Description
Moroccan Chicken Msmen is a traditional Moroccan dish featuring flaky, buttery layered flatbread filled with tender, spiced chicken thighs. This recipe combines authentic North African flavors with a rewarding hands-on preparation of msmen dough, perfect for sharing at family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the warm spices, fresh herbs, and crisp textures that make this dish both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
Scale
Msmen Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fine semolina
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dough)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (for lamination and frying)
Chicken Filling
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Msmen Dough: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, semolina, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil while stirring until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten for easier shaping.
- Make the Chicken Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until soft and fragrant. Add diced chicken thighs, cumin, paprika, cinnamon stick, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick, stir in fresh cilantro and parsley, then remove from heat.
- Shape and Cook the Msmen: Divide rested dough into small balls. On a lightly oiled surface, roll each ball very thin. Brush with melted butter, then fold the dough multiple times to create layers. Flatten each folded piece gently into a round or square shape. Cook each msmen on a hot, lightly greased skillet over medium heat, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble the Moroccan Chicken Msmen: Place a generous layer of the chicken filling onto a cooked msmen. Fold or roll the msmen over the filling to form a handheld package ready to serve.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the Moroccan Chicken Msmen immediately from the skillet to experience the best flaky texture and rich flavors.
Notes
- Resting the dough is essential for producing soft, pliable dough and flaky layers.
- Semolina in the dough prevents stickiness and gives authentic crunch.
- Avoid overfilling the msmen to prevent tearing during folding and cooking.
- Maintain medium heat when cooking msmen to evenly brown and crisp without burning.
- Brush melted butter generously between dough layers to achieve flaky, golden layers.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed msmen
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg