chicken,” stands out for its straightforward preparation and profoundly satisfying outcome. Unlike some elaborate dishes, its beauty lies in using fundamental ingredients to create a deeply aromatic and flavorful experience. The secret unfolds through a generous marinade of onions and a blend of warming spices, allowing the chicken to soak up every nuance of the exquisite flavors before being slow-roasted to perfection. The result is a succulent, fall-off-the-bone chicken that’s bursting with the authentic tastes of the Middle East, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any meal, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Authentic Al Mahloos Chicken Recipe

Discover the compelling reasons why this Palestinian Al Mahloos Chicken will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Experience a deeply rich and savory chicken, infused with the distinctive tang of sumac and the robust fruitiness of extra virgin olive oil. Every bite is a journey through authentic Middle Eastern spices, creating a comforting and exotic taste sensation that will tantalize your palate.
Effortlessly Simple Preparation: Despite its gourmet taste, this Al Mahloos chicken recipe is incredibly easy to follow. With minimal hands-on time, it’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a stress-free yet impressive meal. The steps are intuitive and yield fantastic results every time.
Excellent Make-Ahead Option: The chicken benefits immensely from extended marination, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping or preparing in advance for busy weeknights or special occasions. Marinate for a few hours or up to two days for maximum flavor infusion, simplifying your cooking process later on.
Perfectly Scalable: Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a large gathering, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled without compromising on flavor or quality. It’s a versatile choice for any crowd, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this delightful dish.
Low Carb and Wholesome: Enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that’s naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a fantastic option for those seeking healthier dinner solutions without sacrificing an ounce of taste. It’s packed with protein and good fats from the olive oil.
Versatile Pairing: This chicken pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, from simple fresh salads and vibrant pasta to traditional Middle Eastern rice pilafs, offering endless possibilities for a complete and delicious meal that suits any preference.

This Al Mahloos chicken recipe is also fantastic for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday feasts. Its comforting aroma and tantalizing taste are sure to impress your guests, making it a memorable dish that people will ask for again and again. Serve it with your favorite fresh salad, a vibrant pasta dish, or any other beloved side to complete a truly magnificent dining experience, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Palestine.

Essential Ingredients for Palestinian Al Mahloos Chicken

Crafting the perfect Al Mahloos Chicken begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors that define this traditional Palestinian dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters, ensuring an authentic and delicious outcome:

The Star of the Dish: Chicken

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces: For the most authentic and flavorful experience, opting for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces is highly recommended. The bones contribute significant depth of flavor during the slow roasting process, while the skin crisps up beautifully, providing a delightful textural contrast that enhances every bite. You can use a whole chicken cut into drumsticks, thighs, and breasts, or simply choose your favorite bone-in cuts. Dark meat, such as thighs and drumsticks, tends to stay moister and more flavorful under slow heat, making them excellent choices for this recipe.

The Flavor Foundation: Olive Oil and Onions

1 ¼ cups extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil is far more than just a cooking medium in this dish; it is a cornerstone of Palestinian cuisine and a key flavor enhancer in Al Mahloos. Use a high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil for its rich, robust, and fruity notes, which will generously coat the chicken and infuse the entire dish with its golden essence. This generous amount ensures not only an incredibly moist chicken but also creates a delectable, aromatic sauce that is perfect for dipping.
4 large yellow onions: Onions are absolutely crucial for the unique flavor profile of this recipe. When finely processed and slow-roasted with the chicken, they undergo a magical transformation, becoming incredibly sweet, tender, and beautifully caramelized. They absorb all the vibrant spices and fragrant olive oil, releasing their natural sugars to create an irresistible savory sweetness that forms the rich base of the Al Mahloos. Their soft texture melts into the sauce, adding body and profound depth.

The Aromatic Spice Blend

½ Tablespoon salt (or to taste): Salt is essential for properly seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other wonderful flavors in the dish. Always adjust the amount to your personal preference for perfect balance.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a classic pungent warmth and a subtle kick that complements the other aromatic spices beautifully, contributing to the overall complexity.
2 Tablespoons sumac: This is the undeniable signature spice of Al Mahloos, providing a distinctive tangy, lemony, and slightly astringent flavor that is truly irreplaceable in Palestinian cooking. It also imparts a beautiful, inviting reddish hue to the chicken and its sauce. Ensure you’re using fresh, good-quality sumac for the most vibrant and authentic results.
2 teaspoons ground cardamom: Cardamom introduces a wonderfully fragrant, subtly sweet, and elegantly floral note to the dish. This spice adds an exotic layer of complexity and an intoxicating aroma that is highly characteristic of traditional Middle Eastern cooking, making the Al Mahloos truly special.
½ Tablespoon 7-spice mix: This common and beloved Middle Eastern spice blend typically includes a harmonious combination of allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and sometimes ginger. It provides a warm, aromatic, and deeply complex background flavor that expertly ties all the other individual spices together, creating a rich and cohesive taste experience. If you don’t have a pre-made mix, you can easily create your own blend with these individual spices for a truly fresh aroma.

Gathering these high-quality ingredients ensures you’re perfectly set to create an authentic and deeply satisfying Palestinian Al Mahloos Chicken that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of the Levant.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Al Mahloos Chicken

Creating this flavorful Al Mahloos chicken is a straightforward process, primarily involving marination and baking. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly tender, aromatic chicken with crispy skin, making for an unforgettable meal:

Step 1: Prepare the Onions. Begin by finely processing the four large yellow onions in a small food processor. You want them to be very finely chopped, almost minced, but avoid turning them into a complete puree or liquid paste. This ideal texture allows them to meld seamlessly with the olive oil and spices, creating a rich, savory base without being chunky. If you don’t have a food processor, finely mince them by hand with a sharp knife.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Marinade. In a large, deep mixing bowl, combine the finely processed onions, the generous 1 ¼ cups of extra virgin olive oil, and all the aromatic spices: ½ Tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 Tablespoons sumac, 2 teaspoons ground cardamom, and ½ Tablespoon of the 7-spice mix. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the onions are completely coated and the spices are well distributed throughout the oil. The aroma at this stage alone is incredibly inviting!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken. Add the cut chicken pieces (8 pieces from a whole chicken) to the bowl with the onion and spice mixture. Using your hands, thoroughly rub and massage the chicken pieces, ensuring every inch of the chicken, including underneath the skin where possible, is generously coated with the rich marinade. This hands-on step ensures maximum flavor penetration.
Step 4: Refrigerate for Flavor Infusion. Once the chicken is thoroughly coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen into the meat. For an even more intense and tender result, consider marinating for up to 24 hours. This crucial step is key for the chicken to absorb all the wonderful aromas and become incredibly succulent during cooking.
Step 5: Preheat Your Oven. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is at the correct temperature before the chicken goes in is vital for even cooking and achieving the desired texture.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking. Transfer the marinated chicken pieces and all the accompanying onion-oil mixture into a large baking dish. Arrange the chicken in a single layer if possible, ensuring there’s plenty of the onion mixture surrounding each piece. This mixture will form a delicious sauce. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil; this seals in moisture and allows the chicken to steam gently, becoming incredibly tender and juicy.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces. The chicken is done when it’s fork-tender and the internal temperature, measured with a meat thermometer at its thickest part (without touching bone), reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Crisp the Skin (Optional but Recommended). For that desirable, golden-brown, and delightfully crispy skin, carefully remove the aluminum foil after the initial baking period. Increase the oven temperature to a broiler setting (or a high heat setting, around 400-425°F / 200-220°C) and broil for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep a very close eye on the chicken during this stage to prevent burning, as broilers can brown quickly.

Once baked and rested briefly, your Al Mahloos Chicken is ready to be enjoyed! The fragrant juices, tender meat, and crispy skin promise a truly authentic and satisfying Palestinian dining experience that will be a highlight of your meal.

Make Ahead Tips for Al Mahloos Chicken

One of the many appealing aspects of Al Mahloos Chicken is its flexibility, especially when it comes to preparing it in advance. This makes it a perfect choice for entertaining guests without last-minute stress, or for ensuring a delicious, homemade meal is ready on a busy weeknight. Here’s how you can make the most of its make-ahead potential:

Refrigerator Marination: The chicken can be marinated in the refrigerator for up to 2 days (48 hours) before cooking. In fact, marinating for a longer period (overnight or the full 48 hours) allows the complex flavors of the sumac, cardamom, and other spices to deeply penetrate the chicken. This results in an even more tender, succulent, and intensely flavored dish, elevating its taste considerably. Simply combine all ingredients in a bowl, coat the chicken thoroughly, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, just transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish and follow the baking instructions.
Freezing Marinated Chicken: For ultimate convenience, especially if you like to stock your freezer with ready-to-cook meals, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Place the marinated chicken pieces (along with all the onion and spice mixture) in a freezer-safe, heavy-duty bag or an airtight container. Ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. It can be stored in the freezer for 4-6 months without significant loss of flavor. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the frozen marinated chicken to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw completely overnight before proceeding with the baking steps. This is a fantastic way to have a delicious, authentic meal ready to go with minimal effort on cooking day.

These make-ahead options ensure that the authentic and rich flavors of Al Mahloos Chicken are always within reach, offering both unparalleled convenience and exceptional taste for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions for Palestinian Al Mahloos Chicken

Al Mahloos Chicken is a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides, making it adaptable to any meal or occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Its rich, aromatic flavors and tender texture complement both simple and complex accompaniments. Here are some delightful suggestions to complete your authentic Palestinian feast:

Fragrant Yellow Rice: The tender, olive oil-infused chicken and its rich, savory juices are an absolute dream when served alongside fragrant yellow rice. The light, aromatic qualities of the rice provide a perfect, absorbent canvas for the bold flavors of the chicken and its accompanying sauce. The rice beautifully soaks up the delicious liquid from the baking dish, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying and complete.
Hearty Freekeh Pilaf: For a truly traditional Palestinian pairing, consider serving your Al Mahloos with freekeh pilaf. Freekeh, which is roasted green wheat, offers a unique smoky, nutty flavor and a delightful chewy texture that beautifully contrasts with the tender chicken. It’s a wholesome, ancient grain that adds both authenticity and a satisfying complexity to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: A vibrant medley of roasted vegetables makes for a healthy, colorful, and highly complementary side. Think bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, eggplant, or even potatoes, perhaps seasoned with an extra sprinkle of sumac to tie in with the main dish. These vegetables can roast perfectly alongside the chicken, soaking up the same wonderful flavors and juices.
Fresh Salads: A crisp, refreshing salad is an excellent counterpoint to the richness of the Al Mahloos chicken. Consider a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with a light lemon-tahini dressing, or a vibrant fattoush salad bursting with fresh herbs, toasted pita pieces, and a tangy sumac vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity will beautifully cut through the savory notes of the chicken.
Palestinian Taboon Bread: No Palestinian meal is truly complete without fresh bread. Dipping warm, soft Palestinian taboon bread (or any good quality flatbread like pita or lavash) into the flavorful olive oil and caramelized onion juices left at the bottom of the baking dish is an absolute must. It’s a truly authentic and incredibly delicious way to enjoy every last drop of the savory, spice-infused sauce.
Couscous or Simple Pasta: For a less traditional but equally delicious and satisfying option, you can serve the Al Mahloos chicken with fluffy couscous or your favorite simple pasta, allowing the rich chicken juices to act as a natural, flavorful sauce.

However you choose to serve it, Al Mahloos Chicken promises a deeply satisfying and memorable meal that celebrates the vibrant culinary traditions and comforting flavors of Palestine.

Storage and Reheating Al Mahloos Chicken

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the delicious flavors of your Al Mahloos Chicken for days to come, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. It’s also important to reheat it correctly to maintain its succulence and preserve its aromatic qualities.

Refrigeration: To store leftover Al Mahloos chicken, allow it to cool down to room temperature completely first. Then, transfer the chicken pieces along with any remaining olive oil and onion mixture into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Often, the flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious and enjoyable!
Freezing Cooked Chicken: If you’ve made a larger batch or want to save portions for future meals, cooked Al Mahloos chicken can be frozen successfully. After allowing it to cool completely, place the chicken and its accompanying sauce in freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure any excess air is removed from bags to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the frozen chicken thoroughly overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with reheating.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven (Recommended): This is generally the best method for reheating Al Mahloos chicken as it helps to retain moisture and can even crisp up the skin slightly again. Place the chicken pieces in an oven-safe dish, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the dish to prevent drying, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it is heated through. For a crisper skin, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating.
- Microwave (Convenient): While convenient for quick reheating, the microwave can sometimes make chicken dry out if not done carefully. Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to help retain moisture, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. This method is quicker but may result in a slightly softer skin texture compared to oven reheating.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can conveniently savor the authentic taste of Palestinian Al Mahloos Chicken long after it’s freshly cooked, ensuring deliciousness on demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does “Al Mahloos” mean?

“Al Mahloos” is an Arabic term that can generally translate to “smeared,” “rubbed,” or “coated.” This name directly refers to the traditional method of preparing the dish, where the chicken is thoroughly coated, massaged, and infused with the aromatic onion and spice mixture. This meticulous rubbing ensures every part of the chicken is deeply infused with the rich, authentic flavors, which is a hallmark of this cherished Palestinian recipe.

Can I use boneless chicken cuts for Al Mahloos?

While traditional Al Mahloos typically uses bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum flavor, moisture, and a rich texture, you can certainly adapt the recipe to use boneless cuts like chicken thighs or breasts. If using boneless chicken, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it will cook much faster (typically 25-35 minutes for breasts, 30-40 minutes for thighs). Be mindful that boneless breasts, in particular, might dry out more easily, so ensure they are very well-coated in the olive oil marinade and avoid overcooking them.

Is sumac essential for this recipe? What can I substitute?

Yes, sumac is considered a star and indispensable ingredient in Al Mahloos and truly provides its signature tangy, lemony, and slightly sour flavor. For an authentic and characteristic taste, its inclusion is highly recommended. If you absolutely cannot find sumac, a combination of fresh lemon zest and a tiny pinch of paprika might offer a *somewhat* similar bright, tart note, but it will not fully replicate sumac’s unique earthy, slightly floral, and complex flavor profile. It’s truly worth seeking out for the genuine experience!

What is 7-spice mix? Can I make my own at home?

The 7-spice mix is a fundamental and widely used aromatic blend in Middle Eastern cooking, cherished for its warm and complex flavor. It typically comprises ground allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and sometimes ginger or fenugreek. It provides a warm, fragrant, and slightly sweet undertone to dishes. Yes, you can absolutely make your own at home by blending equal parts of these individual spices. Having a homemade blend can add a wonderful freshness and intensity of flavor to your dishes.

What to do with the leftover olive oil and onion mixture in the baking dish?

Absolutely do not discard the incredibly flavorful olive oil and onion mixture left at the bottom of the baking dish after the chicken is cooked! This golden, savory sauce is a treasure. It’s packed with all the wonderful flavors of the chicken, spices, and caramelized onions. This exquisite mixture is perfect for dipping crusty bread, drizzling generously over your accompanying rice or freekeh pilaf, or even spooning over roasted vegetables. It’s a delicious and integral part of the Al Mahloos experience.

Related Middle Eastern Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed the rich and aromatic flavors of Al Mahloos Chicken, you’ll surely appreciate these other delightful and authentic Middle Eastern dishes from Amira’s Pantry, each offering a unique taste of the region’s vibrant culinary traditions:

Mujadara: This incredibly simple yet deeply satisfying lentil and rice dish is a true one-pot wonder. Flavored with beautifully caramelized onions, it’s a staple side or a comforting light main course that perfectly complements any Middle Eastern feast or stands deliciously on its own.
Lebanese Style Kafta Kabob: An incredibly easy and flavorful weeknight dinner option that packs a punch. Ground meat (typically beef or lamb) is seasoned with fresh parsley, onion, and a blend of savory spices, then shaped into succulent kabobs and either grilled or baked to perfection.
Easy Weeknight Oregano Chicken: Made with tender boneless chicken, vibrant lemon juice, and aromatic oregano, this dish offers a lighter, zestier alternative to Al Mahloos. It’s perfect for a quick and deliciously fragrant meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
The Best Crock Pot Cornish Hen Recipe: While often considered a dish for special occasions, this slow-cooked Cornish hen recipe is hearty enough for an elegant weeknight dinner. It delivers incredibly tender, flavorful poultry with minimal hands-on effort, echoing the comforting and effortless appeal of Al Mahloos.
Flavorful Chicken and Yellow Rice with Peas: An easy-to-prepare and incredibly tasty dish perfect for both casual dinner parties and everyday family gatherings. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with aromatic yellow rice and sweet green peas for a complete, colorful, and satisfying meal in one pot.

I genuinely hope you cherish this Al Mahloos Chicken recipe as much as my family and I do. If you prepare this delicious and authentic dish, please share your culinary creations with us! Snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry – I absolutely adore seeing your renditions on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! To ensure you never miss out on a new recipe or culinary inspiration, sign up for the FREE Amira’s Pantry newsletter, delivered directly to your inbox with exclusive tips, seasonal recipes, and delightful surprises. And don’t forget to connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the freshest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engaging culinary content.

If this recipe brings joy and deliciousness to your table, please consider giving it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and sharing a photo of your finished dish. It truly brightens my day to see your culinary interpretations and hear your valuable feedback. Your support helps Amira’s Pantry grow and inspire more home cooks. Thank you for being a wonderful part of our culinary community!

A close up look at a drumstick with olive oil, freshly cooked and glistening.

Palestinian Chicken: Al Mahloos

An ancient Palestinian chicken recipe that is incredibly rich with high-quality olive oil and a unique blend of warm, tangy spices. This dish is wonderfully flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for comforting family dinners or efficient meal prep, offering a delicious low-carb option for a wholesome meal.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Middle East, Palestinian

Diet: Halal, Low Carb

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8 pieces

Calories: 532 kcal

Author: Amira

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Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 ¼ cups extra virgin olive oil
4 large yellow onions, finely processed
½ Tablespoon salt or to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 Tablespoons sumac
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
½ Tablespoon 7-spice mix

Instructions

In a small food processor, finely process all the onions until minced but not a paste.
In a large bowl, combine the finely processed onions, olive oil, salt, black pepper, sumac, ground cardamom, and 7-spice mix. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and rub them very well with the onion-spice mixture, ensuring every piece is generously coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally up to 2 days, to allow the flavors to deepen significantly.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the marinated chicken and all the onion mixture into a large baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for about an hour, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
Remove the foil and broil the chicken for 5-10 minutes (or until golden brown) to achieve deliciously crispy skin. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

You can use any bone-in chicken pieces you prefer, such as drumsticks, thighs, or a combination of both.
You will find a rich, intensely flavorful olive oil and onion mixture at the bottom of your baking dish. Absolutely do not discard it! This exquisite sauce is perfect for dipping crusty bread, drizzling generously over rice, or spooning over other side dishes. It’s a key and delicious part of the Al Mahloos experience.
Please review the nutrition disclaimer policy for detailed dietary information.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

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First published June 15, 2015. Last updated February 10, 2022 with important tips, clear step-by-step instructions, and enhanced readability for a better user experience.