Msmen Filled with Chicken Recipe

If you’re up for a culinary adventure that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy, you’ll absolutely adore this Msmen Filled with Chicken Recipe. Imagine flaky, layered Moroccan flatbreads stuffed with a fragrant, spiced chicken filling—that’s exactly what I’m sharing with you today. This recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels special but is surprisingly approachable. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can get that crispy, flavorful msmen right in your own kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to create authentic msmen with a juicy, spiced chicken filling. I recommend choosing fresh chicken thighs for extra tenderness and good-quality spices—they really make a difference.

• Flour: I use all-purpose flour for a balanced texture; it helps create that chewy yet soft msmen you’re aiming for.
• Water: Lukewarm water activates the baking powder perfectly and helps the dough come together smoothly.
• Honey: Just a touch adds a subtle sweetness to balance the spices and enrich the dough.
• Baking powder: This is key for a little lift in the dough, so don’t skip it.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially in the chicken filling.
• Sunflower oil: Used in both dough and cooking—neutral and light, it contributes to the layers and crispiness.
• Chicken thighs: Diced for quicker cooking and keeping the filling juicy and tender.
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweet undertones and texture.
• Olive oil: I love using this for sautéing the chicken and onions—it brings out a lovely richness.
• Ras el hanout: This Moroccan spice blend is the soul of the filling, with a warm, aromatic punch.
• Garlic powder, cayenne, turmeric, dried parsley: These all add layers of flavor and a touch of heat and earthiness.
• Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for a melty, creamy surprise inside each msmen.

Variations

I totally encourage you to personalize this recipe to fit your mood or dietary needs. I’ve experimented a lot and found these tweaks add fun twists.

• Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for spiced sautéed mushrooms or a mix of roasted vegetables—my family was pleasantly surprised how well the mushrooms soak up the spices.
• Use different cheeses: I like a mild mozzarella, but feel free to try feta or goat cheese for tanginess that contrasts the richness.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, dial back the cayenne or leave it out—otherwise, that little kick really wakes up the filling.
• Gluten-free twist: While this recipe is best with wheat flour for texture, you can experiment with gluten-free blends and a bit of xanthan gum, though results vary.

How to Make Msmen Filled with Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by mixing your flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, stir together warm water and honey until the honey dissolves completely—that little sweetness makes a subtle but lovely difference. Pour this liquid into the flour, then add sunflower oil. Begin mixing with your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Here’s my little trick: knead the dough for a full 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice it gradually becomes smooth and elastic—the texture is key to those beautiful, flaky layers later on. Once kneaded, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. This rest relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

While the dough is resting, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent—this sweet base sets the tone for the filling. Toss in the diced chicken thighs, then season with ras el hanout, salt, garlic powder, cayenne, turmeric, and dried parsley. Stir well so every piece gets coated in those fragrant spices. Cook for 12–15 minutes until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through. Let this mixture cool—it helps when you fill the msmen later and keeps the dough from getting soggy.

Step 3: Shape the Msmen

Divide the rested dough into 6 equal balls. Cover them again and let them rest for another hour—this extra time makes the dough super stretchy and easier to handle. When you’re ready, lightly oil your workspace and start rolling each ball out as thin as you can without tearing. Brush each rolled dough with sunflower oil, then fold the edges inward to form a square layered pocket—that’s the magic that creates the flaky layers when cooking. This folding part felt tricky to me at first, but don’t worry—it gets easier with practice.

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Add a spoonful of the cooled chicken filling in the center of each square, sprinkle some cheese if you like (I never skip it!), and gently fold the edges to seal the filling inside. Make sure it’s sealed well to prevent any filling leaks when cooking.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush with a little sunflower oil. Place each msmen in the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the outside is beautifully golden and crisp. You’ll want to flip carefully to keep those layers intact. Once cooked, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Trust me, that golden crust and soft interior are what dreams are made of!

How to Serve Msmen Filled with Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve these with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or coriander to brighten up the rich flavors. A little drizzle of honey or a side of harissa creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, which my family always requests!

Side Dishes

These msmen are fantastic alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Mint tea is a classic Moroccan pairing that cuts through the richness beautifully, making every bite feel refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve cut msmen into bite-sized triangles and arranged them around bowls of dipping yogurt and spiced tomato chutney. It turns into a stunning appetizer platter that gets everyone reaching for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the fridge. That way, they keep nicely for up to 2 days. When reheated, they still retain their crispy texture, as long as you reheat gently.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these freeze well. I wrap each msmen individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat msmen is in a skillet over low heat with a light brush of oil—this revives the crisp crust without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature flaky texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first made this Msmen Filled with Chicken Recipe, I was blown away by how something so simple could feel this decadent. The crunchy layers combined with the spiced chicken filling create a perfect harmony that’s both homey and a little exotic. I love making these for gatherings because they’re interactive, shareable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Now that you’ve got the rundown, I really hope you try making msmen yourself—you might find it becomes one of your favorite comfort foods too!

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